Bryan, TX Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Wild-animal ownership
- Prohibited citywide
- Exceptions
- Licensed dealers and zoos only
- Temporary keeping
- Case-by-case authority approval
- Max fine
- $500 per day
- Citation
- Sec. 10-12, Bryan Code
Summary
Bryan prohibits keeping or harboring any wild animal within city limits, with narrow exceptions for licensed commercial dealers and zoos with proper restraint facilities.
It shall be unlawful for any person to keep or harbor any wild animal within the city, except commercial establishments dealing in the sale of these animals and zoos that have proper facilities for restraint and care of these animals.
(b) The animal control authority or the local health authority under the Texas Health and Safety Code may set up conditions under which it would be permissible to keep or harbor wild animals in the city on a temporary basis.
(Ord. No. 2342 , § 1, 4-9-2019)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 31).
Full Breakdown
Bryan's animal control ordinance makes it unlawful to keep or harbor any wild animal in the city, defined broadly to include lions, tigers, bears, wolves and wolf hybrids, coyotes, apes, monkeys, foxes, baboons, skunks, raccoons, migratory birds and other nondomestic birds, and all poisonous, venomous or otherwise dangerous reptiles. The only standing exceptions are commercial establishments that sell such animals and zoos with proper restraint and care facilities. The animal control authority or local health authority can authorize temporary possession under set conditions, but there is no general permit for private ownership as a pet.
Violations & Fines
Violating the wild-animal ban is punishable by a fine up to $500 under Bryan's general penalty section, with each day of continued violation counted as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a pet fox, monkey, or exotic reptile in Bryan?
Are there any exceptions for exotic pet owners?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bryan
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Bryan to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
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Exotic Pets in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle exotic pets.