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Cheyenne, WY Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Wild/exotic pets
Prohibited citywide
Venomous species
Barred outright
Exempt pets
Cagebirds, nonpoisonous reptiles, small rodents
Max penalty
$750 fine / 6 months jail

Summary

Cheyenne prohibits owning any wild or exotic animal in the city, with narrow exceptions for small cagebirds, aquatic or nonpoisonous reptiles, and small rodents kept solely as pets.

No person shall own any wild or exotic animal within the city limits, except that this restriction shall not apply to the keeping of small cagebirds or aquatic, amphibian or nonpoisonous reptilian animals or small rodents such as hamsters, guinea pigs or gerbils kept solely as pets. The prohibitions imposed under this section shall also not apply to any zoological garden, theatrical exhibit, circus, legally incorporated college, university or school.

(Ord. No. 4544, § 1, 1-22-24)

Source: Cheyenne Title 4 AnimalsView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 73).

Full Breakdown

City Code 6.08.060 bars anyone from owning a wild or exotic animal within city limits. The ban doesn't reach small cagebirds, aquatic, amphibian or nonpoisonous reptilian pets, or small rodents like hamsters, guinea pigs and gerbils. Zoos, theatrical exhibits, circuses, and accredited colleges, universities or schools are also exempt. A separate provision, 6.08.100, bans poisonous or venomous biting/injecting amphibians, arachnids and reptiles (including snakes) outright, with an exemption only for educational facilities, circuses or entertainment organizations that keep them securely confined.

Violations & Fines

Violating either section is a misdemeanor under the animal title's general penalty, City Code 1.24.010: up to a $750 fine, up to six months in jail, or both, with each day a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep a pet snake in Cheyenne?
Only if it's nonpoisonous and nonvenomous; poisonous or venomous biting/injecting reptiles are banned outright under 6.08.100.
Are hamsters or guinea pigs affected?
No. Section 6.08.060 exempts small rodents like hamsters, guinea pigs and gerbils kept solely as pets.

Sources & Official References

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All Cheyenne rules

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