Marion County, OR Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- ORS 609.305–609.341
- Permit
- State Dept. of Agriculture
- New permits
- None since Jan 1, 2010
- Includes
- Big cats, primates, bears
- Excludes
- Domestic cats and dogs
Summary
Oregon bars new exotic-animal ownership. Under ORS 609.341 you may not keep an exotic animal without a valid State Department of Agriculture permit issued before January 1, 2010. ORS 609.305 defines exotic animals to include big cats, primates, non-domestic canids, most bears and crocodilians.
A person may not keep an exotic animal in this state unless the person possesses a valid State Department of Agriculture permit for that animal issued prior to January 1, 2010, or issued as provided in ORS 609.351.
Full Breakdown
Exotic-animal keeping is governed by Oregon statute, not a Marion County ordinance. ORS 609.305 defines 'exotic animal' as any non-native member of family Felidae (except the domestic cat), any nonhuman primate, any nonwolf non-native Canidae (except the domestic dog), any bear except the black bear, and any member of order Crocodylia. ORS 609.341 prohibits keeping such an animal without a valid pre-2010 State Department of Agriculture permit. Separately, ORS 609.205 lets a city or county prohibit by ordinance the keeping of wildlife and exotic animals. Common pets like domestic cats, dogs, birds, reptiles and small mammals are not 'exotic animals.'
Violations & Fines
Keeping an exotic animal without the required State Department of Agriculture permit violates ORS 609.341. The Department of Agriculture may seize animals; violations carry statutory penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a permit for a new exotic pet?
Is a large snake or reptile an exotic animal?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Marion County
Compare Marion County to another location·View the Oregon animal ordinances overview
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