Hutto, TX Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Chapter 4's definitions section, 4.01.003, defines "exotic or wild animal" broadly to include any live monkey, alligator, crocodile, cayman, raccoon, opossum, skunk, fox, wolf, hybrid wolf, sea mammal, bear, poisonous snake, nonhuman primate, prairie dog, African serval, non-domestic cat or dog species, or any animal requiring a standard of care greater than a customary household pet. Domestic cats and dogs (except wolf or wild-cat hybrids), farm animals, rodents and captive-bred cage birds are excluded. Under section 4.01.007, the chief of police, or a designee, is the sole gatekeeper: an owner must obtain written permission before keeping such an animal anywhere in the city, and permission issues only if the chief is satisfied the animal will not threaten public health or safety.

The chief can revoke a previously granted permission at any time evidence shows the animal has become a threat. Animal control officers, who administer chapter 4 under the chief of police per section 4.02.001, are the enforcement officials, and section 4.12.001(11) specifically authorizes them to seize and impound any exotic or wild animal that is "kept illegally," meaning without the required permission. Chapter 4 sets no unique fine for this offense, so a violation falls under the citywide general penalty in section 1.01.009: a fine of up to $500, no culpable mental state required, and section 4.01.004 makes each day the animal is kept without permission a separate offense.