Chester County, PA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

This is a rare county-level rule with real teeth. The Chester County Health Department's Veterinary Public Health regulation (§202.7) prohibits animals recognized as high-risk for rabies transmission from being sold, distributed, imported, or housed in the county, other than by authorized zoos, exhibitions, and research institutions. High-risk animals are defined to include wolves, bats, skunks, foxes, raccoons, and bobcats. Importantly, no high-risk wild animal may be imported or housed anywhere in Chester County without first obtaining permission from the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Live turtles cannot be sold unless certified free of Salmonella. Beyond these county rules, exotic species like big cats, primates, and venomous reptiles are also regulated under PA Game Commission and Department of Agriculture permits.