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Lafayette Parish, LA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

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

Key Facts

Penalty
Up to $500 fine, 6 months jail
Scope
City of Lafayette + unincorporated parish
Species list
Not published in code text
Other cities
Broussard, Carencro, Scott set own rules

Summary

Bringing a wild or exotic animal that threatens public safety into the City of Lafayette or unincorporated parish is a crime, punishable by up to a $500 fine and six months in jail.

City-specific rules exist: Lafayette has its own exotic pets rules that differ from Lafayette Parish's county-level regulations. If you live in Lafayette, check the city-specific page instead.

It shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly bring into the City of Lafayette or the unincorporated areas of the Parish of Lafayette any animal infected with any contagious disease or any wild or exotic animal which may constitute a threat to the safety of citizens and whoever is convicted of this crime shall be punished by a fine not exceeding $500.00 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or both such fine and imprisonment.

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 65).

Full Breakdown

Lafayette City-Parish Code § 10-122(d) makes it unlawful to knowingly bring a wild or exotic animal that could threaten public safety into the City of Lafayette or the unincorporated parish. The code defines 'wild animal' and 'exotic animal' and tells the Parish Council to adopt a specific banned-species list by separate ordinance, but that list is not part of the codified text itself. Violators face a fine up to $500, up to six months in jail, or both. Broussard, Carencro, Duson, Scott, Youngsville and Milton set their own separate rules.

Violations & Fines

Bringing in a wild or exotic animal that threatens public safety: up to $500 fine, up to 6 months jail, or both.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep an exotic pet in Lafayette Parish?
The code doesn't ban owning exotic pets outright, but it's a crime to knowingly bring a wild or exotic animal that threatens public safety into the city or unincorporated parish, punishable by up to $500 and six months in jail.
Does this rule apply outside the city of Lafayette?
Yes. Sec. 1-3 of the code applies both in the City of Lafayette and the unincorporated parish, and § 10-122(d) names both places explicitly. Broussard, Carencro, Duson, Scott, Youngsville and Milton are separate municipalities with their own codes.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lafayette Parish

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsDog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Water RestrictionsSome RestrictionsPet LimitsSome RestrictionsMandatory Spay/NeuterSome RestrictionsBird ProtectionHeavy RestrictionsCat RulesSignificant RestrictionsPet Groomer RulesLight RestrictionsVeterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Rainwater HarvestingFew RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Native PlantsFew RestrictionsTrash & Recycling: Yard Waste CollectionSome RestrictionsTrash & Recycling: Dumpster RulesSome Restrictions

All Lafayette Parish rules

Compare Lafayette Parish to another location·View the Louisiana animal ordinances overview

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Exotic Pets in Cities Across Lafayette Parish

Lafayette, LA