Did you know that the states in our country have varying degrees of laws relating to private possession of exotic animals? There are ranges of laws and requirements across the U.S., and some are much more strict than others. The map below depicts the four levels of law severity. What are YOUR state laws?
20 states have BAN ON PRIVATE OWNERSHIP OF EXOTIC ANIMALS - including at least large cats (some ban all wild cats), wolves, bears, reptiles, most non-human primates. These states include Alaska, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and Wyoming.
9 states have PARTIAL BAN ON PRIVATE OWNERSHIP OF EXOTIC ANIMALS. This allows the ownership of some exotics, but not others. This level includes Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Virginia.
12 states require the "owner" of an exotic animal to OBTAIN A PERMIT OR LICENSE from the state agency to own the animal. These states are Arizona, Delaware, Indiana, Maine, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, and Texas.
9 states require NO LICENSE OR PERMIT TO OWN AN EXOTIC ANIMAL. These states may regulate some aspect of the ownership (entry permit, vet certificate) but some have no governing methods. These states are Alabama, Idaho, MIssouri, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
As supporters of IEAS, we are sure that you are all well aware of the fact that exotic animals do not make good pets. Exotic animal ownership situations are both dangerous to the "owners" and other people around and extremely detrimental to the animal. One only needs to take one tour of IEAS to learn about how harmful living in less than ideal conditions can be for an animal. Nala, for example, came to IEAS after being so poorly taken care of that she was malnourished and suffering from severe osteoporosis, with tiny fractures in almost every bone in her body. When she arrived at the Sanctuary, she could barely lift her own head. It took a great deal of care get Nala to a healthy state, and now she is an ambassador for animals suffering in homes and backyards across the country.
It is always important to stay informed about the laws in your state. Knowing what is and isn't okay can help you decide when authorities need to be contacted. We urge you to get in touch with your region's lawmakers and authorities to learn more about the laws in your state and to voice concerns!
20 states have BAN ON PRIVATE OWNERSHIP OF EXOTIC ANIMALS - including at least large cats (some ban all wild cats), wolves, bears, reptiles, most non-human primates. These states include Alaska, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and Wyoming.
9 states have PARTIAL BAN ON PRIVATE OWNERSHIP OF EXOTIC ANIMALS. This allows the ownership of some exotics, but not others. This level includes Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Virginia.
12 states require the "owner" of an exotic animal to OBTAIN A PERMIT OR LICENSE from the state agency to own the animal. These states are Arizona, Delaware, Indiana, Maine, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, and Texas.
9 states require NO LICENSE OR PERMIT TO OWN AN EXOTIC ANIMAL. These states may regulate some aspect of the ownership (entry permit, vet certificate) but some have no governing methods. These states are Alabama, Idaho, MIssouri, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
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As supporters of IEAS, we are sure that you are all well aware of the fact that exotic animals do not make good pets. Exotic animal ownership situations are both dangerous to the "owners" and other people around and extremely detrimental to the animal. One only needs to take one tour of IEAS to learn about how harmful living in less than ideal conditions can be for an animal. Nala, for example, came to IEAS after being so poorly taken care of that she was malnourished and suffering from severe osteoporosis, with tiny fractures in almost every bone in her body. When she arrived at the Sanctuary, she could barely lift her own head. It took a great deal of care get Nala to a healthy state, and now she is an ambassador for animals suffering in homes and backyards across the country.
It is always important to stay informed about the laws in your state. Knowing what is and isn't okay can help you decide when authorities need to be contacted. We urge you to get in touch with your region's lawmakers and authorities to learn more about the laws in your state and to voice concerns!
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