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Broken Arrow, OK Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

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

Key Facts

Ban
Venomous reptiles, wild/exotic animals
Exception
City council permit required
Insurance
$50,000 minimum liability coverage
Penalty
Class A offense, per day

Summary

Broken Arrow, Oklahoma (Tulsa County) bans keeping venomous reptiles or any wild or exotic animal within city limits, with narrow exceptions for zoos, pet shops, and a discretionary permit issued by the city council.

It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to keep, maintain, possess or have under their control within the city any venomous reptile or any other wild or exotic animal. A wild or exotic animal shall be defined as one which would ordinarily be confined to a zoo, or one which would ordinarily be found in the wilderness of this or any other country, or one which otherwise causes a reasonable person to be fearful of bodily harm or significant destruction of property.

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 43).

Full Breakdown

The ordinance defines a wild or exotic animal as one ordinarily confined to a zoo, found in the wilderness, or that causes reasonable fear of bodily harm or property damage, not customary household or farm pets. To keep one, an owner needs a city council exotic animal permit backed by veterinarian certifications, a secure enclosure meeting Oklahoma Wildlife Commission and USDA standards, written notice to neighbors within 300 feet, and at least $50,000 in liability insurance. Even permitted animals cannot appear on public streets or sidewalks except in a fully enclosed cage; a leash alone never satisfies the restraint requirement.

Violations & Fines

Keeping a prohibited animal, or violating permit terms, is a class A offense, a separate offense each day, and can trigger permit revocation and removal of the animal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I own an exotic pet in Broken Arrow?
Only with a city council-approved exotic animal permit; otherwise keeping a venomous reptile or wild/exotic animal is banned citywide.
Are household pets or farm animals affected?
No: the ban excludes species customarily kept as household pets or domestic farm animals, plus aquarium fish, birds, and insects.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Broken Arrow

All Broken Arrow rules

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Exotic Pets in Nearby Cities

How other cities in this county handle exotic pets.

Tulsa, OK
Heavy Restrictions