Clayton County, GA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- County article
- Ch. 14, Art. III (Wild & Exotic)
- Covers
- Primates, big cats, wolves, bears, reptiles
- State license
- Georgia DNR wild-animal permit
- Catch-all
- Animal control unit may designate
- Enforcement
- Animal Control + Georgia DNR
Summary
Clayton County Code Chapter 14, Article III (Wild and Exotic Animals) prohibits keeping listed wild and exotic species, including primates, big cats, wolves, bears, venomous and constrictor reptiles, and others. Georgia also requires a state wild-animal license from the DNR.
Wild and exotic animals include any monkey or other nonhuman primate, raccoon, skunk, wolf, squirrel, fox, leopard, panther, tiger, lion, lynx, ferret, bear, wild rabbit, wild rodent and reptiles, including crocodiles, alligators, snakes, caiman and gavials, and any other animal designated by the animal control unit.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 104).
Full Breakdown
Clayton County's Chapter 14, Article III (Wild and Exotic Animals) covers animals not naturally domesticated. The code lists wild and exotic animals as any monkey or other nonhuman primate, raccoon, skunk, wolf, squirrel, fox, leopard, panther, tiger, lion, lynx, ferret, bear, wild rabbit, wild rodent, and reptiles including crocodiles, alligators, snakes, caiman, and gavials, plus any other animal designated by the animal control unit. Keeping such animals is restricted or prohibited within the county. On top of the local rule, Georgia law is strict: the Department of Natural Resources requires a wild-animal license or permit for many species and flatly bans possession of certain inherently dangerous animals, so residents cannot legally keep most exotics regardless of the county provision.
Violations & Fines
Possessing a prohibited wild or exotic animal is an ordinance violation subject to seizure and impoundment by Animal Control, and can trigger separate state charges and confiscation by Georgia DNR law enforcement under the wild-animal license rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep an exotic pet like a monkey or big cat in Clayton County?
Which animals are treated as wild or exotic?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Clayton County
Compare Clayton County to another location·View the Georgia animal ordinances overview
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