Hampton, VA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Covers
- exotic/non-native reptiles
- Example named
- American alligator
- Duty
- prevent escape or running at large
- Violation
- Class 2 misdemeanor
Summary
Hampton does not ban owning exotic reptiles, but City Code Section 5-11 makes it unlawful to keep a non-native reptile, like an American alligator, in any way that lets it escape or run loose.
It shall be unlawful for the owner or keeper of any exotic reptile or type of reptile not native to the commonwealth, including but not limited to the American alligator, to keep the reptile in any manner that will permit its escape or to knowingly permit the reptile to run at large. Any violation of this section shall constitute a Class 2 misdemeanor.
(Ord. No. 735, § 4-8, 11-10-82; Ord. No. 1437, 11-15-06; Ord. No. 08-0015, 9-24-08; Ord. No. 16-0011, 7-13-16)
State Law reference— Similar provisions, Code of Virginia, § 29.1-569.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 31 | Zoning: Supplement 20).
Full Breakdown
Hampton City Code Section 5-11 targets exotic or non-native reptiles specifically: the owner or keeper of any exotic reptile or reptile type not native to Virginia, the code names the American alligator as an example, must not keep it in a manner permitting escape, and must not knowingly let it run at large. The section is a confinement duty rather than an ownership ban, tracking the state-law authority under Virginia Code Section 29.1-569 for regulating escaped or released exotic wildlife.
Violations & Fines
Keeping an exotic or non-native reptile so it can escape, or knowingly letting one run at large, is a Class 2 misdemeanor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I own an exotic reptile in Hampton?
What if my exotic reptile gets loose?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hampton
Compare Hampton to another location·View the Virginia animal ordinances overview
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