Keller, TX Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Keller incorporates the Texas statewide framework on exotic pets. Texas Health and Safety Code chapter 822, subchapter E, defines dangerous wild animals (lions, tigers, cheetahs, leopards, bears, all non-human primates, and many hybrids) and requires a certificate of registration from the local animal registration agency before such animals can be kept, together with 100,000 dollars of liability insurance, a secondary enclosure, and USDA-grade caging. Most Texas cities, including Keller, exercise their authority to refuse registration, which effectively bars private ownership of these species inside city limits. Texas Parks and Wildlife Code chapter 63 and related TPWD regulations govern non-domesticated exotic wildlife, fur-bearing animals, and native wildlife; permits are required for many species, including raptors (with federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act overlay), alligators, and exotic ungulates. Venomous snakes and large constrictors are regulated under TPWD reptile rules; indigenous venomous snakes require no permit, but keepers must comply with transport and possession rules, while non-native venomous species typically require controlled exotic snake permits. Common small exotics such as ferrets, most parrots, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, and standard reptiles are generally legal, subject to animal cruelty and housing standards. All exotic animals must be kept in escape-proof enclosures, and keepers are strictly liable for bites and escapes under general animal control rules.