Arlington, TX Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Under Texas Health & Safety Code §822.101 et seq., 'dangerous wild animals' include lions, tigers, cougars, bears, coyotes, chimpanzees, gorillas, baboons, and certain crocodilians. Ownership requires annual registration with the local animal registration agency (Arlington Animal Services), $100,000 liability insurance, a secure enclosure meeting state standards, and veterinary care plans. Arlington Code Chapter 8 further prohibits possession of dangerous wild animals within city limits in most residential zones, meaning state permits alone are not sufficient. Texas Parks & Wildlife Code Chapter 43 Subchapter E regulates 'non-game wildlife' such as native raccoons, opossums, skunks, and foxes, which generally cannot be kept as pets without a rehabilitator permit. Reptiles and amphibians: venomous snakes require a Non-Game Permit from TPWD; common non-venomous species (ball pythons, bearded dragons, corn snakes) are unregulated. Exotic birds including parrots, cockatoos, and finches are permitted. CITES-listed species require federal permits. Wolf-dog hybrids are treated as exotic animals in Arlington and require animal control approval. Prohibited entirely in Arlington: skunks (rabies vector), bats, and any animal removed from the wild in Texas without proper permits.