Guilford County prohibits keeping inherently dangerous exotic animals such as bears, big cats and wolves. Ordinary household pets and customary farm animals are exempt, but wild or non-native dangerous species are unlawful in the county.
County Code Chapter 5 regulates exotic or wild animals, defined broadly as species ordinarily confined to a zoo, found in the wilderness, or not indigenous to the United States/North America. Ownership of an inherently dangerous animal within the county is unlawful; examples given by Animal Services are bears, big cats (lions, tigers, panthers) and wolves. The definition excludes species customarily kept as household pets, customary domestic farm animals, aquarium fish (other than piranha), birds and insects. Guilford County Animal Services enforces the exotic-animal provisions county-wide.
Keeping a prohibited inherently dangerous/exotic animal is a violation; Animal Services may seize the animal and cite the owner, with civil penalties and possible criminal charges.
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See how Guilford County's exotic pets rules stack up against other locations.
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