Greeley, CO Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit source
- State (CPW) or federal agency
- City-issued permit
- None available
- Covers
- Big cats, bears, venomous reptiles, wolves
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor offense + impoundment
Summary
Greeley bans keeping any 'wild animal', big cats, bears, venomous reptiles, wolves, raccoons and dozens of other named species, as a pet without a state or federal wildlife permit.
No person may keep a wild animal or wild bird unless such person has the permit or license described in section 10-237. Any finding of violation of the section shall be a misdemeanor offense, and the wild animal or wild bird is subject to impoundment prior to a finding of violation. This chapter does not apply to displays or exhibitions regulated elsewhere by state, county or federal law, including, but not limited to, zoological parks, performing animal exhibitions or circuses.
(Code 1994, § 7.28.010; Ord. No. 33, 2019, exh. A, § 7.28.010, 8-6-2019)
Sec. 10-237. - Permit or license required for wild animals and wild birds. No person shall keep or allow to be kept a wild animal or wild bird unless such person has received, from the state division of wildlife or a corresponding department or federal agency, a permit or license therefor.
(Code 1994, § 7.28.020; Ord. No. 33, 2019, exh. A, § 7.28.020, 8-6-2019)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 6 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Greeley Municipal Code § 10-236 makes it unlawful to keep a wild animal or wild bird without the permit or license required by § 10-237, which must come from Colorado Parks and Wildlife (the state division of wildlife) or a corresponding state or federal agency: the city issues no permit of its own. § 10-1 defines 'wild animal' broadly: nonhuman primates, venomous snakes and reptiles, big cats other than domestic house cats, bears, non-poisonous snakes over six feet, raccoons, skunks, beavers, bats, marine mammals, hyenas, undomesticated ungulates such as deer and camels, crocodilians, and wild canids such as wolves, coyotes and foxes. Zoos, circuses and performing-animal exhibitions regulated elsewhere are exempted.
Violations & Fines
Keeping an unpermitted wild animal is a misdemeanor offense under § 10-236; the animal is subject to impoundment before any court hearing, and animal control officers may act as peace officers to enforce federal Animal Welfare Act standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a pet wolf or big cat in Greeley?
Does this cover exotic reptiles?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Greeley
Compare Greeley to another location·View the Colorado animal ordinances overview
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