Beaverton, OR Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Rule
- No wild/exotic/dangerous animals
- Exempt
- Zoos, vets, service animals
- Penalty class
- Class 1 Civil Infraction
- Applies
- Citywide, Washington County
Summary
Beaverton prohibits keeping any wild, exotic, or dangerous animal within city limits, with narrow exceptions for institutions, circuses, veterinarians, and assistance animals.
Except as otherwise provided in BC 5.05.043, no person shall keep a wild, exotic or dangerous animal.
Full Breakdown
BC 5.05.040 bars any person from keeping a wild, exotic, or dangerous animal in the City of Beaverton, Washington County, except as allowed under BC 5.05.043. BC 5.05.037 defines Exotic Animal to include lions, tigers, leopards, cheetahs, ocelots, non-domestic cats, monkeys, apes, non-domestic canines, and bears other than black bears; Wild Animal covers cougar, bobcat, coyote, raccoon, and similar native species; Dangerous Animal covers pythons of eight feet or more, alligators, crocodiles, and venomous reptiles. BC 5.05.043 exempts educational or medical institutions, circuses, licensed veterinarians, physically impaired persons using assistance animals, and public agencies.
Violations & Fines
Violation of the Nuisance Ordinance, including BC 5.05.040, is a Class 1 Civil Infraction under BC 5.05.255, with each day of continued violation a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I legally own a python in Beaverton?
Are there exceptions to Beaverton's exotic animal ban?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Beaverton
Compare Beaverton to another location·View the Oregon animal ordinances overview
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Exotic Pets in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Washington County handle exotic pets.