Curious about what exotic pets are legal in Missouri? 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 Missouri
Here are the actual laws exotic pet laws for the state of Missouri. 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.
Exotic animal import and exhibition requirements for Missouri.
Are Pet Foxes Legal In Missouri?
No. No species of pet fox is legal in Missouri. For more information on individual species, please read below.
Are Arctic Foxes Legal In Missouri?
No, pet arctic foxes are not legal in Missouri. You cannot keep an arctic fox as a pet in Missouri.
Are Red Foxes Legal In Missouri?
Pet red foxes are impossible to legally have in Missouri. No species of fox can be imported in to Missouri and no pet fox permits will be issued for foxes not from a USDA breeder (of which there are none in Missouri.) Because of this, red foxes cannot be legally kept in Missouri.
Are Fennec Foxes Legal In Missouri?
No, pet fennec foxes are not legal in Missouri. You cannot keep a fennec fox as a pet in Missouri.
Are Pale Foxes Legal In Missouri?
No, pet pale foxes are not legal in Missouri. You cannot keep a pale fox as a pet in Missouri.
Are Gray Foxes Legal In Missouri?
No, pet gray foxes are not legal in state. No species of fox can be imported in to Missouri and no pet fox permits will be issued for foxes not from a USDA breeder (of which there are none in Missouri.) Because of this, red foxes cannot be legally kept in Missouri.
Are Tanuki's/Raccoon Dogs Legal In Missouri?
No, pet raccoon dogs/tanukis are not legal in Missouri, or an any other state. Read more information on why raccoon dogs are illegal everywhere here.
Are Mink Legal in Missouri?
Pet mink are legal in Missouri with a Wildlife Hobby Permit or a Class I Wildlife Breeder permit.
A Wildlife Hobby Permit can be found here and costs $10. This permit only allows you to purchase a mink from a Missouri wildlife breeder permit holder. This permit only allows you to keep one native game animal as a pet. Please note that it is still federally illegal to buy mink from someone without a USDA permit.
A Class I wildlife breeder permit will allow you to possess mink from USDA licensed breeders outside of Missouri. It cost $50 and can be found here. You will also need to contact the Missouri Department of Agriculture for information regarding import permits. The requirements for this breeder permit are a bit stricter and more information on them can be found in this document. Please remember it is still federally illegal to sell mink without a USDA permit.
Are Raccoons Legal In Missouri?
Pet raccoons are impossible to legally have in Missouri. You cannot import a raccoon in to Missouri and no pet raccoon permits will be issued for raccoons not from a USDA breeder (of which there are none in Missouri.) Because of this, raccoons cannot be legally kept in Missouri.
Are Coyotes Legal In Missouri?
Pet coyotes are impossible to legally have in Missouri. You cannot import a coyote into Missouri and no pet coyote permits will be issued for coyotes not from a USDA breeder (of which there are none in Missouri.) Because of this, Coyotes cannot be legally kept in Missouri.
Are Coydogs Legal In Missouri?
Yes, pet coydogs are legal in Missouri as long as it is registered with the local law enforcement agency in the county where your coydog is being kept. A permit is not needed to keep a Coydog as a pet in Missouri as a whole, however your local county/city government or HOA may have their own regulations requiring a permit beyond registration or banning them entirely.
Are Lynx Legal in Missouri?
Yes, pet lynx are legal in Missouri as long as it is registered with the local law enforcement agency where your lynx is being kept. A permit is not needed to keep a lynx as a pet in Missouri as a whole, however your local county/city government or HOA may have their own regulations requiring a permit beyond registration or banning them entirely.
Are Bobcats Legal In Missouri?
Yes, pet bobcats are legal in Missouri with a Wildlife Hobby Permit or a Class I Wildlife Breeder permit. They also must be registered with the local law enforcement agency where your bobcat is being kept. Additionally, your local county/city government or HOA may have their own additional regulations or ban them entirely.
Missouri regulation regarding bobcat registration
A Wildlife Hobby Permit can be found here and costs $10. This permit only allows you to purchase a bobcat from a Missouri wildlife breeder permit holder. This permit only allows you to keep one native game animal as a pet. Please note that it is still federally illegal to buy bobcats from someone without a USDA permit.
A Class I wildlife breeder permit will allow you to possess a bobcat from USDA licensed breeders outside of Missouri. It cost $50 and can be found here. You will also need to contact the Missouri Department of Agriculture for information regarding import permits. The requirements for this breeder permit are a bit stricter and more information on them can be found in this document. Please remember it is still federally illegal to sell bobcats without a USDA permit.
Are Wolfdogs Legal In Missouri?
Yes, pet wolfdogs are a legal in Missouri with a Class II Wildlife Breeder Permit.
They also must be registered with the local law enforcement agency where your wolfdog is being kept.
Additionally, your local county/city government or HOA may have their own additional regulations or ban them entirely.
Missouri regulation regarding Wolfdog registration
A Class II wildlife breeders permit costs $50 and can be found here. You will also need to contact the Missouri Department of Agriculture for information regarding import permits if you are getting a wolfdog from out of state. More information regarding the requirements for a Class II wildlife breeders permit can be found this document.
Are Servals Legal In Missouri?
Pet servals are legal in Missouri when purchased from a USDA breeder. If you are interested in a pet Serval in Missouri, you will need to contact the Missouri Department of Agriculture for information regarding import permits. Please make sure to contact your local county and city government, and even your HOA if you have one, before getting a serval because there may be local restrictions on ownership.
Are Savannah Cats Legal In Missouri?
Yes, pet Savannah cats are legal in Missouri. While do not need a state permit to keep a Savannah Cat in Missouri, Please make sure to contact your local county and city government, and even your HOA if you have one, before getting a Savannah cat because there may be local restrictions on ownership.
Are Asian Leopard Cats Legal in Missouri?
Pet Asian leopard cats are legal in Missouri when purchased from a USDA breeder. If you are interested in a pet Asian Leopard cat in Missouri, you will need to contact the Missouri Department of Agriculture for information regarding import permits. Please make sure to contact your local county and city government, and even your HOA if you have one, before getting an Asian leopard cat because there may be local restrictions on ownership.
Are Bengal Cats Legal In Missouri?
Yes, Bengal cats are legal in Missouri. While do not need a state permit to keep a Savannah Cat in Missouri, Please make sure to contact your local county and city government, and even your HOA if you have one, before getting a bengal cat because there may be local restrictions on ownership.
Are Skunks Legal In Missouri?
No, pet skunks are not legal in Missouri. You cannot keep a skunk as a pet in Missouri.
Are Opossums Legal In Missouri?
Yes, pet opossums are legal in Missouri with a Wildlife Hobby Permit or a Class I Wildlife Breeder permit.
A Wildlife Hobby Permit can be found here and costs $10. This permit only allows you to purchase a opossum from a Missouri wildlife breeder permit holder. This permit only allows you to keep one native game animal as a pet. Please note that it is still federally illegal to buy opossums from someone without a USDA permit.
A Class I wildlife breeder permit will allow you to possess opossums from USDA licensed breeders outside of Missouri. It cost $50 and can be found here. You will also need to contact the Missouri Department of Agriculture for information regarding import permits. The requirements for this breeder permit are a bit stricter and more information on them can be found in this document. Please remember it is still federally illegal to sell opossums without a USDA permit.
Are Bats Legal In Missouri?
No, pet bats are not legal in Missouri. You cannot keep a bat as a pet in Missouri.
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