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Floyd County, IN Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Core rule
Registration required, not an outright ban
Who registers with
The animal shelter
Registration includes
Owner contact info and animal description
Fee
May be waived at shelter's discretion
First-offense fine
$50 to $200

Summary

Unincorporated Floyd County does not ban exotic animals outright but requires owners to register them with the animal shelter, covering everything from big cats and primates to native wildlife like raccoons and foxes; dangerous exotic animals also need a secure, county-standard enclosure.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Floyd County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

EXOTIC ANIMAL. ... Any animal that is not normally considered to be a domesticated animal, as defined in this section; any animal required to have a state and/or federal permit to harbor. ... EXOTIC ANIMAL includes, but is not limited to: nonhuman primates; venomous, cold-blooded reptiles; poisonous animals; constrictor snakes three feet or longer; crocodillans five feet or longer; wild or exotic cats, including cheetahs, lions, panthers, leopards, servals, ocelots and tigers (excluding feral cats); wolves; bears; sharks; elephants; and camels. ... All exotic animals, as defined this chapter, shall be registered with the animal shelter.

View official code

Full Breakdown

021 requires that "[a]ll exotic animals, as defined this chapter, shall be registered with the animal shelter," with the registration including the owner's name, address, and phone number, plus a description of the animal to help animal control locate the owner if the animal runs at large or during an emergency. 021(C). 057 can trigger the heavier containment rule: a covered structure at least six feet high, installed below ground level or set in concrete to stop digging, with a secure lock and adequate space for the animal to move. 999(B)(1), rising to $100 to $250 for a second or subsequent violation.

Violations & Fines

Failing to register an exotic animal with the animal shelter violates § 93.021 and draws a fine of $50 to $200 for a first offense, rising to $100 to $250 for a second or subsequent offense under § 93.999(B)(1). An exotic animal also declared dangerous under § 93.057 must meet the heightened enclosure standard for dangerous animals or risk impoundment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I own an exotic animal in unincorporated Floyd County?
The county code does not ban exotic animals, but § 93.021 requires registering the animal with the animal shelter, including your contact information and a description of the animal so officers can identify its owner if it escapes.
What animals count as exotic under Floyd County's code?
Section 93.001 lists nonhuman primates, venomous reptiles, large constrictor snakes, big cats such as lions and tigers, wolves, bears, elephants, and camels, plus native wildlife including bobcats, raccoons, coyotes, foxes, and skunks, among others.
Is there a fee to register an exotic animal in Floyd County?
The animal shelter may charge a registration fee, but § 93.021(C) allows the shelter to waive any such fee at its own discretion, so the amount is not fixed by the ordinance itself.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Floyd County

Dog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsMicrochippingSome RestrictionsMandatory Spay/NeuterLight RestrictionsCat RulesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: FireworksSignificant RestrictionsSpecial Events & Permits: Parade PermitsSignificant RestrictionsEnvironmental Rules: Erosion ControlSome RestrictionsEnvironmental Rules: Stormwater ManagementSome Restrictions

All Floyd County rules

Compare Floyd County to another location·View the Indiana animal ordinances overview

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