Green Bay, WI Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Section 6-4(b) organizes Green Bay's Prohibited Animal List by taxonomic order and family rather than naming every species. Banned mammals include bats, non-domestic hoofed animals such as hippos and camels, big cats, wolves and other wild canids, all bears, weasels other than ferrets, raccoons, hyenas, anteaters, opossums and kangaroos, rhinos, primates, elephants, and wild rodents such as squirrels and prairie dogs (guinea pigs, rats, mice, gerbils and hamsters are excluded). Banned reptiles include Gila monsters, large monitor lizards, green and rock iguanas, snakes over eight feet, boomslangs, cobras and other elapids, and venomous vipers, plus crocodiles, alligators and caimans. Banned birds include raptors, rheas, ostriches, cassowaries, emus and owls. The list also names specific dangerous spider and scorpion species, giant centipedes, and any federally or state-listed endangered or threatened species.

Under § 6-4(c), possessing any listed exotic animal without first obtaining an exotic animal permit is prohibited outright. The permit rule does not apply to institutions accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, licensed veterinary hospitals or clinics, licensed or accredited research, medical, or educational institutions and museums, certified service animals, government-owned or -operated facilities and their volunteers, or a person transporting the animal through the City for 24 hours or less in secure confinement. Anyone who wants to keep a listed animal outside those exemptions must apply to the City Clerk, who routes the application to the Humane Officer for review.

Violations carry a forfeiture of not less than $1.00 nor more than $1,000.00 per offense under § 6-4(j), and each day a violation continues counts as a separate offense.