Curious about what exotic pets are legal in New Jersey? 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 New Jersey
Here are the actual laws exotic pet laws for the state of New Jersey. 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 New Jersey?
No. No species of pet fox is legal in New Jersey. Per N.J.A.C. 7:25-4.8(a), foxes and other wild canids are classified in New Jersey as potentially dangerous species and may not be kept as pets or hobby purposes.
For more information on individual species, please read below.
Are Arctic Foxes Legal In New Jersey?
No, pet arctic foxes are not legal in New Jersey. You cannot keep an arctic fox as a pet in New Jersey.
Are Red Foxes Legal In New Jersey?
No, pet red foxes are not legal in New Jersey. You cannot keep a red fox as a pet in New Jersey.
Are Fennec Foxes Legal In New Jersey?
No, pet fennec foxes are not legal in New Jersey. You cannot keep a fennec fox as a pet in New Jersey.
Are Pale Foxes Legal In New Jersey?
No, pet pale foxes are not legal in New Jersey. You cannot keep a pale fox as a pet in New Jersey.
Are Gray Foxes Legal In New Jersey?
No, pet gray foxes are not legal in New Jersey. You cannot keep a gray fox as a pet in New Jersey.
Are Tanuki's/Raccoon Dogs Legal In New Jersey?
No, pet raccoon dogs/tanukis are not legal in New Jersey, or an any other state. Read more information on why raccoon dogs are illegal everywhere here.
Are Mink Legal in New Jersey?
Yes, pet mink are legal in New Jersey.
It is legal to have a pet mink in New Jersey, as long as you have a captive game permit and the mink is purchased from a USDA licensed breeder.
The permit to keep a mink as a pet in New Jersey can be found here.
If you get your pet mink from out of state, so you will need an import permit. To get this, you may need to contact NJDEP.
Are Raccoons Legal In New Jersey?
Yes , pet raccoons are legal in New Jersey.
It is legal to have a pet raccoon in New Jersey, as long as you have a captive game permit and the raccoon is purchased from a USDA licensed breeder.
The permit to get a pet raccoon in New Jersey can be found here.
There is no place that legally sells raccoons in New Jersey, so you will need an import permit. To get this, you may need to contact NJDEP.
According to the NJDEP website, raccoons “may only be obtained from breeders in states that have the same variants of rabies as New Jersey (Refer to the CDC’s rabies reservoir map here: www.cdc.gov/rabies/location/usa/surveillance/wild_animals.html). It is recommended that you contact the Wildlife Permits Unit to confirm if a state/breeder is acceptable before placing a deposit for an animal. The importation permit requirement applies whether the animal will be a new purchase or has been a pet in another state and you are moving into New Jersey.”
Are Coyotes Legal In New Jersey?
No, pet coyotes are not legal in New Jersey. You cannot keep a coyote as a pet in New Jersey.
Are Coydogs Legal In New Jersey?
Yes, pet coydogs are legal in New Jersey.
You do not need a permit to keep a coydog as a pet in New Jersey, however the New Jersey Department of Fish and Wildlife strongly suggests having a DNA test done and available as Coyotes are not legal and your animal could be at risk if it is assumed to be a pure coyote.
Are Lynx Legal in New Jersey?
No, pet lynx are not legal in New Jersey. You cannot keep a Lynx as a pet in New Jersey.
Are Bobcats Legal In New Jersey?
No, pet bobcats are not legal in New Jersey. You cannot keep a bobcat as a pet in New Jersey.
Are Wolfdogs Legal In New Jersey?
Yes, pet wolfdogs are legal in New Jersey.
You do not need a permit to keep a wolfdog as a pet in New Jersey, however the New Jersey Department of Fish and Wildlife strongly suggests having a DNA test done and available as wolves are not legal and your animal could be at risk if it is assumed to be a pure coyote.
Are Servals Legal In New Jersey?
No, pet servals are not legal in New Jersey. You cannot keep a serval as a pet in New Jersey..
Are Savannah Cats Legal In New Jersey?
Yes, pet Savannah cats are not legal in New Jersey. You do not need a permit to keep a Savannah cat as a pet in New Jersey.
Are Asian Leopard Cats Legal in New Jersey?
No, pet Asian leopard cats are not legal in New Jersey. You cannot keep an Asian leopard cat as a pet in New Jersey.
Are Bengal Cats Legal In New Jersey?
Yes, Bengal cats are legal in New Jersey. You can keep a Bengal cat as a pet in New Jersey without a permit.
Are Skunks Legal In New Jersey?
Yes , pet skunks are legal in New Jersey.
It is legal to have a pet skunk in New Jersey, as long as you have a captive game permit and the skunk is purchased from a USDA licensed breeder.
The permit to get a pet skunk in New Jersey can be found here.
There is currently one place that sells striped skunks legally in New Jersey. If you chose to get your pet sunk from somewhere out of state, you will need an import permit. To get this, you may need to contact NJDEP.
According to the NJDEP website, striped skunks “may only be obtained from breeders in states that have the same variants of rabies as New Jersey (Refer to the CDC’s rabies reservoir map here: www.cdc.gov/rabies/location/usa/surveillance/wild_animals.html). It is recommended that you contact the Wildlife Permits Unit to confirm if a state/breeder is acceptable before placing a deposit for an animal. The importation permit requirement applies whether the animal will be a new purchase or has been a pet in another state and you are moving into New Jersey.”
Are Opossums Legal In New Jersey?
Yes, pet opossums are legal in New Jersey.
It is legal to have a pet opossum in New Jersey, as long as you have a captive game permit and the opossum is purchased from a USDA licensed breeder.
The permit to get a pet opossum in New Jersey can be found here.
There is no place that legally sells opossum in New Jersey, so you will need an import permit. To get this, you may need to contact NJDEP.
Are Bats Legal In New Jersey?
No, pet bats are not legal in New Jersey. You cannot keep a bat as a pet in New Jersey.
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