Cedar Park, TX Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Rule
- Outright possession ban
- Covers
- Big cats, primates, venomous reptiles
- Exempt
- Dogs, cats, livestock, household pets
- Enforcement
- Animal Control seizure authority
Summary
Cedar Park bans possessing lions, tigers, venomous reptiles, non-human primates, bears, and other dangerous wild animals as pets anywhere within city limits.
Dangerous wild animal. A lion, tiger, ocelot, cougar, leopard, cheetah, jaguar, bobcat, lynx, serval, caracal, hyena, bear, coyote, jackal, baboon, chimpanzee, orangutan, gorilla, or any hybrid thereof... all nonhuman primates... all venomous reptiles and amphibians of any size and constricting reptiles of six (6) feet or more in length... alligators, bats, crocodiles, emus, ostriches, or any hybrid of such animals. ... It shall be unlawful to possess, harbor, or maintain, or have care, custody, or control of a dangerous wild animal within the City.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4973212; v14 updated 2026-06-25).
Full Breakdown
Section 2.10.002 makes it unlawful to possess, harbor, or maintain, or have care, custody, or control of a dangerous wild animal within the City. The definition sweeps broadly: named big cats and other listed species, all nonhuman primates, venomous reptiles and amphibians of any size, constricting snakes six feet or longer, alligators, and crocodiles, among others, while exempting dogs, cats, ferrets, potbellied pigs, common household birds, and livestock kept under the city's separate livestock rules.
Violations & Fines
Possessing a dangerous wild animal within city limits is a Class C misdemeanor; Animal Control may seize the animal, and the city isn't liable for its destruction if it poses an imminent danger.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I legally own a big snake or exotic reptile in Cedar Park?
Are potbellied pigs allowed as pets in Cedar Park?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cedar Park
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Cedar Park to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
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Exotic Pets in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Williamson County handle exotic pets.