Exotic Pets in Arizona: What You Can and Can’t Own

If you are a fan of animal videos like I am, you’ve probably seen clips of people cuddling with domestic foxes, feeding raccoons in their kitchens, or playing with animals most of us only expect to see in the wild. It’s easy to get pulled into those videos and start wondering whether owning one of these unusual pets is actually possible. For many viewers, that curiosity turns into a real question: Can you legally keep animals like that where you live? In Arizona, the answer is more complicated than you might expect.

READ: The Decline Of Jaguars In Arizona: A Growing Concern

Arizona Pet Laws

Laws regarding exotic pets are often nuanced and unclear, regardless of the state in which they apply. In Arizona, there are specific regulations on restricted wildlife and other exotic species. According to the Cornell Law School, restricted wildlife is wildlife that is subject to specific regulations regarding conservation. Animals that are considered "restricted wildlife" include foxes, gophers, raccoons, and dozens of other fish, reptiles, birds, and mammals. In the state of Arizona, you cannot own restricted wildlife at all, and you cannot own unrestricted wildlife without a special permit.

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Animals you absolutely cannot keep,

If you live in Arizona, sorry, you cannot legally own a fox or a raccoon, no matter how adorable those online videos make them look. The state has strict rules that classify both animals as restricted wildlife, meaning they can’t be kept as pets under any circumstances. Even captive‑bred or “domesticated” versions aren’t allowed, despite how common they may seem on social media. Other pets that are illegal to own, according to  the Cornell Law School,  include-

• All species of the order Carnivora: bears, foxes, ocelots, raccoons, servals, skunks, wolves, and weasels.
• Bats.
• Opposums.
• Non-Human Primates such as monkeys and apes.
• Deer, Elk, and Moose
• Venomous snakes like vipers and rattlesnakes
• The family Sciuridae: chipmunks, marmots, prairie dogs, squirrels, and woodchucks.
• Big Cats such as lions, bobcats, and tigers.

There are about a dozen species of birds and lizards that are illegal to own as well. You can find a more in-depth list here. 

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Exotic Animals that are legal to own.

We know all the animals we can't welcome into our home, but what about all the ones we can keep? According to Veterinary Articles, animals that are 100% legal to own include- 

• Bearded dragons
• Tarantulas

• Chinchillas

• Domestic Rabbits, Rats, and Mice

• Iguanas and Gecko's

• Tortoises

• Sugar gliders

• Non-venomous snakes

If you’re considering bringing an exotic pet into your home, make sure your first stop is the Arizona Game and Fish Department. They can confirm whether the species you’re interested in is legal to own and whether any permits or documentation are required. Doing your homework upfront not only keeps you on the right side of the law but also ensures you’re prepared to give your new companion the proper care. With the right research and responsibility, owning an exotic pet in Arizona can be a great experience.

CONTINUE READING: Why Bats Are Key To Arizona's Ecosystem Health