Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Knoxville

Knoxville, TN Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Ban covers
Class I wildlife, wolf-hybrids
Snake threshold
6 feet, 5 listed species
Exempt
Accredited zoos, vet facilities, colleges
Permit option
Large-snake permit from shelter

Summary

Knoxville prohibits keeping wild, exotic, dangerous or nondomesticated animals within city limits, including state-classified Class I animals, wolf-hybrids, and large constrictor snakes six feet or longer without a shelter permit.

No person shall have, sell, keep or maintain any wild, exotic, dangerous or nondomesticated animal within the corporate limits of the city. "Wild, exotic, dangerous or nondomesticated animal" shall be defined to include all animals classified as class I animals under TCA § 70-4-403, as amended, and shall also include any wolf-hybrid and the following species of nonvenomous snakes, when such snakes reach six (6) feet in length, unless the owner, seller or keeper of the snake first obtains a permit from the animal shelter.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 80).

Full Breakdown

City code makes it unlawful to have, sell, keep or maintain any wild, exotic, dangerous or nondomesticated animal in Knoxville. The ban incorporates Tennessee's Class I wildlife classification (TCA § 70-4-403), covers wolf-hybrids outright, and reaches reticulated pythons, Burmese pythons, African rock pythons, common boas and green anacondas once they reach six feet, unless the owner obtains a permit from the animal shelter. Exemptions cover accredited zoos, licensed veterinary facilities and labs, accredited colleges doing research, and handicapped persons' service primates.

Violations & Fines

Keeping a prohibited wild or exotic animal without an applicable exemption or permit is unlawful and subject to citation and seizure by animal control or police.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep a large python as a pet in Knoxville?
Only under a permit from the animal shelter, once one of five listed species, including Burmese and reticulated pythons, reaches six feet in length.
Are wolf-hybrids legal to own in Knoxville?
No: section 5-30 bans wolf-hybrids outright within city limits, with no permit option available.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Knoxville

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsDog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSignificant RestrictionsPet LimitsSome RestrictionsBird ProtectionHeavy RestrictionsCat RulesSome RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsFew RestrictionsPet Store RulesSome RestrictionsMandatory Spay/NeuterSome RestrictionsVeterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsBeekeepingSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Leaf Blower RulesLight RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome Restrictions

All Knoxville rules

Compare Knoxville to another location·View the Tennessee animal ordinances overview

Get notified when Exotic Pets in Knoxville, TN changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.