Appendix 1: State Laws Governing Private Possession
Alabama
Type: N
Summary: No person, firm, corporation, partnership or association may possess, sell, offer for sale, import or cause to be brought or imported into the state the following fish or animals: fish from the genus Clarias; fish from the genus Serrasalmus; Black carp; any species of mongoose, any member of the family Cervidae (deer, elk, moose, caribou), species of coyote, fox, raccoon, skunk, wild rodents or wild turkey. However, there are no requirements for a person possessing exotic animals, such as lions, tigers, monkeys, etc.
Citation: ALA. ADMIN CODE r. 220-2-.26.
Alaska
Type: B
Summary: No person may possess, import, release, export, or assist in importing, releasing, or exporting, live game animals as pets. Live game animals are defined as any species of bird, reptile, and mammal, including a feral domestic animal, found or introduced in the state, except domestic birds and mammals. The Department interprets live game to include all animals, including exotics, such as wild felines, wolves, bears, monkeys, etc., not listed as domestic under ALASKA ADMIN. CODE tit. 5. §92.029. It is unlawful for a person to possess, sell or advertise for sale a wolf hybrid.
Citation: ALASKA ADMIN. CODE tit. 5. §92.029; ALASKA STAT. §16.05.940.
Arizona
Type: L
Summary: Person possessing restricted wildlife must obtain a wildlife holding permit to lawfully possess the animal. The Department issues wildlife holding permits to: (1) individuals who legally possess restricted live wildlife and are moving into the state, (2) for educational display, (3) for the advancement of science, and (4) to foster an animal unable to return to the wild. Persons already residing in Arizona are not permitted to possess restricted live wildlife as pets unless they qualify for a permit. Restricted live wildlife includes, but is not limited to the following species: all species of Carnivora (canines, felines, excluding domestic); orangutans, chimpanzees, gorillas, alligators, crocodiles, cobras, vipers, etc. However, you can possess all other non-infant primates as pets if the animal is free from any zoonotic diseases.
Citation: ARIZ. ADMIN CODE R12-4-406; R12-4-409; R12-4-417; R12-4-425; R12-4-426.
Arkansas
Type: N
Summary: It is unlawful to possess 6 or more bobcat, coyote, deer, gray fox, red fox, opossum, quail, rabbit, raccoon and squirrel. If a person wishes to possess other animals not originally from the state and not listed above then the person must show upon request verification that the animal was legally acquired in the previous state.
Citation: GFC 18.17.
California
Type: B
Summary: It is unlawful for persons to possess wild animals unless the animal was in possession prior to January, 1992. Wild animals include, but are not limited to the following orders: Primates; Marsupialia; Insectivora (shrews); Chiroptera (bats); Carnivora (non-domestic dog and cats); Proboscidea (elephants); Perissodactyla (zebras, horses, rhinos); Reptilia (crocodiles, cobras, coral snakes, pit vipers, snapping turtles, alligators); etc.
Citation: CAL. CODE REGS. tit. 14, §671 and §671.1.
Colorado
Type: B
Summary: It is unlawful for persons to possess most exotic species unless it is for commercial purposes. Persons may, however, possess up to 6 live native reptiles, and unregulated wildlife. Unregulated wildlife includes but is not limited to: sugar gliders, wallabies, wallaroos, kangaroos, etc.
Citation: 2 COLO. CODE REGS. §406-8.
Connecticut
Type: b*
Summary: It is unlawful for persons to possess potentially dangerous animals unless the animal was in possession prior to May 23, 1983. Potentially dangerous animals include: the Felidae family (lion, leopard, cheetah, jaguar, ocelot, jaguarundi cat, puma, lynx, and bobcat); the Canidae family (wolf and coyote); and the Ursidae family (black bear, grizzly bear, and brown bear), venomous reptiles, alligators, crocodiles. However, there are no state requirements for a person possessing non-human primates.
Citation: CONN. GEN. STAT. §26-40a.
Delaware
Type: L
Summary: All persons must obtain a permit before they can possess a live wild mammal or hybrid of a wild animal. It is illegal to possess, sell, or exhibit any poisonous snake not native to or generally found in Delaware.
Citation: DEL. CODE ANN. tit. 3, §7201, §7202, and §7203.
Florida
Type: b* & L
Summary: It is unlawful for a person to possess any Class I Wildlife unless the animal was in possession prior to August 1, 1980. Class I Wildlife includes, but is not limited to the following: chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans, baboons, leopards, jaguars, tigers, lions, bears, elephants, crocodiles, etc. Persons may possess Class II Wildlife if he or she obtains a permit from the Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission. Class II Wildlife includes, but is not limited to the following: howler and guereza monkeys, macaques, cougars, bobcats, cheetahs, ocelots, servals, coyotes, wolves, hyenas, alligators, etc. All other wildlife in personal possession not defined as Class I or II Wildlife must obtain a no-cost permit. In addition, FL has promulgated regulations governing possession of Class II and III animals (caging requirements, etc.).
Citation: FLA. ADMIN. CODE ANN. r. 68A-6-0021-23; 68A-6-002.
Georgia
Type: B
Summary: It is unlawful for persons to possess inherently dangerous animals as pets. Inherently dangerous animals include, but are not limited to the following orders: Marsupialia (kangaroos); Primates (chimpanzees, gorillas, macaques); Carnivora (canines, felines); Proboscidae (elephants); Crocodylia (crocodiles, alligators, cobras, all poisonous rear-fanged species). Only persons engaged in the wholesale or retail wild animal business or persons exhibiting wild animals to the public will be issued a license to possess inherently dangerous animals.
Citation: GA. CODE ANN. §27-5-4 and §27-5-5.
Hawaii
Type: B
Summary: It is unlawful for persons to introduce exotic animals for private use into Hawaii. Exotic animals include, but are not limited to: Non-Human Primates, Felidae family (lion, leopard, cheetah,); the Canidae family (wolf and coyote); and the Ursidae family (black bear, grizzly bear, and brown bear), etc.
Citation: HAW. ADMIN. RULES §4-71-5, §4-71-6, §4-71-6.1, §4-71-6.5.
Idaho
Type: N
Summary: All species of mammals, birds, or reptiles that are found in the wild and are not species of special concern may be held in captivity without a permit so long as the possessor retains proof that the animal was lawfully obtained. In addition, before bringing an animal into the state an owner must obtain an import permit and comply with specific caging requirements for the animal.
Citation: IDAHO CODE §36-701.
Illinois
Type: b*
Summary: No person may harbor, care for, act as a custodian, or maintain in his possession any dangerous animal except at a properly maintained zoological park, federally licensed exhibit, circus, scientific or educational institution, research laboratory, veterinary hospital or animal refuge. Dangerous animal means a lion, tiger, leopard, ocelot, jaguar, cheetah, margay, mountain lion, lynx, bobcat, jaguarundi, bear, hyena, wolf, coyote, or any poisonous life-threatening reptile. However, there are no state requirements for a person possessing non-human primates and other exotic species not defined as "dangerous animals."
Citation: ILL. REV. STAT., ch. 720, para. 585/0.1; 585/1, 585/2; 585/3.
Indiana
Type: L
Summary: All persons who possess a dangerous exotic animal must obtain a permit for each animal they possess. Dangerous exotic animal includes the following animals: lions, tigers, jaguars, cougars, panthers, cheetahs, wolves, coyotes, jackals, hyenas, bears, venomous reptiles, alligators, crocodiles, gorillas, bonobos, orangutans, Burmese pythons, reticulated pythons, green and yellow anacondas, etc. However, there are no state requirements for private possession of monkeys.
Citation: IND. CODE §14-22-26-1 through §14-22-26-11.
*not on file
Iowa
Type: O
Summary: There are no state laws governing private possession of exotic animals.
Kansas
Type: N & L
Summary: Exotic wildlife species can be possessed without a license, provided that the exotic wildlife was legally captured, raised, exported, possessed, sold, or purchased or any combination in its place of origin. Exotic wildlife includes those wildlife species, which are non-migratory and are not native or indigenous to Kansas, or do not presently exist in Kansas as an established wild population. However, any person possessing a mountain lion, wolf, black bear, or grizzly bear must obtain a license or a permit.
Citation: KAN. ADMIN. REGS. 115-20-3 & 115-20-4.
Kentucky
Type: N
Summary: A person may possess an exotic animal without obtaining a license. Exotic animals are terrestrial wildlife species which have never existed in the wild in Kentucky or been extirpated from the state and could not be reasonably expected to survive in the wild if introduced.
Citation: 301 KY. ADMIN. REGS. 2:082.
Louisiana
Type: N
Summary: No person may possess any of the following species or its subspecies of live wild quadrupeds, domesticated or otherwise: cougar or mountain lion; black bear; grizzly bear; polar bear; red wolf; gray wolf; and wolf-dog hybrids. However, any native animals to North America, except wolves and cougars, may be kept with a permit. And any non-native animals to North America, such as lions, tigers, non-human primates, etc, may be possessed without a permit.
Citation: LA. ADMIN. CODE tit. 76, §115.
Maine
Type: L & b*
Summary: A person may possess a wild animal after obtaining a permit. No primate shall be possessed, except for purposes of therapeutic, emotional, or handicapped aid.
Citation: ME. REV. STAT. ANN. tit. 12 § 7235-A; CODE ME. R. §7.33.
Maryland
Type: b*
Summary: A person may not import as a household pet any live: fox, skunk, raccoon, bear, alligator, crocodile, member of the cat family other than domestic cat, or any poisonous snakes in the family groups of Hydrophidae, Elapidae, Viperidae, or Crotolidae. In addition, a person may not harbor within Maryland any live raccoons, skunks, foxes, wolves, coyotes, bobcats, or any other mammalian wildlife species, or hybrids, for which there is no USDA certified vaccine against rabies, without first obtaining a permit. However, there are no state requirements for private possession of non-human primates.
Citation: MD. CODE ANN., NAT. RES. §70D and MD. REGS. CODE tit. 08.03.09, §03.
Massachusetts
Type: B
Summary: No person may possess as a pet a wild bird, mammal, fish, reptile or amphibian unless the animal was owned prior to June 30, 1995. A wild bird, mammal, fish, reptile or amphibian is defined as any undomesticated animal that is not the product of hybridization with a domestic form and not otherwise contained in the exemption list.
Citation: MASS. REGS. CODE tit. 321, §2.12 and §9.01; and MASS. GEN. LAWS ANN. ch. 131, §77A.
Michigan
Type: b* & N
Summary: No person may possess as a pet lions, leopards, jaguars, tigers, cougars, panthers, cheetahs, including their hybrids, any bear species, and any wolf-hybrid unless the animal was possessed prior to July 7, 2000. A prior entry permit must be obtained from the director for all other wild animal or exotic animal species not listed above or regulated by the fish and wildlife service of the United States Department of Interior or the Department of Natural Resources of this state. Prior to an exotic animal entering the state the Department of Natural Resources may require the possessor to have the animal examined by an accredited veterinarian to determine the health status, proper housing, husbandry and confinement standards are being met.
Citation: MICH. COMP. LAWS §287.731; §287.1001-1023; §287.1101-1123.
Minnesota
Type: N
Summary: Exotic species are classified into 4 different categories: prohibited, regulated, unlisted, and unregulated. Exotic species, such as, lion, tigers, bears, wolves, non-human primates fall into the unlisted category. A person possessing an unlisted animal does not have to obtain a permit, they merely are not allowed to release the animal into the wild.
Citation: MINN. STAT. §84D.04; §84D.05; §84D.06; §84D.07; MINN. R. 6216.0250; §6216.0260; §6216.0265; §6216.0270.
Mississippi
Type: L
Summary: It is unlawful for a person to import or possess any wild animal classified inherently dangerous by law or regulation unless that person holds a permit or is exempted from holding a permit. Inherently dangerous animals include, but are not limited to the following animals: orangutans, chimpanzees, gorillas, macaques, mandrills, baboons, wolves, bears, hyenas, lions, tigers, jaguars, leopards, cheetahs, cougars, elephants, etc. However, there are no state requirements for private possession of small non-domesticated felines such as ocelots, servals, etc.
Citation: MISS. CODE ANN. §49-8-5 and §49-8-7.
Missouri
Type: N
Summary: A person may not keep a lion, tiger, leopard, ocelot, jaguar, cheetah, margay, mountain lion, Canada lynx, bobcat, jaguarundi, hyena, wolf, coyote, or any deadly dangerous, or poisonous reptile unless such person has registered the animal with the local law enforcement agency in the county in which the animal is kept.
Citation: MO. REV. STAT. §578.023.
Montana
Type: L & N
Summary: A person may not operate a wild animal menagerie without obtaining a permit. A "wild animal menagerie" means any place where one or more bears or large cats, including cougars, lions, tigers, jaguars, leopards, pumas, cheetahs, ocelots, and hybrids of those large cats are kept in captivity for use other than public exhibition. All other exotic animals entering the state, such as reptiles, monkeys, etc., must be accompanied by a one-time entry permit and an official health certificate.
Citation: MONT. CODE ANN. 87-4-801; 87-4-803; 87-4-804; MONT. ADMIN. R. §32.3.202.
Nebraska
Type: b*
Summary: It is unlawful for persons to possess any wolf, skunk, or any member of the Felidae (cats, except domesticated) and Ursidae (bears) families unless the animal was in possession prior to March 1, 1986. However, there are no state requirements for non-human primates and reptiles.
Citation: NEB. REV. STAT. §37-477.
Nevada
Type: N
Summary: Specific animals, set forth in NEV. ADMIN. CODE ch. 503, §110 are prohibited from private ownership except if the animal was in possession prior to February 28, 1994. Examples of animals listed under §110 are the following: alligators, crocodiles, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, etc. However, other exotic animals may be possessed without a permit or license. Examples of these exotic animals are monkeys and other Primates, Marsupials, elephants, felines, wolves, bears etc.
Citation: NEV. ADMIN. CODE ch. 503, §110; ch. 503, §140; ch. 504, §488.
New Hampshire
Type: B
Summary: It is unlawful for persons to possess exotic animals, such as felines, bears, wolves, poisonous reptiles, and non-human primates, unless they are exhibitors. However, there are certain noncontrolled animals that may be privately possessed within the state without a license. Noncontrolled animals include, but are not limited to: sugar gliders, non-venomous reptiles, ferrets, etc.
Citation: N.H. REV. STAT. ANN. §207:14 and N.H. CODE ADMIN. R Fis §802.01, §804.01, §804.02, §804.03, §804.04. §804.05, Table 800.02.
New Jersey
Type: B
Summary: It is unlawful for persons to possess a potentially dangerous species as a "pet." Potentially dangerous species include the following orders: Primates; Carnivora (nondomestic dogs and cats, bears); Saura (venomous gila monsters); Serpentes (venomous coral snakes, cobras, vipers, pit vipers); Crocodilia (alligators, crocodiles, gavials); Psittaciformes (ring-necked and monk parakeets); and Rodentia (prairie dogs, ground squirrels). Zoos and other exhibitors may possess these animals upon showing that specific criteria have been met, such as extensive experience in handling and caring for the animal.
Citation: N.J. ADMIN. CODE tit. 7, §25-4.8 and §25-4.9.
New Mexico
Type: B
Summary: It is unlawful for a person to possess non-domesticated felines, primates, crocodiles, alligators, and wolves. Policy Statement by the Department of Game & Fish.
New York
Type: L
Summary: No person may keep wildlife unless they have received a permit. Wildlife includes, but is not limited to the following animals: wolves, wolfdogs, coyotes, coydogs, foxes, skunks, venomous reptiles or raccoons, endangered species, leopards, tigers, lions, cheetahs, ocelots, margays, alligators, etc.
Citation: N.Y. ENVTL. CONSERV. §11-0511; §11-0536; §11-0917; and N.Y. AGRIC. & MKTS. §370.
North Carolina
Type: N
Summary: A county or city may by ordinance regulate, restrict, or prohibit the possession of dangerous animals. In addition, an entry permit from the State Veterinarian is required before importing into the state a skunk, fox, raccoon, ringtail, bobcat, North and South American felines, coyote marten, and brushtail possum.
Citation: N.C. SESS. LAWS 153A-131; and §160A-187; N.C. ADMIN. CODE tit. 2, r. 52B.0212.
North Dakota
Type: L
Summary: Category 3, 4, or 5 of nontraditional livestock may be possessed in the state after obtaining an import permit; a nontraditional livestock license; a certificate from a veterinarian. Category 4 is those species that are considered inherently dangerous, including bears, wolves, wolf hybrids, primates, all non-domesticated cats except Canadian lynx, and bobcat.
Citation: N.D. ADMIN. CODE §48-12-01-02 and §48-12-01-03.
Ohio
Type: N
Citation: No person may bring into the state a non-domestic animal unless the possessor: obtains an entry permit; health certificate certifying the animal is free of infectious diseases; and a certificate of veterinary inspection. Persons in the state possessing non-domestic animals do not need to obtain a permit.
OHIO ADMIN. CODE §901: 1-17-12.Oklahoma
Type: L
Summary: No person may possess or raise wildlife for commercial purposes without having first obtained a permit. Regardless to whether the possession is actually for "commercial purposes," all persons owning these animals as pets must obtain this particular permit.
Citation: OKLA. STAT. Tit. 29, §4-107.
Oregon
Type: L
Summary: No person may keep an exotic animal unless, before acquiring the animal, the person possesses, or has applied for and not been refused or have been revoked or suspended, a valid permit from the State Department of Agriculture. Exotic animal is defined as any lion, tiger, leopard, cheetah, ocelot, monkey, ape, gorilla, or other non-human primate, wolf or canine not indigenous to Oregon, and bear (except black bear).
Citation: OR. REV. STAT. §609.305 and §609.319.
Pennsylvania
Type: L
Summary: No person may keep exotic wildlife without first receiving a permit from the wildlife commission. Exotic wildlife includes, but is not limited to all bears, coyotes, lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, cheetahs, cougars, wolves, and any crossbreed of these animals, which have similar characteristics in appearance or features. However, there are no state requirements for a person possessing non-human primates and reptiles.
Citation: 34 PA. CONS. STAT. ANN. §2961 and §2963.
Rhode Island
Type: L
Summary: No person may possess, without first obtaining a permit from the department, animals of the following orders, families, and genera: Primates, Carnivores, Amphibia, Reptilia, Canidae, and Insecta. All person obtaining a permit must demonstrate they have both adequate facilities, and adequate knowledge of animal health and husbandry to ensure both public safety and health.
Citation: R.I. GEN. LAWS §4-18-3.
South Carolina
Type: N
Summary: It is unlawful to possess wolves or coyotes within the state. It is also unlawful to possess wildlife indigenous to the state without a permit. Specifically, one can not possess members of the Cervidae, Suidae, Tayassuidae (peccaries), and Bovidae (bison, mountain goats, and mountain sheep) families, nor can they possess coyotes, bears, turkeys, and furbearers. However, there are no state laws governing the possession of non-domesticated felines, primates, reptiles and other wildlife not listed above.
Citation: S.C. CODE REGS. §50-11-1765; §50-16-20.
South Dakota
Type: L
Summary: A permit is required to possess any non-domestic mammal, or any hybrids thereof of the following orders: Carnivora (Felidae - non-domestic, Canidae - non-domestic, Ursidae - bears, Mustelidae, and Hyaenidae); Artiodactyla (hoofed animals); Perissodactyla (Tapiridae and Rhinocerotidae). In addition, all animals (including those listed above and non-human primates and reptiles) must be examined by a veterinarian and be free of any contagious, infectious, epidemic, or communicable disease. No person may possess non-domestic pigs or raccoon dogs.
Citation: S.D. ADMIN. R. 12:68:18:03, 12:68:18:03.01; and S.D. CODIFIED LAWS ANN. 40-14-2.
Tennessee
Type: B
Summary: It is unlawful for persons to possess Class I wildlife unless they were in possession of the animal(s) prior to June 25, 1991. Class I wildlife includes the following orders: Primates (gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees, gibbons, siamangs, mandrills, drills, baboons, Gelada baboons only); Carnivores (all wolves, all bears, lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, cheetahs, cougars); Proboscidia (all elephants); Perissodactyla (all rhinoceroses); Artiodactyla (all hippos and African buffaloes); Crocodylia (crocodiles and alligators); Serpentes (all poisonous snakes); and Amphibians (all poisonous species). However, the state does not regulate private possession of species not listed above, such as monkeys and small non-domesticated cats (ocelots, servals, etc.).
Citation: TENN. CODE ANN. §70-4-401, §70-4-403 and §70-4-404.
Texas
Type: L
Summary: No person may possess a dangerous wild animal without first obtaining a license (certificate of registration). Dangerous wild animals are defined as lions, tigers, ocelots, cougars, leopards, cheetahs, jaguars, bobcats, lynxes, servals, caracals, hyenas, bears, coyotes, jackals, baboons, chimpanzees, orangutans, gorillas, or any hybrids of the animals listed. However, there are no requirements for a person possessing all other animal not listed above, such as monkeys, wolves etc.
Citation: TEX. HEALTH & SAFETY CODE ANN. § 822.101 -116; TEX. LOC. GOV'T CODE ANN. § 240.002 (a) and § 240.0025.
Utah
Type: B
Summary: A person may not possess live zoological animals that are classified as prohibited and controlled. Prohibited and controlled animals include the following families, but are not limited to: Ursidae (bears), Canidae (all species), Felidae (all species except non-domesticated cats), Mustelidae (all species), Non-human primates, and certain species of reptiles, etc. However, in rare circumstances a person may possess these animals as a pet if the person obtains a certificate of registration from the Wildlife Board. Generally, exhibitors and educational and scientific facilities only obtain these registrations. A certificate of registration is not required for non-controlled species which alligators and crocodiles fall under.
Citation: UTAH ADMIN. R. 657-3-17; R. 657-3-24; R. 657-3-25; and R. 657-3-27.
Vermont
Type: B
Summary: It is unlawful for persons to possess exotic animals, such as large felines, bears, wolves, poisonous reptiles, and non-human primates as pets. Persons may possess exotic animals for exhibition and educational purposes if they obtain a permit. Please note that the state statute says a person may not bring into the state or possess an exotic animal unless they obtain a permit. However, no personal possession permits for pets are issued to individuals.
Citation: VT. STAT. ANN. Tit. 10, §4709.
Virginia
Type: b*
Summary: No person may possess nonnative exotic animals that are classed as predatory or undesirable as a pet. Nonnative exotic animals include, but are not limited to: bears, wolves, coyotes, weasels, badgers, hyenas, all species of non-domesticated cats, alligators, and crocodiles. Persons may possess these animals if they are a licensed exhibitor, i.e. commercial, educational or scientific uses. However, there are no state requirements for a person possessing non-human primates.
Citation: 4 VAC 15-30-10; 15-30-40.
Washington
Type: N
Summary: The state does not require persons possessing exotic animals to obtain a permit. This is governed by city or county regulations. However, the state does require all exotic animals entering the state to obtain a health certificate.
Citation: WASH. ADMIN. CODE §16-54-030; §16-54-035.
West Virginia
Type: O
Summary: The state only regulates native species to the state. A person possessing a native animal in captivity as a pet must obtain a permit. However, there are no state laws governing private possession of exotic animals.
Citation: W. VA. CODE § 20-2-51.
Wisconsin
Type: O
Summary: There are no state laws governing private possession of exotic animals.
Wyoming
Type: B
Summary: It is unlawful for persons to possess big or trophy game animals. Big game is defined as antelope, bighorn sheep, deer, elk, moose or mountain goat. Trophy game is defined as black bear, grizzly bear or mountain lion. According to WY Fish and Game, it is unlawful to possess all other exotic animals such as, tigers, lions, primates, wolves, bears, etc.
Citation: WYO. STAT. §23-1-101; §23-1-103; WYO. REG. Chapter 10, §5.
Legend:
B = Ban on exhibition of animals at a roadside zoo or in connection with amusement, recreation or entertainment.
b = Partial ban on exhibition of animals -- may allow for exhibition of certain animals only or limit where an exhibition can occur or the length of time for the exhibition.
F = Federal Exhibitor permit required or may offer a broader range of protection, or may replace the need for a state permit.
L = Requires the "owner" of the animal to be exhibited obtain a license or a permit or to register the animal with state or local authorities.
LR = Requires the "owner" of the animal to be exhibited to obtain a license or a permit or register the animal with state or local authorities. The license or permit provides guidelines or restrictions on the exhibition of the animals. (housing regulations or minimum care requirements)
A = Certain permits are NOT required if there is to be an exhibition of animals.
O = No statute or regulation governs this issue or permits a city or municipality to regulate or license exhibitors.
N = Rules regarding possession or importation (including entry permit and or veterinary permit when entering the state).
