Salt Lake County, UT Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Wild animal ownership
- Prohibited
- Definition source
- 50 C.F.R. wild animal list
- Exempt
- Zoos, shelters, vets, licensed facilities
- Penalty
- Class B misdemeanor or felony
Summary
It's a crime to keep, sell, or give away a wild animal in unincorporated Salt Lake County unless the animal is at a licensed shelter, zoo, vet hospital, or similar permitted facility.
It is unlawful for any person to sell, offer for sale, barter, give away, keep, own, harbor or purchase any wild animal, as defined in Title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations or any other law or regulation; or which is otherwise a dangerous animal or a nuisance as defined in this title. A person who violates this section shall be subject to a Class B misdemeanor or felony as permitted by state law.B.The prohibitions of subsection A of this section shall not apply to a person, animal shelter, zoological park, veterinary hospital, 501(c)(3) animal welfare shelter, public laboratory, circus, sideshow, amusement show, or facility for education or scientific research if such organizations are otherwise licensed or permitted as provided in this title, and such animals are restrained or confined in such a manner as to prevent their escape and/or injury to the public. (Ord. No. 1877, § VII, 4-27-2021)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 49).
Full Breakdown
Code § 8.06.110 makes it unlawful to sell, offer for sale, barter, give away, keep, own, harbor, or purchase any wild animal as defined in Title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations, or any animal that is otherwise dangerous or a nuisance. The ban doesn't apply to licensed shelters, zoological parks, veterinary hospitals, 501(c)(3) welfare shelters, public labs, circuses, or education/research facilities that keep the animals confined so they can't escape or injure the public.
Violations & Fines
Keeping a prohibited wild animal is a Class B misdemeanor or, where state law allows, a felony.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep an exotic wild animal as a pet in Salt Lake County?
What's the penalty for keeping a banned wild animal?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Salt Lake County
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