Caldwell, ID Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Section 10-12-03-3(7) makes it unlawful for anyone in Caldwell to harbor, keep, maintain or possess a long list of wild and dangerous animals. The mammal list bars all marine mammals, all marsupials except the Virginia opossum, sugar gliders and bettongs, every member of the dog family (Canidae) other than domesticated dogs, meaning wolves, foxes, jackals and coyotes are prohibited, every member of the cat family (Felidae) other than domestic cats, hyenas and aardwolves, every mustelid other than domestic ferrets, raccoons other than Idaho's native raccoon, nonhuman primates, and most rodents other than domestic rats, mice, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils and squirrels.

The reptile list bars Aldabra and Galapagos tortoises, all crocodilians, anacondas, venomous elapid snakes such as coral snakes, Komodo dragons, sea turtles, tuataras, venomous viperid snakes such as rattlesnakes, cottonmouths and copperheads, and wild-caught Gila monsters and beaded lizards. Insects listed as agricultural pests by the USDA or the Idaho Department of Agriculture are also barred. Subsection (7)(B) extends the same prohibition to any animal listed as threatened or endangered under state or federal law, and to any illegally imported animal. S. S. Department of Agriculture.