While you can take in pretty much any cat or dog you find on the street, some pets require owners to jump through a few hoops before they can be formally acquainted. These usually include wild animals and exotics, but rules and regulations may differ depending on where you live.
This guide goes over some of the most common pets you need a license to own, but we want to remind you to check with your local Fish, Wildlife, and Game Department about specific laws in your area.
Let’s check them out!
1. Non-Human Primates
Non-human primates (NHPs), such as chimpanzees, are highly intelligent, but they’re still completely different from us. The federal government banned importing primates for pet trade, but domestic breeders are still free to operate as long as they follow local laws. An estimated 15,000 NHPs are still kept in the United States as pets today.
While only 9 states ban the keeping of NHPs, others may require special licensing or proof of proper enclosures for the primates. Many animal rights activists argue that even this is insufficient for proper care of the animals, and many owners do not provide proper stimulation or respect the unpredictable, sometimes aggressive nature of NHPs.
News stories like Travis the Chimp’s assault of his owner’s friend in 2009 or shows like Chimp Crazy expose the dangers of owning NHPs. Sometimes being able to own an animal does not mean it is ethical or can ever be done safely.
2. Wolf Dogs
Wolves are some of the most majestic creatures in North America, but they’re also very wild and protected under the Endangered Species Act. Wolf Dogs, on the other hand, fall into a bit of a gray area. They’re not entirely commanded by animal instincts, but they’re also less inclined toward human affection.
While wolves and dogs are similar, they differ in some pretty big ways.
Overall, your ability to own a wolf dog comes down to your local government. Some cities ban wolf dogs outright, and may kill them if they discover their existence. Others require documentation of adequate facilities and knowledge of care.
Wolf dogs can be unpredictable and very strong. Being able to keep them in your yard often requires high fences with coyote rollers and buried concrete barriers. You should also have a good understanding of wolf dog behavior, including their silent warnings, and how to break up fights.
When properly cared for, wolf dogs are many people’s soul mates.
3. Foxes, Raccoons, and Other Fur-Bearers
Most fur-bearing animals are not allowed as pets, regardless of the circumstances. These include:
- Foxes
- Beavers
- Otters
- Minks
- Racoons
- Skunks
- Muskrats
- Opossums
While some people may gain “ownership” of these animals with a rehabbers license or something similar, they are not kept as pets. Licensure requirements differ depending on location, but they usually require recommendations from licensed veterinarians, experience working with an already-licensed rehabilitator, and evidence of proper facilities for the animal in question.
Many of these animals are also rabies-vector species, which carries a risk that goes beyond bites and bruises. Giving non-releasable animals a home can be rewarding, but it’s not something you can do on a whim if you come across an injured animal on the drive home.
4. Kangaroos
Legal kangaroo ownership is rare, but states like Idaho, Nevado, New Mexico, Texas, and Washington allow it with a permit.
Kangaroo owners often dote about their loving nature, but this shouldn’t let anyone overlook their physical capabilities. Red Kangaroos, the most popular kangaroos kept as pets in the United States, can grow anywhere from 65 lbs. (for females) to 180 lbs. (for males). They can run at speeds up to 50 mph and easily jump a 4 ft fence, so keeping them contained can be a chore.
Kangaroo pellets exist, but they don’t cover the intricacies of a kangaroo’s diet. As herbivores, they should have access to a variety of grasses, nuts, flowers, bark, and moss.
While they aren’t generally aggressive, the University of Melbourne reminds people that kangaroos are “‘vegetarian gladiators’ with kicks that can kill”.
5. Alligators
Alligator farming is not the same as keeping alligators as pets. Some states ban alligator farming because they can be a devastatingly invasive creature, but many southern states allow Alligator farming with the right license. On top of that, you need proof of adequate housing, and you often need to recruit help for daily care and feeding.
Most alligator farmers breed them for meat, eggs, and hide. While baby alligators are cute, they quickly grow into much larger, much more deadly creatures. Adult alligators measure between 8 and 11 feet long, and they can easily bite through human bones.
Because alligator attacks are about 3 times as deadly as shark attacks, this isn’t the laid-back hobby you might be looking for. As one of the animals with the strongest bites, keeping alligators is not for those with weak constitution.
Often, you can find a less restricted exotic animal to bring into your home that will thrive with human companionship. Whatever you do, make sure you do adequate research to ensure you treat every animal with respect and meet all of their needs.
