Did You Know These Pets Are Banned In Texas?

By Ginny Reese

May 3, 2022

Photo: Getty Images

No matter how cute or "cool" they are, some exotic pets are banned from being owned in Texas.

Owning exotic pets isn't a new concept, people have had out-of-the-ordinary companions for many years. But now, people are taking it to new extremes, especially as binge-worthy shows such as "Joe Exotic" have remained popular among audiences.

Stacker compiled a list of which pets are banned in each state. The website states, "Some states have exceptions or require owners to obtain permits for particular animals, while a handful of states have no specific requirements for owning wild animals as pets."

So just what animals are you not allowed to own?

Here is a list of the seven pets that are banned in Texas:

  • lion
  • tiger
  • ocelot
  • cougar
  • leopard
  • cheetah
  • jaguar
  • chimpanzee
  • orangutan

The website explains:

"Texas requires a certificate of registration to own what it considers dangerous wild animals. If an animal attacks a human, the owner must notify the registration agency within 48 hours—and if it escapes, immediately."

To see what animals are banned in other states, click here.

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