St. Louis County, MO Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Covered species
- Wild cats, primates, bears, wolves, venomous reptiles
- Application fee
- $25, nonrefundable
- Insurance required
- $100,000 liability policy or bond
- Enclosure setback
- 100 feet from property line
- Max penalty
- $1,000 fine, 1 year jail
Summary
Lions, primates, bears, wolves, coyotes, foxes and venomous reptiles are legal in St. Louis County only under a Director-issued nondomestic animal license, not as free-roaming pets.
It shall be unlawful for any person to bring into, receive into, buy, sell or possess in St. Louis County a nondomestic animal as defined herein without first applying for and obtaining a license from the Director. No license shall be required for the uninterrupted transportation of nondomestic animals through St. Louis County.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 85 | Traffic: Supplement 80).
Full Breakdown
The Nondomestic Animal Code doesn't ban wild pets outright, but it locks them behind a licensing gate: anyone who brings in, buys, sells or possesses a listed nondomestic animal needs a license from the Director of the Department of Community Health and Medical Care first. Applicants must show a $100,000 liability policy or surety bond, meet 1975 AAZPA cage standards, and keep outdoor enclosures at least 100 feet from any property line. Zoos, licensed pet shops and circuses are exempt.
Violations & Fines
Keeping a nondomestic animal without a license, or letting one escape confinement, is a Section 629.120 misdemeanor: up to $1,000 fine and up to one year in the County Jail, plus the animal can be ordered euthanized under Section 629.110.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a pet wolf or venomous snake in unincorporated St. Louis County?
Does a St. Louis County nondomestic license apply everywhere in the county?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in St. Louis County
Compare St. Louis County to another location·View the Missouri animal ordinances overview
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