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El Paso, TX Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Light Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified April 2026

Key Facts

Dangerous Wild
Prohibited residentially
State Authority
TX Parks & Wildlife Ch. 43
Allowed
Common reptiles, birds, small mammals
Venomous Snakes
State permit required
Penalty
Up to $4,000 Class A misdemeanor

Summary

El Paso Chapter 7.04 and Texas Parks and Wildlife Code Chapter 43 prohibit keeping dangerous wild animals such as large cats, bears, primates, and venomous reptiles without state exotic permits.

Sec. 822.101. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter: ... (4) "Dangerous wild animal" means:(A) a lion;(B) a tiger;(C) an ocelot;(D) a cougar;(E) a leopard;(F) a cheetah;(G) a jaguar;(H) a bobcat;(I) a lynx;(J) a serval;(K) a caracal;(L) a hyena;(M) a bear;(N) a coyote;(O) a jackal;(P) a baboon;(Q) a chimpanzee;(R) an orangutan;(S) a gorilla; or(T) any hybrid of an animal listed in this subdivision. Sec. 822.103. CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION; FEES. (a) A person may not own, harbor, or have custody or control of a dangerous wild animal for any purpose unless the person holds a certificate of registration for that animal issued by an animal registration agency.

Source: El Paso City CodeView official code

Full Breakdown

Texas Parks and Wildlife Code and Health and Safety Code Chapter 822 (Subchapter E) require registration and specific caging for dangerous wild animals including lions, tigers, leopards, non-human primates, crocodiles, and alligators. El Paso prohibits keeping these animals in residential zones entirely regardless of state permit. Small exotics like geckos, bearded dragons, ferrets, and parrots are allowed without permit. Venomous snakes (rattlesnakes, coral snakes) require special state permits and are strongly discouraged at residences. Wildlife native to Texas captured from the desert requires Texas Parks and Wildlife permits.

Violations & Fines

Illegal exotic: Class A misdemeanor, up to $4,000 and one year jail plus seizure. State permit violations add separate penalties up to $10,000.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep a monkey or big cat in El Paso?
No. Dangerous wild animals including primates and large cats are prohibited in El Paso residential zones regardless of state permits.
Are ferrets or sugar gliders legal in El Paso?
Yes. Small common exotics such as ferrets, sugar gliders, and most reptiles are legal without permit.

Sources & Official References

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All El Paso rules

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