Can You Legally Own a Dangerous Animal in Arizona? Here’s the Truth
The other day we had a backyard visitor.
My dogs alerted on an irascible male Western Diamondback rattlesnake that was coiled and more than a little angry at being yelled at by two very loud and insistent Labradors.
You might wonder how I knew it was a male Western Diamondback rattlesnake. It’s not because I’m great at identifying snakes. I called an expert—William Schumacher, our amazing “Snake Guy.” He came over, safely put the snake in a bucket with a tight lid, and took it away from my house.
Bill is the expert who told me the snake’s gender and species. He also shared stories and photos from his own snake collection, including some venomous ones. Bill truly knows his stuff, and I have a lot of respect for his knowledge. I’m definitely not an expert, so I trust his judgment.
Why I Would Never House a Rattlesnake in My Home
Honestly, I already struggle to remember where I put my keys. The last thing I want is a Western Diamondback rattlesnake watching me from behind a thin piece of glass in my living room. Arizona has amazing wildlife, but I just don’t see the appeal of living with something that could give a dangerous, venomous bite.
Rattlesnakes, Gila monsters, and other venomous animals are best admired from a safe distance, maybe just in photos. Still, many people want to know what’s actually legal when it comes to owning Arizona’s more dangerous animals, so if that's your take, keep reading. Here's what you can and cannot own in Arizona.
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Can You Own a Rattlesnake in Arizona?
The answer is: it's complicated.
Arizona regulates native wildlife through the Arizona Game and Fish Commission. Native rattlesnakes are considered wildlife, and capturing, possessing, transporting, or keeping native wildlife is regulated under state law.
The website Animal Law explains that, in general, possessing native wildlife typically requires compliance with Arizona Game and Fish rules and, depending on the circumstances, permits or licenses.
Arizona law treats wildlife as a public resource, not something people can take home from the desert.
What About Gila Monsters?
Gila monsters are even more heavily regulated.
Arizona Game and Fish classifies Gila monsters under its restricted live wildlife rules. Possessing one without the appropriate special permit is illegal.
Permits are generally issued for very specific purposes, usually related to research, education, wildlife services, or similar authorized activities rather than ordinary pet ownership.
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Are Tarantulas Legal to Keep?
Tarantulas are a different story.
Since many tarantula species are commonly sold in the pet trade, these arachnids can be legally owned. However, you can’t just pluck one from the desert floor; tarantulas are still subject to Arizona wildlife regulations.
Before you collect anything from the desert, it’s smart to check the latest Arizona Game and Fish rules.
Other Venomous Animals Come With Strings Attached
Arizona’s wildlife rules cover many dangerous or potentially dangerous animals. Some venomous reptiles and other restricted species need special licenses or permits, and some can’t be owned at all. The rules depend on whether the animal is native, non-native, restricted, or exempt under Arizona law.
Just because an animal lives in Arizona doesn’t mean you can keep it as a pet. Honestly, if an animal has venom, fangs, or a bite that could send me to the emergency room, I’d rather leave it in the desert.
And if one wanders into my yard, I’ve got Bill on speed dial.
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