How to Ensure an Exotic Pet is Legal

Laws surrounding exotic pets can be difficult to unravel. The legality of keeping wolves, bobcats or venomous snakes can vary by city, county, state or federal standards. These laws exist to protect both pet owners and others in the community, because exotic pets are often dangerous or incompatible with human lifestyles. They also help to ensure the safety of the animals, whose trade relies on a market, legal or otherwise.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Latin and common name of the species you wish to purchase
• Online or print telephone book

1. Narrow the field. Laws vary by animal, so make your search easier by selecting just one pet or two that you wish to pursue.
2. Search for a general idea of acceptable pets on a legal website, such as Animal Legal & Historical Center online (see Resources below).
3. Hunt at the local level for any laws associated with your chosen pet. Try calling county health departments and city hall. Talk to a real person (not a phone menu!) and explain what you need to know and why. Keep trying until you find someone who can answer your questions.
4. Search for legal guidelines at the state/provincial or federal level. Call health or agriculture departments, or U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife.
5. Verify your information. When you have gathered all the details you can, cross-reference them by making confirmation calls to ensure that your legal understanding of exotic pet ownership is complete.

Tips & Warnings

• Get legal information in writing, if possible, or verbally from the source of your animal.
• Laws change. Stay aware of exotic pet laws during ownership.
• If you hit a dead end in your research, try asking a veterinarian's office or zoo for a lead.
• Ignore pet ownership laws at your peril. Ownership of an exotic pet is a hot-button issue with the public and is fully enforceable and punishable.
• Use only current, documented sources for laws in your area.

Who Can Help: