Fort Wayne, IN Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Indiana-native wild animals
- banned outright
- Other wild/exotic animals
- banned without federal/state permits
- Zoo/circus/education exemption
- yes, if licensed
- Relocation window after seizure
- 7 calendar days
- Fine range
- $50 to $2,500 per offense
Summary
Fort Wayne bans owning any wild animal native to Indiana and any dangerous wild or exotic animal, with narrow exceptions for licensed zoos and permitted species.
Ownership, possession, or maintenance of a wild animal indigenous to the State of Indiana is prohibited. No other wild or exotic animal shall be owned, possessed, or maintained without all required federal and state permits.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-60: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. G-19-26, passed 7-14-26, and Res. 83-19, passed 12-17-19 State legislation current through Legislative Service, 2025 Acts, Pamphlet No. 3).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 91.036 bars owning, possessing, or maintaining any wild animal indigenous to Indiana, and bars any other wild or exotic animal without all required federal and state permits. § 91.039 separately bans possessing, sheltering, harboring, buying, selling, or trading a "dangerous wild animal or dangerous exotic animal," exempting only licensed zoos, circuses, and educational or medical institutions. The Department of Animal Care and Control can seize a violating animal on the spot.
Violations & Fines
Seized animals get 7 days in protective custody for the owner to relocate them outside the city; unclaimed animals become Department property. Fines run $50-$2,500 per offense under § 91.999, with each day a separate offense, plus all impoundment and care costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a native Indiana wild animal as a pet in Fort Wayne?
What happens if Animal Care and Control seizes a prohibited exotic animal?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Wayne
Compare Fort Wayne to another location·View the Indiana animal ordinances overview
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