Aurora, CO Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Governs
- Aurora, Colorado city limits
- Big cats/primates/bears
- Prohibited, no exception
- Venomous animals/large pythons
- Banned, even for exhibitors
- Burden of proof
- On owner if status uncertain
- Livestock (chickens, etc.)
- Separate rule, zoning-dependent
Summary
Aurora, Colorado bans owning venomous animals, big cats, primates, bears, large reptiles and other wild species as pets, with narrow exceptions.
It shall be unlawful for any person to own, possess, harbor, sell or in any other manner traffic in the following species of animals: (1) All poisonous or venomous animals, anacondas, reticulated pythons, Burmese pythons and amethystine pythons. (2) All other nonvenomous snakes with a length greater than six feet... (4) Gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans, baboons, and any other primates. (5) Any species of feline not falling within the categories of ordinary domesticated house cats. (6) Bears of any species.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-30, passed June 22, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Aurora City Code § 14-8 makes it unlawful to own, possess or traffic in venomous animals, large constrictor snakes, snakes over six feet, reptiles over three feet, primates, non-domestic felines, bears, raccoons/skunks/badgers-type species, foxes/wolves/coyotes, crocodilians and monitor lizards, plus any non-indigenous animal not classed as a household pet. Licensed circuses, research institutions and state-licensed wildlife rehabbers are exempt, except venomous animals and the listed pythons, which have no exception. Livestock (defined in § 14-1) is separately barred unless a zoning district allows it.
Violations & Fines
Unlawful possession under § 14-8; presumed prohibited if status is uncertain until the owner proves otherwise in municipal court. Animal protection officers may seize at-large animals, and may euthanize immediately when a dangerous wild or exotic animal cannot be safely restrained.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a large python or venomous snake in Aurora, Colorado?
Are big cats or primates legal as pets in Aurora?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Aurora
Compare Aurora to another location·View the Colorado animal ordinances overview
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Exotic Pets in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Arapahoe County handle exotic pets.