Curious about what exotic pets are legal in Illinois? Then read on! Please note that this is not an all inclusive list, but only includes animals we personally educate about here at Exotic Pet Wonderland.
Questions about an animal not on this page? Send us an email and we will find out!
Relevant Exotic Pet Laws for Illinois
Here are the actual laws exotic pet laws for the state of Illinois. Please note that exotic pet laws are often unclear, and contacting your state’s game department is always the best bet to clarify. For the purpose of this article, we have personally reached out for needed clarification.
Are Pet Foxes Legal In Illinois?
Yes. All species of pet fox are legal in state. For more information on individual species, please read below.
Are Arctic Foxes Legal In Illinois?
It is legal to keep an arctic fox as a pet in Illinois with a fur-bearing mammal breeder permit when the animal is purchased from a USDA breeder.
The fur-bearing mammal breeder permit can be found here, is $25.50, and must be renewed yearly. While this permit allows the holder to sell arctic foxes, it is still federally illegal and considered a wildlife crime to sell arctic foxes without a USDA license.
Are Red Foxes Legal In Illinois?
It is legal to keep a red fox as a pet in Illinois with a fur-bearing mammal breeder permit when the animal is purchased from a USDA breeder.
The fur-bearing mammal breeder permit can be found here, is $25.50, and must be renewed yearly. While this permit allows the holder to sell red foxes, it is still federally illegal and considered a wildlife crime to sell red foxes without a USDA license.
Are Fennec Foxes Legal In Illinois?
Yes, pet fennec foxes are legal in Illinois. You do not need a permit keep a fennec fox as a pet in Illinois.
Are Pale Foxes Legal In Illinois?
Yes, pet pale foxes are legal in state. You do not need a permit to keep a pale fox as a pet in state.
Are Gray Foxes Legal In Illinois?
It is legal to keep a gray fox as a pet in Illinois with a fur-bearing mammal breeder permit when the animal is purchased from a USDA breeder.
The fur-bearing mammal breeder permit can be found here, is $25.50, and must be renewed yearly. While this permit allows the holder to sell gray foxes, it is still federally illegal and considered a wildlife crime to sell gray foxes without a USDA license.
Are Tanuki's/Raccoon Dogs Legal In Illinois?
No, pet raccoon dogs/tanukis are not legal in Illinois, or an any other state. Read more information on why raccoon dogs are illegal everywhere here.
Are Mink Legal in Illinois?
It is legal to keep a mink as a pet in Illinois with a fur-bearing mammal breeder permit when the animal is purchased from a USDA breeder.
The fur-bearing mammal breeder permit can be found here, is $25.50, and must be renewed yearly. While this permit allows the holder to sell mink, it is still federally illegal and considered a wildlife crime to sell mink without a USDA license.
Are Raccoons Legal In Illinois?
It is legal to keep a raccoon as a pet in Illinois with a fur-bearing mammal breeder permit when the animal is purchased from a USDA breeder.
The fur-bearing mammal breeder permit can be found here, is $25.50, and must be renewed yearly. While this permit allows the holder to sell raccoons, it is still federally illegal and considered a wildlife crime to sell raccoons without a USDA license.
Are Coyotes Legal In Illinois?
No, pet coyotes are not legal in Illinois. You cannot keep a coyote as a pet in Illinois.
Are Coydogs Legal In Illinois?
Pet coydogs may be kept in Illinois on a case by case basis with a permit. For more information on keeping a coydog in Illinois, call the Illinois State DNR at 217-782-6302
Are Lynx Legal in Illinois?
No, pet lynx are not legal in Illinois. You cannot keep a Lynx as a pet in Illinois.
Are Bobcats Legal In Illinois?
No, pet bobcats are not legal in Illinois. You cannot keep a bobcat as a pet in Illinois.
Are Wolfdogs Legal In Illinois?
Pet wolfdogs may be kept in Illinois on a case by case basis with a permit. For more information on keeping a wolfdog in Illinois, call the Illinois State DNR at 217-782-6302
Are Servals Legal In Illinois?
Yes, pet servals are legal in Illinois. You do not need a permit keep a serval as a pet in Illinois.
It is illegal to sell servals in Illinois.
Are Savannah Cats Legal In Illinois?
Yes, pet Savannah cats are legal in Illinois. You do not need a permit to keep a Savannah cat as a pet in Illinois.
Are Asian Leopard Cats Legal in Illinois?
Yes, pet Asian leopard cats are legal in Illinois. You do not need a permit to keep an Asian leopard cat as a pet in Illinois.
Are Bengal Cats Legal In Illinois?
Yes, Bengal cats are legal in Illinois. You can keep a Bengal cat as a pet in Illinois without a permit.
Are Skunks Legal In Illinois?
No, pet skunks are not legal in Illinois. You cannot keep a skunk as a pet in Illinois.
Are Opossums Legal In Illinois?
It is legal to keep apet opossum in Illinois with a fur-bearing mammal breeder permit when the animal is purchased from a USDA breeder.
The fur-bearing mammal breeder permit can be found here, is $25.50, and must be renewed yearly. While this permit allows the holder to sell opossums, it is still federally illegal and considered a wildlife crime to sell opossums without a USDA license.
Are Bats Legal In Illinois?
No, pet bats are not legal in Illinois. You cannot keep a bat as a pet in Illinois.
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