Davenport, IA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Banned
- Venomous snakes, large cats, primates
- Also Banned
- Bears, wolves, foxes, fur-bearers
- Ferrets
- Allowed (excepted)
- Enforcement
- Immediate seizure as contraband
- Code Section
- DMC 6.04.100
Summary
Davenport bans keeping wild, exotic, or dangerous animals, including venomous snakes, large cats, primates, bears, wolves, foxes, and non-fowl fur-bearers, under Section 6.04.100. Violators face immediate seizure, and an animal roaming at large may be destroyed.
It shall be unlawful for any person to own, possess, harbor, maintain, sell or traffic in any of the following wild, exotic or dangerous animals: 1. All poisonous snakes and poisonous reptiles; all nonpoisonous snakes greater than 10 feet in length; Gila monsters, alligators, crocodiles and caimans;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4820400; v43 updated 2026-03-11; through 03-11-2026).
Full Breakdown
Municipal Code Section 6.04.100 makes it unlawful to own, harbor, sell, or traffic in listed wild, exotic, or dangerous animals: all poisonous snakes and reptiles, non-poisonous snakes over 10 feet, Gila monsters, alligators and crocodilians, primates, any non-domestic feline, bears, raccoons, skunks and similar fur-bearers (except ferrets), foxes, wolves, coyotes, and any animal known to be vicious or dangerous. Exemptions cover zoos, veterinary hospitals, licensed research, wildlife rehabilitators, and assistance primates. Such animals are a public nuisance per se; one found roaming at large may be destroyed at the officer's discretion, and a kept animal is subject to immediate seizure as contraband.
Violations & Fines
Keeping a prohibited animal brings immediate seizure as contraband, held three business days before euthanasia or placement with an exempt facility; the owner pays all seizure and impoundment costs. Roaming exotics may be destroyed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I own an exotic pet like a monkey or venomous snake in Davenport?
Are ferrets or large snakes allowed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Davenport
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