Johns Creek, GA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

The City of Johns Creek regulates exotic and wild animals through its own Chapter 10. Sec. 10-8 provides that each owner, custodian, or harborer of any wildlife or exotic animal must obtain all necessary state and federal permits and meet all state and federal requirements for keeping such an animal. Sec. 10-1 defines an 'exotic animal' as any animal not indigenous to Georgia and not a domestic animal, including hybrids that are part exotic. Under the running-at-large rules (Sec. 10-6), wildlife and exotic animals may not run at large, must be securely confined to the owner's premises, and when off premises must be securely leashed, in a carrying case, or otherwise restrained under the control of a competent person; owners transporting such animals must carry the required state and federal permits on their person. Sec. 10-7 separately forbids the purchase, sale, ownership, possession, or harboring of all skunks (except pen-raised skunks) and all foxes from any geographic region, including Alaska and Canada; pen-raised skunks other than black-and-white skunks may be kept only after securing a permit from the city manager or designee. Because exotic-animal keeping is layered on top of Georgia Department of Natural Resources wild-animal license requirements (O.C.G.A. Title 27), prospective owners should confirm state eligibility first. Many wild animals are not legal to keep as pets in Georgia.