Gautier, MS Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Jackson County regulates exotic animal ownership primarily through Mississippi state law under MS Code §49-8-5 (Wild Animals - Permits) and Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) regulations. Inherently dangerous animals include large cats (lions, tigers, leopards, cheetahs, cougars), non-human primates over 35 pounds, bears, wolves and wolf hybrids, crocodilians over 5 feet, and venomous snakes. Possession requires an MDWFP permit with proof of proper caging (per MS Administrative Code Title 40 Part 2), liability insurance of at least $100,000, and a disaster response plan - critical for Gulf Coast Jackson County given hurricane evacuation requirements. Permits cost $250 annually and require USDA Class C exhibitor licensing in most cases. Primates pose zoonotic disease risks and are heavily restricted. Ferrets, hedgehogs, and sugar gliders are legal without special permits. Native wildlife (raccoons, squirrels, deer) cannot be kept as pets under MS Code §49-7-37. Jackson County Animal Control and MDWFP conservation officers conduct joint enforcement. Escaped exotic animals create public safety emergencies and are routinely euthanized. In hurricane zones, exotic animal owners must pre-arrange evacuation transport and inland housing.