Cary, NC Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Notice required
- 24 hours before bringing animal in
- Permits
- Valid federal/state permit required
- Confinement
- Humane, secure enclosure or restraint
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor + confiscation
Summary
The Town of Cary requires a valid federal or state permit plus secure confinement or restraint before anyone may keep an exotic or wild animal within town limits in Wake County, North Carolina.
Permit required to own; confinement and control. It shall be unlawful for any owner of any exotic or wild animal to keep or maintain any such animal within the town unless any required federal and/or state permits have been obtained and are currently valid ... and the animal is: (1) Confined within a humane and secure enclosure, as approved by the animal control officer, in accordance with humane practices; or (2) Securely muzzled, if required, and under restraint by a competent person...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2023 S-87_S-57: Current through local ordinance 2022-Code-05, passed 11-17-2022 and effective 11-17-2022 | LDO: Current through local ordinance 2022-LDO-04, passed 11-17-22 and effective 11-17-22).
Full Breakdown
Under Cary Code of Ordinances § 6-63, owners must notify the animal control unit or police at least 24 hours before bringing an exotic or wild animal into town and provide copies of any required federal or state permits. The animal must be kept in a humane, secure enclosure approved by animal control, or securely muzzled and restrained. Animals not properly confined, lacking valid permits, or that injure a person or property may be confiscated, and one that escapes and poses a continuing public-safety threat may be slain by police or animal control if capture is not practical.
Violations & Fines
Violating § 6-63 is a misdemeanor; the animal may also be confiscated and kept at the owner's expense pending resolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I own an exotic or wild animal in Cary, NC?
What happens if an exotic animal escapes in Cary?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cary
Compare Cary to another location·View the North Carolina animal ordinances overview
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Exotic Pets in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Wake County handle exotic pets.