Idaho Falls, ID Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Idaho Falls City Code Title 5, Chapter 5, Section 5-5-4 makes it unlawful to sell, purchase, barter, keep, own, harbor, or transport any 'wild animal' or hybrid as defined in Section 5-5-1. The definition of 'wild animal' is detailed and includes alligators and crocodiles; bears; cheetahs, cougars, leopards, lions, lynx, panthers, tigers, bobcats and pumas; wolves, foxes, and coyotes; porcupines; nonhuman primates; raccoons and ringtailed cats; skunks, martens, wolverines, badgers, otters, minks and mongooses; venomous reptiles; birds of prey such as eagles, hawks, falcons or owls (unless a state or federal permit is held and the bird is caged or tethered); elk, deer, moose, antelope and other cervids; and any other species considered wild in its native habitat that is venomous, fetid, or presents a significant risk of bodily harm. A 'hybrid' is a first-generation cross of a wild animal with a non-wild animal, expressly including wolf/dog hybrids. Exemptions in 5-5-4(A) cover licensed veterinary hospitals, animal shelters, humane societies, public laboratories, circuses, educational/scientific facilities, the public zoo (with adequate containment), and government officers acting in their duties. Separately, Section 5-5-3(B) lists the only domestic animals freely allowed - dogs, cats, canaries, parrots, and fish - and 5-5-3(A) prohibits keeping any other domestic animal over 50 pounds within the City absent another exception.