Animals are awesome. Exotic animals are even more awesome. This list, compiled by Pet Helpful, is a collection of the coolest, strangest animals that are legal to own in each U.S. state.
But with this list comes several disclaimers! First, the laws surrounding the legality of owning exotic pets change all the time, each state has their own, and they all have caveats upon caveats. If you’re actually considering getting an exotic pet, do not rely on this list! Read extensively about the actual laws where you live. Some cities even have their own regulations.
Second of all, if you’re going to give an exotic pet a home, remember: It’s a wild animal. It’s likely not going to have the same cuddle instincts as your golden retriever.
That said, you’re allowed to own some wild wild animals in the U.S. They’re seriously so cool.
Alabama – Tigers
Alaska – Chimpanzees (Until Six Years Ago)
Despite all the horror stories of chimps going ape on their owners, Alaska didn’t have a law banning the ownership of chimpanzees until 2010.
Thank goodness, because chimps never deserved to be dressed in human clothes and paraded around.
If you live in Alaska though, you can still own animals like toucans, bison, elk, and camels. So never fear.
Arizona – Wolfdogs
There are lots of nuances to state laws regarding hybrid animals, but it seems wolfdogs have slipped through the cracks in Arizona.
Arkansas – Coyotes
Coyotes may look like dogs, but they’re not nearly as domesticated. Don’t let their cute little faces fool you.
California – Savannah Cats
California has notoriously strict exotic pet laws.
Probably because people buy wild cats and then put them on leashes and lead them about town. Barefoot.
Colorado – Kangaroos and Wallabies
These guys are adorable, so if you’re hankering for a cute Aussie creature, you may want to move to Colorado.
Connecticut – Patagonian Mara
Connecticut also has strict laws regarding exotic pets, but they’re pretty lenient when it comes to rodents.
So if you get your hands on a Patagonian mara, which kind of looks like a cross between a rabbit and a deer, you’re in the clear in Connecticut.
Delaware – Possums
If you’re out one night and you see a pair of the beadiest little eyes you’ve ever seen staring at you from someone’s window, it could be a possum.
By the way, there is a definite difference between opossums and possums. Opossums are North American marsupials. Possums are an Australian species.
Florida – Marmosets
Oh my goodness I used to wanted one of these when I was little.
Guess I should start thinking about moving to Florida…
Georgia – Bison
While you are technically allowed to keep bison as pets in Georgia, I wouldn’t recommend letting them into your house. They’re a little big.
Hawaii – Peafowl
Hawaii probably has the most pet restrictions of any state because if an animal population were to get out of hand on those islands, it could be a real disaster. Luckily, the beautiful peafowl are allowed.
Idaho – Elk
Again, if you own an elk, I wouldn’t recommend opening your door to him. Those antlers would knock off whatever’s on your counters.
Illinois – Deer
Finally, your dream of having a deer and a rabbit and naming them Bambi and Thumper can come true.
Just my dream? OK then.
Indiana – Bears
Fun fact: Bears look cuddly, but they’re actually vicious.
Ask Leonardo DiCaprio.
Iowa – Skunks
Skunks?! As pets?! They stink!
But actually they’re adorable and I would get one for sure.
Kansas – Kinkajous
Kansas makes no mention of the Kinkajou, a relative of the raccoon, in their laws. So go ahead and adopt one of these wide-eyed little buggers*!
*After doing extensive research, becoming a Kinkajou expert, and rescuing one in need, of course.
Kentucky – Raccoons
Kentucky doesn’t waste time with raccoon relatives. They go straight to the source. Raccoons can be pretty vicious, so be careful with those bandits.
Louisiana – Genets
Genets are cat-like animals with ringed tails. They likely slipped under the radar of the Louisiana exotic pet lawmakers, so maybe get in touch with the authorities if you’d like to adopt of these guys.
Maine – Sugar Gliders
Maine only has a tiny list of animals that don’t require a permit, but luckily these little guys are on there!
Maryland – Tamandua
The tamandua is a species of South American anteater.
It’s feeding them that’s the real trouble. Ants. Everywhere.
Massachusetts – Flying Squirrels
Massachusetts has a highly restrictive list of legal exotic animals. I know, 
squirrel, I know! But you’re on the list, so don’t worry!
Michigan – Red Fox
Foxes are the actual cutest and I might move to Michigan just so I can have one.
Minnesota – African Crested Porcupines
When I think pets, I think cuddly. But with this guy, no way.
Mississippi – Servals
Servals are exempted from Mississippi’s list of dangerous big cats, and look at him! He knows it.
Missouri – Opossum
Those little guys you see rummaging through your trash? Well, now you can have one as a pet! If you live in Missouri, that is.
Montana – Two-Toed Sloth
Two-toed sloths are considered an “uncontrolled species” in Montana, meaning you don’t even need a permit to own one! You do need a lot of patience, though.
Nebraska – Eland
For some reason, Nebraska specifically allows several species to be imported, and the eland is one of them. Now you don’t have to go to the Museum of Natural History to see one!
Nevada – Elephants
Because of the huge animal entertainment industry in Las Vegas, Nevada has some of the most lax laws when it comes to exotic animals.
I don’t know if this means you can have an elephant hang out in your backyard, but it’s worth a shot.
New Hampshire – Ostriches
This giant African bird made it onto the non-controlled species list in New Hampshire. Those winters are pretty tough, though. They’re going to need some very long scarves.
New Jersey – Ferrets
You may think of ferrets as a pretty common pet, but they’ve actually been banned by more and more states recently.
Not New Jersey though! Never New Jersey.
New Mexico – Munjac Deer
This little guy is legal to own in New Mexico. And no wonder. Who could keep such a cute creature out of their state?
New York – Fennec Foxes
As a native of New York who already misses home a lot, this might be enough reason for me to move back. Look at those ears.
North Carolina – Lions
Well, now I’m pretty terrified of North Carolina. First, tornadoes. Now, lions. Next, lion tornadoes.
North Dakota – Russian Lynxes
The Russian lynx is considered domesticated “alternative livestock” according to North Dakota law. Other animals that fall under that category in the state are the emu, ostrich, ranch foxes, and ferrets.
Ohio – Bobcats
Ohio is super strict when it comes to exotic pets thanks to a guy who freed a bunch of exotic animals one time, but there’s a loophole that means bobcats are still allowed.
Mr. Goldthwait must be quite relieved.
Oklahoma – Coatimundis
Ohhhhhklahoma, where the coatimudis run free!
Where it’s legal to
own others too.
Like civets, kangaroos, primates!
Oregon – Zebras
Often, state exotic pet laws aren’t so black and white (man I’m good), but in Oregon’s case, all equidae (the family zebras belong to) are legal with a certificate of veterinary inspection.
Pennsylvania – Rattlesnakes
Why anyone would want to own a rattlesnake is beyond me.
For some reason, the minimum length they must be is forty-two inches.
Rhode Island – Burmese Pythons
Burmese pythons are banned in many places because of their size (surprise, surprise), but real surprise, not in the tiniest state.
How many Burmese pythons does it take to get from one end of Rhode Island to the other? Two?
South Carolina – Venomous Snakes
If you want to train as a snake charmer, I guess South Carolina is your state. It’s one of the only states that permits the sale and purchase of venomous snakes at reptile shows.
South Dakota – Wolverine
South Dakota’s exotic pet laws are so lax it makes me want to call them up and ask, “Really? You sure about this?”
Tennessee – Capuchin Monkeys
In Tennessee, Capuchin monkeys don’t even require a permit!
Finally, your dream of playing country songs in a dive bar in Nashville with a monkey on your shoulder who’s wearing a tiny cowboy hat can become a reality.
Texas – Lemurs
Everything is bigger in Texas, including the list of exotic pets you can legally own there. Bears, big cats, and great apes require permits, but lemurs, not so much!
Utah – Mink
In my next life, I will move to Utah and save all the mink from becoming coats.
Vermont – Agoutis
The agouti is a large South American rodent, kind of like a giant guinea pig, and I want one.
Virginia – Silver Fox
It’s not just a term used to describe George Clooney. It’s an exotic species that you can own in Virginia.
Careful, though — only foxes with fur patterns not found in the wild are allowed to be kept as pets.
Washington – Caracal
If you want to own the cat with the pointiest ears, it looks like you’ll have to move to Washington.
RSS