Edison, NJ Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Rule
- Wild/dangerous species banned as pets
- Exceptions
- Zoos, labs, licensed exhibitors only
- Venomous snakes
- Institutions/importers only
- Citation
- Code § 9-24.5.b
Summary
Edison Township bars keeping any wild, ferocious, or dangerous mammal or reptile species outside licensed zoos, labs, or exhibitions.
No person shall keep an animal of a mammal or reptile species which is wild, ferocious, fierce, dangerous or naturally inclined to do harm in any place other than:
(a) A zoological park or aquarium;
(b) An approved laboratory;
(c) A circus, sideshow or other place of public exhibition or amusement, an educational or scientific institution or an establishment of a commercial dealer in animals, which has protective devices which are adequate to prevent such animal from escaping or injuring the public.
2. An animal of a species specified in paragraph 1. above shall not be sold or given to any person or institution except those set forth in paragraph b. above.
3. A venomous snake shall not be sold to, given to or kept by any person except an educational or scientific institution, a zoological park or aquarium, a snake farm engaged in the preparation of antivenin or an importer of animals.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4904708; v19 updated 2026-03-25; through 03-25-2026).
Full Breakdown
Under Edison Township Code § 9-24.5.b, no one may keep a wild, ferocious, fierce, dangerous, or naturally harm-inclined mammal or reptile anywhere except a zoological park or aquarium, an approved laboratory, or a licensed circus, exhibition, educational institution, or commercial animal dealer with adequate containment. Such animals also cannot be sold or given away except to those same licensed entities, and venomous snakes may only go to educational/scientific institutions, zoos, aquariums, snake farms producing antivenin, or animal importers.
Violations & Fines
Violations are enforced by the Township Division of Health/Zoning Officer; penalty per the general code violation schedule in Chapter I, § 1-5.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a pet wolf or venomous snake in Edison?
What if the animal is contained safely?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Edison
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