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Billings, MT Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
City Code Sec. 4-301
Covers
Primates, big cats, wolves, venomous snakes
Exempt
Zoos, circuses, licensed exhibitions
Max penalty
$500 fine, 6 months jail

Summary

Billings prohibits keeping monkeys, big cats, wolves, poisonous snakes, and wolf-dog hybrids as pets or for display anywhere in the city.

No person shall possess, keep or permit to be kept on or off his/her premises within the city limits any wild animal or wild animal hybrid. ... Wild animal means any live monkey (nonhuman primate), raccoon, skunk, fox, poisonous snake, leopard, panther, tiger, lion, lynx, bobcat, coyote, wolf, warm-blooded animal taken from the wild state or bred in captivity, or any wild animal hybrid.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 66 Update 2).

Full Breakdown

City code section 4-301 bars anyone from possessing, keeping, selling, bartering, or releasing a "wild animal" within city limits, and separately bans keeping one for display or exhibition. The definition sweeps in nonhuman primates, raccoons, skunks, foxes, poisonous snakes, leopards, panthers, tigers, lions, lynx, bobcats, coyotes, wolves, and any wolf/dog hybrid. Zoos, licensed performing-animal exhibitions, and circuses are exempt. A wolf/dog hybrid found in someone's possession can be ordered surrendered to the animal shelter within 24 hours, with the owner summoned to municipal court to show cause why the animal shouldn't be euthanized or removed from the city.

Violations & Fines

Misdemeanor under Sec. 1-110(a): up to $500 fine and/or up to 6 months in jail, with each day of continued violation a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep a wolf-dog hybrid in Billings?
No. Wolf/dog hybrids are treated as wild animals under Sec. 4-301 and can be ordered surrendered within 24 hours, with a court deciding euthanasia or removal from the city.
Are zoos exempt from Billings' wild animal ban?
Yes. Sec. 4-301(b) exempts zoological parks, performing animal exhibitions, and circuses from the display/exhibition prohibition.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Billings

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All Billings rules

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