Columbia, MO Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Covered animals
- Covers lions, wolves, venomous reptiles, primates
- Exemption
- Zoos, circuses, labs, vets exempted
- Enforcement
- Animal impounded immediately if found
- Penalty
- Up to $1,000 fine or 30 days jail
Summary
Columbia, Missouri bans keeping lions, wolves, venomous reptiles, primates, and other 'dangerous exotic animals' as pets anywhere within city limits.
No person shall keep, harbor, own or knowingly allow to be in or upon the person's premises any dangerous exotic animal. The provisions of this section shall not apply to a properly maintained and licensed zoological park, circus, scientific or educational institution, research laboratory or veterinary hospital.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 138).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 5-9(a) makes it unlawful for anyone in Columbia, Boone County, to keep, harbor, own, or knowingly allow a dangerous exotic animal on their property. Section 5-1 defines the category to include lions, tigers, leopards, cheetahs, bears, hyenas, wolves, coyotes, mountain lions, bobcats, venomous reptiles and arthropods, and all nonhuman primates. The ban doesn't reach a licensed zoological park, circus, scientific or educational institution, research laboratory, or veterinary hospital. Any animal control officer who finds one of these animals must impound it immediately, entering the property under a warrant if the owner refuses consent.
Violations & Fines
Keeping a dangerous exotic animal is a chapter 5 misdemeanor punishable by up to a $1,000 fine or 30 days' confinement under § 5-16, and the animal is impounded and billed to the owner under § 5-9(c).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I own a pet wolf or venomous snake in Columbia, Missouri?
Are zoos and vet clinics exempt from the exotic-animal ban?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Columbia
Compare Columbia to another location·View the Missouri animal ordinances overview
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