Exotic Pet Laws and Regulations by State 2022

Are you looking to get an exotic pet? It is undoubtedly an interested idea, but you should take a minute to review the laws and regulations on exotic pets in your state. By definition, an exotic pet is defined as one which is relatively rare or unusual to keep or is generally thought of as a wild species rather than as a domesticated pet.

Prohibition and Restrictions on Exotic Animals

Every state has exotic animal laws which allow, restrict or prohibit ownership of certain types of animals due to some dangers inherent in the animal ownership. For example, South Carolina prohibits owning lions as pets, but you can still own a monkey. Conversely, Arkansas will allow you to hold bobcats, but not more than six at a time.

Permits to Own Exotic Animals

However, there are also exceptions and qualifications that can be applied to these exotic animal laws. For example, statutes often make an exception for people and organizations who possess exotic animals for exhibition, scientific or educational purposes. In addition to prohibitions and restrictions on exotic pet ownership, most states have some sort of permit, license, or registration requirement to possess certain animals. There could also be county or city rules that restrict or prohibit the ownership of exotic animals, especially since laws frequently change as concerns for public concern and animal wellbeing develop.

Laws on Exotic Pets in the 50 US States

The following section outlines exotic animal laws in each state, providing examples of which animals are permitted or prohibited and special licenses or permits if you wish to obtain one for an exotic pet.

Alabama

Alabama prohibits personal possession of numerous exotic animals, including mongooses, giant African snails, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, black bears, and mountain lions (among many others), as well as any species of bird, mammal, reptile, or amphibian listed as injurious wildlife under the US Fish and Wildlife's Lacey Act. Possession of non-native animals owned before August 15th, 2020, is allowed with a permit obtained before January 13th, 2021, under the Alabama Administrative Code 220-2-26. State statutes in regards to ownership can be found under the Alabama Code Title 9 and the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Administrative Code sections 220-2-.26, 220-2-.154.

Alaska

Alaska allows you to own a variety of exotic animals, including one-humped camels, domesticated reindeer, domesticated elk, bison, crocodiles, alligators, and any nonvenomous reptiles, among some others. It is illegal to fence or impound any wild animals. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game may give a permit for scientific and educational purposes. All live game is prohibited unless otherwise specifically permitted and listed in the state statute. Some animals like chimpanzees, wolves, and wild cats are allowed with a permit. Permits are provided for teaching and preserving historical Alaskan traditions, including deer, moose, caribou, black bear, and small game. Detailed laws can be found under Alaska Statutes Title 16 Fish and Game sections 16.05.902 and Alaska Administrative Code Title 5 Fish and Game Chapter 92 sections 29.

Arizona

If you live in Arizona, the Administrative Code outlines a long list of exotic animals you cannot own without special permits. Some animals such as wolfdogs, Savannah cats, chinchillas, pythons, kangaroos, and capybaras are allowed, among others. Certain wildlife is prohibited, including but not limited to golden moles, tenrecs, pronghorns, antelopes, bison, buffalo, gazelles, wolves, and coral snakes. There are some exceptions, such as the case for desert tortoises that are adopted on a short-term basis from April 1st to September 30th every year through a special program by the state. Obtaining licenses for game birds is required, but you may not have more than 50 game birds per owner. The Arizona Revised Statutes Title 17. Game and Fish and the Arizona Administrative Code provide further information on prohibition, obtaining permission, and other related activities.

Arkansas

Arkansas allows its residents to own over 100 different species without a permit, including bearded dragons, pythons, iguanas, and tegus, to name a few. Interestingly, each household can have up to six animals from the following list, which are taken directly from native wildlife, as long as certain confinement conditions are met: bobcats, coyotes, red and gray foxes, opossums, rabbits, raccoons, and squirrels. Although it is permitted to own this many wild animals at a time, different sexes must be kept in separate cages, and it is illegal to sell these animals without a dealer's permit. Permits are required for ownership of large carnivores and venomous reptiles. You can visit the Arkansas Administrative Code and Arkansas Code Title 20 (Public Health and Welfare sections) for more information.

California

As a resident of the state of California, you can own certain wild animals such as lesser and giant pandas and river otters. In addition, some types of birds and reptiles, including monitor lizards, nonvenomous snakes, toucans, and ostriches, are allowed. However, the California Natural Resources Agency provides a much longer list of prohibited wild animals under the Restricted Species Laws and Regulations Manual 671. Permits are required for importing, transporting, and possessing wild animals that are illegal to own. The California Fish and Game Code and Department of Fish and Wildlife (Restricted Species Law, Manual 671) outline the ownership and possession specifications.

Colorado

The state generally bans owning any species of wildlife native to Colorado and exotic animals. However, there are some exceptions where you can own up to six live native reptiles or amphibians, except for specifically banned species. For example, falcons, hawks, and eagles are allowed for falconry purposes, but general wildlife, wildebeest, raccoon, hedgehog, and monk parakeets are banned. In addition, tropical and non-native venomous snakes require a license. More information can be found in the Code of Colorado Regulations.

Connecticut

Many exotic animals may not be kept as pets during the Connecticut statute. The state considers the following animals dangerous and prohibited: lions, leopards, cheetahs, jaguars, ocelots, wolves, lynx, bobcat, coyotes, and bear species. Violations of the prohibition above may face a fine of up to $100 for each offense. Some animals you can keep as pets may include primates under 35 pounds at maturity, ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, and degus. Permits are required for wild animals; you can often only own one at a time to prevent breeding. The Connecticut General Statutes Title 26 provides extensive information on possession of exotic animals with further instructions on what animals can be kept and what permits are needed.

Delaware

Interestingly, no specific animals are banned in Delaware, but Delaware residents cannot own wildlife not native to or generally found in the state without a special permit. The state is more liberal than most regarding what animals you can own without a license. However, there are still some cases where you must obtain a permit to possess certain wild and exotic animals. For example, non-native poisonous snakes are banned, and those who break the law can face a fine of up to $500 and/or a prison sentence of up to 30 days. More information can be under the Delaware Code Title 3 under the Agriculture Section.

District of Colombia

The District of Colombia allows exotic pets such as non-venomous snakes, fish, turtles, ferrets, racing pigeons, domesticated rodents, and domesticated rabbits. Animals that are not allowed include hybrid dogs with wolves, coyotes, or jackals and hybrid cats with ocelots or margays. In addition, an annual animal hobby permit is required to keep more than six animals larger than a guinea pig and over four months old. The detailed statute can be found in the District of Columbia Code Division I.

Florida

Florida separates exotic animals into three classes with different permit requirements, with Class I permits being the most difficult to obtain, and Class III permits being the easiest. Class I include large cats, bears, primates, and Komodo dragons. Class II includes more primates, bobcats, servals, caimans, and other wild animals that pose more of a threat to human safety, while Class III consists of all other wildlife that isn't Class I or Class II mentioned as exempt from permitting. The Florida Statutes Title XXVII and Florida Administrative Code provide more information on the classifications discussed above.

Georgia

Certain exotic animals may not be pets, including almost all marsupials, insectivores, and primates, including but not limited to wallabies, kangaroos, shrews, moles, apes, sloths, and whales. Specific animals are banned unless the owner gets a wild animal license or permits, such as those exhibiting wild animals to the public and those using the animals for scientific or educational purposes. Animals that are considered inherently dangerous to humans under state law are also prohibited. These can include foxes, wolves, crocodiles, alligators, and cobras. Special permits are required for ownership of a capuchin monkey by disabled persons. More information can be found in Georgia Code Title 27.

Hawaii

Many exotic animals are illegal to own in Hawaii. The state explicitly bans the 'uncontrolled' introduction of exotic animals that present a danger to the agricultural, horticultural, and aquaculture industries, natural resources, and environment of Hawaii. Permits are required for importing legal pets listed in Hawaii Administrative Rules Section 4-71-6.5. Even with permits, these animals are subject to quarantine rules before being lawfully distributed to their owners. Pets that are allowed, however, include guinea pigs, chinchillas, domesticated mice and rats, parakeets, and doves.

Idaho

Idaho law prohibits any non-native animal deemed as 'dangerous to the environment, livestock, agriculture, or wildlife of the state as outlined in the Idaho Regulations Department of Agriculture. People can only own exotic animals with special permits. No permit is required to possess agricultural or domestic animals, domestic cervids, or conventional household pets. It is illegal to take large predatory and big game wildlife to keep as pets, in addition to endangered and threatened species. Other information can be found in the Idaho Administration Code Department of Fish and Game.

Illinois

The state permits exotic pets under special handling requirements, such as boas, pythons, anacondas, and captive-bred poison dart frogs. However, it prohibits the ownership of designated 'dangerous' animals with special exceptions for zoos, federally licensed exhibits, circuses, scientific or educational institutions, research laboratories, veterinary hospitals, or animal refuges. Some animals that are considered dangerous under state law include lion, tiger, leopard, ocelot, jaguar, cheetah, margay, hyena, wolf, and any other poisonous or life-threatening animals. Further information can be found in the Illinois Statutes and Illinois Administrative Code.

Indiana

Indiana is one of the most lenient states regarding owning exotic pets. It allows domestic and hybrid animals as pets without permits and does not explicitly forbid exotic animals. However, the state does require permits for wild animal possession. They are divided into three classes, with each Class of permit requiring more stringent conditions for the safety of people, animals, and the environment.

Iowa

Iowa allows captive-bred skunks, certain domestic dog-wolf hybrids, and cat hybrids of at least a fourth generation offspring as pets without a permit. Certain wild animals are considered dangerous and therefore are banned as pets: cobras, pythons, sea snakes, anaconda, wild boars, and great apes, among others. Wild animals obtained and registered before December 31st, 2007, and microchipped by September 1st, 2007, are permitted as pets as long as they are registered with the state and all other requirements are met. Dangerous animals such as those mentioned earlier may be possessed only if they are assistive animals. Special licenses are required for keeping falcons and raptors. More information is available in the Iowa Code Title 16 under the Criminal Law and Procedure chapter.

Kansas

Kansas allows possession of certain pets, including amphibians and reptiles, armadillos, moles, most rodents, and exotic doves. Legal exotic pets require stringent requirements, including registration fees, inspections, insurance coverage, and a written recovery plan if the animal escapes. Possessing dangerous regulated animals such as lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, cheetahs, mountain lions, and bears is illegal. Certain invasive species such as monk parakeet, Asian raccoon dog, walking catfish, silver and bighead carp, and largescale silver are also prohibited. However, permits can be obtained for cougars, wolves, black bears, grizzly bears, and falcons. Additional information can be found in the Kansas Statutes and Kansas Administrative Regulations Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism.

Kentucky

The state would prohibit the possession of inherently dangerous exotic animals such as primates, tigers, lions, bears, alligators, and honey badgers, unless they were owned before July 13th, 2005. Other banned animals include weavers, flying foxes, jackrabbits, and raccoon dogs. In addition, animals considered endangered by either the federal government or the Commonwealth of Kentucky may not be kept as pets. Other animals that are prohibited due to their potential injury to the environment can include baya weavers, non-native blackbirds, cape sparrows, flying foxes, fruit bats, queleas, and fieldfares, among some others. The Kentucky Revised Statutes provide extensive information on the prohibition and other related issues.

Louisiana

Louisiana does not list any specific pets that are allowed by law without permits. However, it does mandate that certain' potentially dangerous' quadrupeds, big exotic cats, and non-human primates pose significant hazards to public safety and health and are therefore considered detrimental to the welfare of the animals. In addition, animals that are listed as threatened or endangered may not be kept as pets. Bears, wolves, non-human primates, and large exotic cats are not allowed, but you can own a wolf/dog hubris or venomous snake with a permit. More information on this can be found in the Louisiana Administrative Code Title 76.

Maine

In Maine, some wild-caught animals may be kept as pets without permits as long as their environment complies with regulations, including some amphibians (up to 5 of each species), reptiles, and invertebrates. Other animals that can be kept without a permit or license include Savanah cats, capuchins, and wildlife purchased from a dealer or pet shop. Aside from these cases, a permit is required to own most wild birds or animals. In addition, certain species like bears, moose, wild turkey, deer, lion, cheetah, wolf, monkey, camel alligator, and monk parakeet are not allowed. The Maine Revised Statutes provide further information.

Maryland

Under Maryland law, you may possess a prohibited animal if you owned it before May 31st, 2006, and provided specific written notification to local animal control before August 1st, 2006. It also allows residents to possess a prohibited animal if it is trained to help with a severe mobility impairment. In addition, some animals, such as domestic cats, dogs, ferrets, and some non-native amphibians and reptiles, are not listed as forbidden. However, the state prohibits the ownership of foxes, bears, alligators, tigers, leopards, wolves, monkeys, certain venomous snakes, and skunks, and consequences for violating the law are more severe here subjecting convictions of up to $1,000 in fines.

Massachusetts

The Massachusetts state law mandates that wild animals, regardless of whether or not they are born in captivity, often revert to their wild nature when sexually mature and can do considerable harm to people. Therefore, it prohibits the possession of such dangerous animals. Residents of Massachusetts may not own any threatened or endangered species under the US Endangered Species Act, those listed in the Red Book (s) of the International Union of the Conservation of Nature, and any animals on the Massachusetts lists of endangered, threatened, and special concern species. Permits are required for certain animals, including grass carp, white amur, piranhas, and venomous snakes. More information on this is provided in the Massachusetts General Laws.

Michigan

Michigan defines an exotic animal as any that is not domesticated in North America; therefore, you cannot own them. Some animals allowed here include some species of frogs, toads, salamanders, turtles, snakes, and lizards. Some large carnivores such as cheetah, cougar, jaguar, lion, all leopards, panthers, and tigers are prohibited unless special permits are obtained. Additionally, registration is required to possess non-native fish, and taking and possessing non-prohibited wild reptiles and amphibians requires a fishing license. Specific statutes pertaining to this can be found in the Michigan Complied Laws Chapter 287.

Minnesota

Minnesota allows the possession of numerous domesticated animals such as rabbits, degus, house rats and mice, hamsters, sugar gliders, hedgehogs, and guinea pigs, among others. However, it has a designated list of 'regulated animals' that are now allowed, including lions, tigers, cougars, leopards, cheetahs, ocelots, bears, and non-human primates. Those who qualify for an exemption to own a regulated animal must have registered the animal by March 2nd, 2005. A person who knowingly violates this law can be charged with a misdemeanor, a fine of up to $1,000, and/or a prison sentence of up to 90 days if the animal causes bodily harm. The Minnesota Statutes Animals and Property section 346.155 and the Minnesota Statutes Game and Fish section 97A.105 provides further information on this.

Mississippi

The laws in Mississippi generally limit the import and export of animals; however, possession is usually allowed unless otherwise specified. You will need a permit for any inherently dangerous animals, including gibbons, orangutans, chimpanzees, gorillas, wolves, hyenas, and lions. Before the permit is issued, the applicant must provide proof of liability insurance- $100,000 for each wild animal, up to a maximum of $1 million. Public zoos, university research facilities, governmental agencies, transient circuses, and rehabilitation pr sanctuary facilities may be exempted from the permit if a commission approves the exemption. The Mississippi Code Title 49. Conservation and Ecology sections 49-8-1 and the Mississippi Administrative Code Title 40, Part 2, Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks - Chapter 8 provides further details on the statutes.

Missouri

In Missouri, some out-of-state animals such as bison, herp, mammals, and Asian clams may be possessed without documentation. However, you cannot possess birds not native to the continental US, except for ring-necked pheasants and gray partridges, as long as they are not on the US endangered, prohibited, or Species II list. Residents may possess a dangerous wild animal as long as they register it with the local law enforcement. This applies to animals such as but is not limited to lions, tigers, ocelots, jaguars, cheetahs, mountain lions, bobcats, bears, and non-human primates. In addition, some native wildlife pets, such as badgers, beavers, gray and red foxes, and groundhogs, can be kept if you have a Wildlife Hobby Permit. More information can be found in the Missouri Revised Statutes Title XXXVIII. Crimes and Punishment; Peace Officers and Public Defenders section 578.023, and the Missouri Rules of Department of Conservation Division 10—Conservation Commission Chapter 4—Wildlife Code: General Provisions section 10-9.

Montana

Some exotic animals may be kept as pets without a permit, including degus, jungle cats, sugar gliders, cardinals, weavers, sesias, tanagers, and parrots. However, wild-caught species of large cats and bears are forbidden as pets. Some wildlife such as skunks, foxes, bats, and raccoons are banned under the rabies control laws. Other exotic wildlife such as African clawed frogs, North American bullfrogs, rusty crayfish, and Eurasian ruffes are banned as pets. A wild animal menagerie permit is required to possess up to 10 captive-born bears or large cats. Permits are required for some controlled exotic wildlife, including barbary falcons, tarita falcons, brolga falcons, buff-banned and giant wood rails, and white-breasted. Additional information can be found in Montana Title 87. Fish and Wildlife sections 87-4-801, Montana Title 81. Livestock sections 2-701, Montana Title 50. Health and Safety and the Admin. Rules of Montana. Fish, Wildlife and Parks, section 12.6.2205

Nebraska

Guinea pigs, ferrets, and chinchillas are allowed as pets without a permit. However, some animals are banned as pets if acquired after March 1st, 1986, including wolves, skunks, felines (except domestic cats), bears, hawks, owls, eagles, and wild pigs, among a few others. In addition, a Captive Wildlife Permit is required to keep certain captive wild birds, mammals, or wildlife such as badgers, beavers, gray and red foxes, minks, flying squirrels, and muskrats. Additional information can be found in the Nebraska Revised Statutes Chapter 37. Game and Parks sections 37-477, Nebraska Revised Statutes Chapter 54. Livestock section 54-701.03, and the Nebraska Administrative Code Rules & Regulations. Title 163.

Nevada

You can own many animals in Nevada that is illegal to own in other states, including tigers, lions, monkeys, and zebras. In addition, owning alligators, crocodiles, raccoons, bats, coyotes, moose, venomous snakes, and foxes is illegal. However, suppose the Nevada Department of Wildlife issued you a permit or license to keep an animal before February 28th, 1994. In that case, you can keep that animal and its progeny under certain conditions. For further details, visit this link: Nevada Administrative Code. Wildlife and Management section 503.140, 504.295, 503.110, 503.140. 504.488.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire does not require a permit to possess non-controlled wildlife such as ornamental aquarium fish, exotic amphibians, exotic reptiles (except alligators and crocodiles), cockatiels, canaries, parrots, llamas, and camels. Some prohibited animals include armadillos, anteaters, badgers, bears, bobcats, deer, elephants, kangaroos, leopards, lions, and lynx. Permits are required for certain animals such as American toads, gray treefrogs, spring peppers, brown snakes, chukar, and painted and snapping turtles. Further details are provided in the New Hampshire Revised Statutes Title 18 Fish and Game. Chapter 207. Import, Possession, or Release of Wildlife section 207:14 and the New Hampshire Code Administrative Rules.

New Jersey

Some unusual animals like vipers, ring-necked parakeets, and Gila monsters are banned in New Jersey. Owners of these and other prohibited, potentially dangerous animals must have extensive experience maintaining the animal, submit a written statement of purpose for ownership, and meet other requirements to obtain a permit. Prohibited pets in this state include African species, elephants, tigers, rhinoceros, leopards, cheetahs, pangolins, and rays. In addition, permits are required for certain animals, including but not limited to: macaws, ferrets, red-fronted parrots, kinkajous, coatimundi, llamas, exotic sheep, exotic goats, and pythons. The New Jersey Administrative Code Title 7 and the New Jersey Statutes Annotated Title 23 provide more information on this.

New Mexico

New Mexico does not specifically list exotic animals that can be kept as pets. Although many New Mexico cities have much more stringent exotic pet laws than at the state level, some animals are forbidden as pets, including felines, crocodiles, wolves, alligators, and primates. In addition, the health department has reserved the authority to regulate the following animals as pets: subhuman primates, captive-born skunks, raccoons, foxes, and Sylvatic carnivores. More information can be found in the ​​New Mexico Statutes Chapter 77. Animals and Livestock, and the New Mexico Administrative Code.

New York

New York allows the possession of sugar gliders, wallabies, kangaroo, capybara, and porcupine without permits. However, you cannot have the following pets: wild animals, non-human primates and prosimians, all cats and hybrids except domesticated and feral cats, bears, all venomous snakes, Burmese pythons, and reticulated pythons. Animals that are under a Dangerous Wildlife License may be kept as pets. More information can be found in the New York Consolidated Laws, Environmental Conservation Law - ENV section 11-0103, 11-0511, 11-0512, 11-0917.

North Carolina

North Carolina does not list any specific animals that can definitively be kept as pets. By ordinance, counties and cities can regulate, restrict or prohibit the possession of dangerous animals based on their decrees. Unique bans in the state include the ringtail, a mammal of the raccoon family, and the marten. Permits to own these and other animals are only given to research institutes, public displays, or organized entertainment such as zoos or circuses.

North Dakota

In North Dakota, licenses are required for animals indistinguishable from wild, indigenous species or present a health risk to wild and domestic species and those considered inherently or environmentally dangerous. The state forbids skunks, raccoons, and venomous reptiles from being kept as pets. In addition, license and import permits are required for certain animals such as wild pigs, mountain lions, jaguars, leopards, lions, tigers, cheetahs, bears, wolves, and nonvenomous injurious reptiles, primates, and zebras, among others. A 'nontraditional livestock advisory council reviews the aforementioned requirements and license applications.' More information can be found at the North Dakota Administration and the North Dakota Century Code Title 36.

Ohio

Residents of Ohio cannot have more than four of each species of collectible reptiles or collectible wild, native amphibians. In addition, the state does not allow possessing dangerous wild animals such as hyenas, pure gray wolves, lions, tigers, jaguars, leopards, cheetahs, lynx, cougars, and bears, among many others. Some invasive species are also prohibited as pets, including walking catfish, silver carp, black carp, ruffes, snakeheads, white perch, and sea lampreys. Permits are required for restricted snakes that are 12 feet or longer. Non-native raccoons may be kept as pets with proper certification of veterinary inspection and proof of legal ownership. Non-domestic animals require an entry permit and a certificate of veterinary inspection within 30 days of entry into the state. More information can be found in the Ohio Revised Code Title XV. Conservation of Natural Resources section 1533.71, the Ohio Revised Code Title IX. Agriculture Animals Fences sections 935.01and the Ohio Administrative Code.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma does not allow any unlicensed wildlife. It bans certain pets, such as native bears over 50 pounds, including black bears, and native cats over 50 pounds, including cougars. Permits are available for only $48 each. Anyone convicted of breaking this law is faced with a fine of no less than $100 and the revocation of a wildlife license if that person has one. A Noncommercial Wildlife Breeders License is required to own any wildlife that is not explicitly allowed as pets, including all venomous reptiles such as cobras, coral snakes, sea snakes, vipers, rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths as well as other animals like boomslangs, Gila monsters, and beaded lizards. Further information can be found here: Oklahoma Administrative Code. Title 800. Department of Wildlife Conservation. Chapter 25. Wildlife Rules and

Oklahoma Statutes Annotated. Title 29.

Oregon

Some exotic animals are not considered to be wild and thus can be pets with no permit required, including alpacas, guanacos, llamas, mules, donkeys, bison, yaks, and camels. In addition, Oregon lists some wildlife as non-controlled, and thus these pets do not require a permit: antelopes, buffaloes, giraffes, hippopotamus, seals, sea lions, and pandas. However, the state prohibits 'exotic animal' pets unless the owner obtained a valid Oregon exotic animal permit before 2010. This applies to non-human primates, bears, non-indigenous canines, non-indigenous felines, skunks, and crocodilians. Some exceptions imply that: disabled residents are allowed to own service monkeys, and falcons and hawks are only allowed with a falconry permit. For more information, please visit these links: Oregon Revised Statutes Animals sections 609.305 and Oregon Administrative Code.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania does not explicitly list exotic pets that are legal to own without a permit. It also doe snot specifically list any exotic pets that are illegal to own. However, residents must have an Exotic Wildlife Possession permit to have an exotic pet, which includes bears, coyotes, lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, cheetahs, cougars, wolves, and hybrids. Timber rattlesnakes and Eastern copperheads may be kept as pets only if legally collected from the wild and require a Venomous Snake Permit. It is illegal to "fail to exercise due care in safeguarding the public from attack by exotic wildlife," and anyone who violates that law is subject to penalties, including fines. More information is provided in the Pennsylvania Statutes Title 34 Pa.C.S.A. Game sections 2961 to 2963 and the Pennsylvania Admin. Code Title 58, Part II, Subpart B, Chapter 79.

Rhode Island

Some animals can be kept as pets without a permit, including alpacas, common Coturnix, domestic camels, cats, cattle, chickens, dogs, mallard ducks, hamsters, and sheep, among others. Rhode Island specifically prohibits some animals from being kept as pets, such as wild carnivores and hybrids, non-human primates, mudpuppies, American bullfrogs, non-indigenous crayfish, and Asiatic clams, and rudds. Ferrets may be kept as pets if a permit is acquired within two weeks of acquiring the animal. Certain exotic species require an Exotic Animal Possess Permit, including gopher tortoises, all venomous snakes, pythons, Gila monsters, and beaded lizards. Additional information is provided here: Rhode Island Administrative Code Title 250 Dept. of Environmental Management, section 250-RICR-40-05-3 and Rhode Island General Laws Title 4. Animals and Animal Husbandry section 4-18-1, Title 20 section 20-16-3.

South Carolina

Beginning on January 1st, 2018, a new law made it illegal to own large cats, apes, or non-native bears as pets. In addition, wolves, coyotes, peccaries, bison, mountain goats, sheep, bears, turkeys, and furbearers are banned. However, ferrets may be kept as pets without a license. Additionally, prohibited animals may be grandfathered in if they were registered with Animal Control by January 1st, 2018, via the new legislation. The South Carolina Code of Laws sections 47-2-10 provides more information on the subject matter.

South Dakota

In South Dakota, some domestic mammals that can breed with free-roaming wild elk, sheep, and goats may only be kept east of the Missouri River. These include red deer, sika deer, mouflons, blue sheep, and barbary sheep. Moreover, raccoon dogs and free-roaming wildlife may not be kept as pets. Permits are necessary to own any kind of non-domestic mammal. All animals are subject to a veterinarian exam and must be free of any contagious, infectious, epidemic, or communicable disease. More information is provided in the South Dakota Legislative Rules.

Tenessee

Tennessee divides animals into five classes, with each Class having different requirements. Native species can only be possessed by zoos and temporary exhibitors, while residents can own animals such as rabbits, chinchillas, and llamas without a permit. Class II animals do not require special permits or paperwork to be kept as pets. They can include nonpoisonous reptiles, amphibians, gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, rats, squirrels, chipmunks, and rabbits. Class IV animals may not be kept as pets, including black bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and hybrids of a Class IV species. The Tennessee Code Title 70. Wildlife Resources provides more information on this classification and their respective requirements.

Texas

In most cases, animal ownership is up to counties in Texas. If an animal isn't banned or requires a permit, it can be kept as a pet. However, no person can possess more than six of any kind of animal, and no more than 25 nongame wildlife animals at any given time. Permits are not required in any county west of the Pecos River with a population under 25,000. Some pets are banned in Texas, including wolves, bats, indigenous birds, endangered species, and invasive species of fish and shellfish. In addition, owners must have a Certificate of Registration to own dangerous wild animals, including lions, tigers, ocelots, cougars, cheetahs, leopards, bears, and coyotes. Further details are provided in the Texas Health and Safety Code, Texas Local Government Code - Local Government section, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code - Parks and Wildlife.

Utah

In Utah, some domestic species of animals may be kept without permits, such as alligators, aquarium fish, alpacas, American bison, camels, and domestic cat breeds. However, certain animals that cannot be kept as pets include tigers, lions, cougars, leopards, cheetahs, ocelots, lynx, elks, and servals. In addition, a Certificate of Registration is required for certain prohibited or controlled species, including desert night lizards, Mojave zebra-tailed lizards, Utah banded geckos, California kingsnakes, and Utah blind snakes, among others. More specific statures can be found in the Utah Administrative Rule.

Vermont

Vermont keeps an Unrestricted Wild Animals List, which contains animals that can be kept as pets without permits, including sugar gliders, agoutis, gerbils, captive breed African pygmy hedgehog, and alligator lizards, and many kinds of boas and pythons. Some prohibited pets include feral swine, wild boars, wild hogs, feral pigs, feral hogs, Eurasian wild boars, and Russian wild boars. In addition, permits are required to keep wild birds and animals such as mole salamanders, hellbenders, Eastern newts, water pythons, anacondas, water pythons, and Burmese pythons. The Vermont Statutes Title 10. Conservation and Development, section 4709 and Importation & Possession Rules Unrestricted Wild Animal List provide more information on this topic.

Virginia

In Virginia, it's illegal to own non-native exotic animals considered predatory or undesirable as a pet. According to the state, non-native exotic animals include, but are not limited to: bears, wolves, coyotes, weasels, badgers, hyenas, all species of non-domesticated cats, alligators, and crocodiles. On the other hand, domesticated animals may be kept as pets without permits, including dogs, cats, horses, burros, donkeys, and cattle. While Virginia does not specifically prohibit any animals from being pets, permits may be difficult to obtain. A permit is required for certain exotic animals, including wild dogs, wolves, coyotes, jackals, foxes, bears, and hyenas. More information is available in the Virginia Administrative Code.

Washington

Washington does not specifically list any allowed exotic pets but does list pets that are prohibited. Prohibited animals, including lions, tigers, captive-bred cougars, bobcats, jaguars, cheetahs, leopards, and wolves, are considered too dangerous to keep as pets. Interestingly, Washington does not have possession permits for pets. More information is available in the

Washington Revised Code Title 16. Animals and Livestock and the Washington Administrative Code.

West Virginia

West Virginia's exotic animal law aims to protect human, domesticated animals from potential harm and prevent "mistreatment" of wild animals. Lions, gray wolves, tigers, elephants, bears, cheetahs, alligators, crocodiles, and hyenas are banned in West Virginia. However, people can apply for permits to be considered potentially dangerous. Those who break the law will face a misdemeanor charge and fee of up to 2000$ for each prohibited animal. To read more details, you can visit these links: West Virginia Code Chapter 19. Agriculture and West Virginia Code Chapter 20. Natural Resources.

Wisconsin

No permit is required to have some wild animal pets, including chipmunks, mice, moles, mollusks, opossums, porcupines, rats, shrews, wolves, and weasels. Some animals are prohibited as pets, such as cougars, bears, wild swine, mute swans, wild or native amphibians, and wild or native reptiles. Wisconsin does not have exotic pet permits. However, if you want to import one into the state, you may need a special license. The Wisconsin Statutes Police Regulations (Chapters 163 to 177) provide more information on the topic.

Wyoming

Wyoming bans pets such as big game animals, trophy games, wolves, and hybrids. Residents are not allowed to have antelopes, bighorn sheep, deer, elk, moose, and mountain goats since they are big game animals. Trophy animals include black bears, grizzly bears, and mountain lions. Permits are required for some wildlife. More information on Wyoming banned pets can be found in the Wyoming Statutes Title 23. Game and Fish.