Ada County, ID Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Ada County Code 5-7-4
- Banned
- Big cats, primates, bears, venomous snakes
- Marine mammals
- Prohibited
- Exceptions
- Zoos, vets, permitted holders
- Penalty
- Impoundment; misdemeanor
Summary
Ada County Code 5-7-4 makes it unlawful to keep a long list of exotic and wild animals - including big cats, wild canids, primates, bears, venomous snakes, crocodilians, and marine mammals. Only domesticated cats and dogs and a few named small pets are allowed.
Prohibited Animals: It shall be unlawful for any person to harbor, keep, maintain or possess within the County any of the following animals: ... All members of the family Felidae (cat family), except domesticated cats. All members of the family Canidae (dog family), except domesticated dogs. All nonhuman primates.
Full Breakdown
Under 5-7-4, it is unlawful to harbor or possess prohibited animals in the county, including all wild members of the cat and dog families, nonhuman primates, bears, bats, elephants, marine mammals, raccoons, hyenas, most reptiles such as crocodilians, sea turtles, and non-native venomous snakes, plus threatened or endangered species. Permitted exceptions are narrow: accredited zoos, licensed veterinary hospitals, accredited educational/medical institutions, and holders of Idaho Fish and Game or Idaho Department of Agriculture permits (including raptor/falconry permits). Domestic rats, mice, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, squirrels, ferrets, sugar gliders, and Virginia opossums are among the small animals not prohibited.
Violations & Fines
Prohibited animals may be impounded by the Animal Control Agency and the owner is liable for related fees and costs (5-7-4(E)); keeping a prohibited animal is enforceable as a misdemeanor under 5-7-23.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a monkey, wolf-dog, or big cat in Ada County?
Are any exotic animals allowed by exception?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ada County
Compare Ada County to another location·View the Idaho animal ordinances overview
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