Georgia has strict exotic pet laws under OCGA §27-5. Atlanta residents cannot keep big cats, primates, venomous reptiles, wolves, or bears without a state wild animal license.
Georgia law treats most exotic animals as inherently dangerous wildlife. Prohibited for private ownership without a state license include all big cats (lions, tigers, leopards), non-human primates, kangaroos, wolves and wolf hybrids, bears, crocodilians, venomous snakes, and most raptors. Common pets such as dogs, cats, domestic ferrets (yes, legal), parrots, turtles (with carapace rules), aquarium fish, and standard reptiles including ball pythons and bearded dragons are allowed. Atlanta enforces state law through Animal Services. Discovery of an illegal exotic pet typically results in seizure and placement with a licensed facility.
Illegal exotic ownership is a state misdemeanor with escalation to a felony for multiple violations. Animals are typically seized.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Fulton County.
See how other cities in Fulton County handle exotic pets.
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