Davis County, UT Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Davis County Code § 6.16.130
- Rule
- Possession, sale or keeping of wild animals banned
- Exceptions
- Zoos, vets, licensed circuses, DWR-permitted educators, shelters
- Requirement
- Approved confinement even for exempt keepers
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor under section 6.16.130
- Adopted
- Ordinance 07-2004, effective August 17, 2004
Summary
Davis County Code section 6.16.130 makes it unlawful to own, possess, keep or sell any wild animal in the unincorporated county, with narrow exceptions for zoos, veterinarians, wildlife-permitted educators and licensed circuses. Anyone lawfully holding one must use Animal Care-approved confinement and comply with every state, county and federal law governing that animal.
It shall be unlawful for any person or entity to: Own, possess, give, keep, or sell any wild animal as defined in this title except only for the following persons or entities; The Department which has impounded or otherwise obtained possession of a wild animal; Veterinarian or veterinarian facility which is treating the animal; A licensed zoological facility or zoo; An educational or scientific facility or laboratory owned and operated by a governmental entity or a licensed individual or private non-profit corporation for educational or a scientific purpose; A circus or other entertainment person or entity having the necessary and appropriate license or governmental permit for the wild animal; An animal shelter; or A person or entity authorized by the Utah State Department of Wildlife Resources to possess and use the wild animal for educational or scientific purposes. Keep or maintain a wild animal on the premises of the owner other than under a controlled confinement. Allow the animal to run at large or to maintain, transport, display, or use the animal in a manner which endangers any person whether on the premises of the owner or elsewhere.
Full Breakdown
130 bans owning, possessing, giving away, keeping or selling any wild animal, as the county defines that term, anywhere in unincorporated Davis County. The ban carries a short list of exceptions: the Davis County Animal Care Department itself once it has impounded a wild animal, a treating veterinarian or veterinary facility, a licensed zoo, a government-owned or nonprofit educational or scientific facility, a circus or entertainment operation holding the necessary license or permit, an animal shelter, and anyone the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has separately authorized to hold the animal for education or research.
Even someone who fits an exception may not keep a wild animal outside a controlled confinement, let it run at large, or transport, display or use it in a way that endangers any person. Anyone lawfully in possession must maintain protective devices and procedures the Animal Care Department approves as adequate to keep the animal from escaping, running at large, or injuring the public or other animals, and must comply with every applicable federal, state, city and county law on the care, keeping, treatment, quarantine and vaccination of that animal. 050.
Violations & Fines
Anyone who owns, possesses, or sells a wild animal outside the listed exceptions is guilty of a misdemeanor under section 6.16.130, and so is a permitted keeper who fails to maintain approved confinement, lets the animal run at large, or ignores the required care, quarantine and vaccination rules. Davis County Animal Care may seize the animal in either case, and the same chapter lets officers impound any animal found at large under section 6.16.080.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a wild animal as a pet in unincorporated Davis County?
What happens if my permit lets me keep a wild animal but I don't confine it properly?
Does the exception for zoos and circuses cover traveling exhibits?
Who enforces the wild animal ban?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Davis County
Compare Davis County to another location·View the Utah animal ordinances overview
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