Complex federal, state, local laws. 14 permit, 20 ban, 13 partial.
10 steps across 1 sections
1. Steps Guide
- Federal laws — Endangered Species, Lacey Act
- State laws — Wildlife agency
- Local ordinances — Additional restrictions
- Permit requirements — Application, fees, checks
- Housing — Enclosure specs: size, temp, enrichment
- Liability insurance — Many require
- Specialized vet
- Escape plan — Required for many permits
- Source legally — Licensed breeders
- Maintain records
Common Mistakes
- State not only regulation
- Not checking before acquiring
- Underestimating care
- No exotic vet
- Impulse purchases
Pro Tips
- Born Free USA state database
- USDA license for exhibiting
- Legal one state, banned next
- Species-specific communities
- Specialized diets expensive