Brunswick County, NC Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Brunswick County Code Article IX, Sec. 1-3-401, defines exotic animals as those "strikingly or excitingly different or unusual and not ordinarily kept as a pet," naming lions, tigers, apes, monkeys, poisonous reptiles and poisonous spiders as examples, along with any hybrid of them; wild animals include wild cats, wolves, bears and raccoons. Non-poisonous reptiles, rodents, fish and birds are exempt, as are licensed research/education institutions, pet shops, and traveling fairs, circuses and carnivals (Sec. 1-3-402). Under Sec. 1-3-403, every owner must obtain a permit from the sheriff before keeping such an animal in the county; non-residents bringing one in for 24+ hours need a temporary permit, and regular short-term visits require an annual permit.

The application must include the animal's origin and species, enclosure design and square footage, and proof of insurance (minimum $100,000 per person / $1,000,000 per occurrence for bodily injury, plus $50,000 property damage coverage) or an equivalent surety bond. The sheriff inspects the enclosure before issuing the permit, which runs on the county's fiscal year (beginning July 1) and costs $100, with renewal due 30 days before the fiscal year ends and a reinstatement fee of double the original fee after revocation. Permits are non-transferable and must be posted at the enclosure; the sheriff may inspect at least annually. Enclosures themselves must meet the construction standards in Sec. 1-3-405. This article governs unincorporated Brunswick County only, not the incorporated towns within the county.