It seems like owning a pet should be straightforward. But state laws are a hodgepodge, and sometimes for odd reasons. Safety is a factor, but agriculture, environmental concerns, and archaic laws have their say in the regulations. It’s why the pet you legally own can become illegal when you cross the state line.
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Axolotls
Axolotls, those strange “walking fish” from Mexico, are actually amphibians. They’re banned in places like California and New Jersey because of concerns about invasiveness. They need very clean water and carefully controlled habitats, so they’re definitely not pets you pick up on a whim.
Capybaras
Picture a dog-sized rodent lounging by your backyard pool. That’s a capybara. They’re allowed in some states like Florida and Texas and not in others, like California and Alaska. And in some states, they require a special permit to own. Owners rave about their mellow temperaments and social behaviors. Without water and space, it’s impossible to keep them happy.
Wallabies
Wallabies are small kangaroos. They are legal in Oregon and Nevada, illegal to own in California and Utah. Wallabies require a large space. The area for them should be a fenced enclosure. Their strange hopping motion and appearance draw people to them. Personality and exotic at the same time.
Fennec foxes
Fennec foxes are cute but wild animals. Michigan is Fennec-friendly while Washington state isn’t. They’re loud and active and difficult to tame. It’s their cuteness that tempts people even though they’re a handful.
Kinkajou
Think a kinkajou is a cute, easy pet? Think again. Their sharp teeth and constant activity mean they need careful handling. They’re fine to own in Kansas, but states such as California and Alaska say no way. Owners usually admit they’re fun—but far from easy.
Sugar gliders
Sugar gliders are small, sociable marsupials. Most states permit them. California, Alaska, Pennsylvania and Hawaii have restrictions. These critters glide from place to place, and crave companionship. They can get stressed if neglected, which is likely why some states ban them.
Alligator gar
Ready to meet your new six-foot long fish? An alligator gar might be just the thing. You can keep them in Texas, where they are native, but you might not be able to own one in many other states. Some have fears that the invasive predator will overtake the environment. You also need a very large tank or pond of your own because the gar will just grow out of any ordinary space. Gar is a pet for the courageous.
Servals
Servals are African wild cats, medium-sized and agile. Some states, like Alabama and Illinois allow their ownership without a permit. California and Hawaii ban them outright. Most other states, such as North Dakota and Oklahoma, require a special permit, usually with strict conditions.
Prairie dogs
At one point in time, prairie dogs were banned in every state. Now the ban has been lifted in states such as Florida, Minnesota, Wyoming and Montana. Prairie dogs are social creatures, and need to have another prairie dog around, or they become stressed. Washington, Georgia, and New Hampshire are some states which still prohibit prairie dogs due to health and environmental issues.
Freshwater stingrays
Freshwater stingrays are flat, exotic fish with a hidden barb. Legal in Arizona, and Texas; banned in California, Florida and Georgia. They need large tanks, careful water care, and skillful handling. Best for experienced aquarists who understand their needs.
Burmese pythons
A Burmese python is a snake as thick as your arm and as long as the width of a room. You can own one in some states, but they’re banned entirely in California and illegal to own without a permit in New York. Not only are they massive enough to be dangerous, but their population in Florida’s ecosystem has caused some very heated discussions about exotic pet laws.
Hedgehogs
Hedgehogs may be cute, but they’re illegal in California, Georgia, and Hawaii. They’re allowed without restriction in Washington and South Dakota. The concern is that they may carry disease and become invasive if released. On the other hand, when legal, they’re popular because they’re unusual and adorable pets.
Sources: Please see here for a complete listing of all sources that were consulted in the preparation of this article.
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