Lakewood, CO Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Banned
- big cats, bears, wolves
- Banned
- venomous reptiles, primates
- Exception
- licensed wildlife rehabilitators
- Max fine
- $2,650
- Jurisdiction
- City of Lakewood, Jefferson County, CO
Summary
Lakewood bans keeping, selling, or harboring wild and exotic animals, big cats, bears, wolves, and venomous reptiles, anywhere in the city, with a narrow exception for licensed wildlife rehabilitators.
It is unlawful for any person to import, offer for sale, keep, possess, release, or harbor in the city any skunk, raccoon, jaguar, leopard, lynx, tiger, lion, ocelot, bobcat, cheetah, mountain lion, wildcat, panther, bear, coyote, wolf, fox, badger, porcupine, alligator, caiman, crocodile, poisonous or venomous amphibian, poisonous or venomous invertebrate, poisonous or venomous reptile, or non-human primates. This section shall not apply to any person who has been granted a wildlife rehabilitator license by the Colorado State Division of Wildlife and is acting in compliance with said license.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 14 | Zoning Ordinance: ?).
Full Breakdown
Section 6.05.010 of the Lakewood Municipal Code, part of Title 6's Chapter 6.05 on exotic, dangerous, vicious and wild animals, makes it unlawful to import, offer for sale, keep, possess, release, or harbor a long list of wild and exotic species anywhere in the city, including big cats, bears, wolves, foxes, alligators, and any venomous reptile, amphibian, or invertebrate. The only exception is a person holding a Colorado wildlife rehabilitator license who is acting within that license. Lakewood is a home-rule city, so this ban applies inside city limits on its own authority, separate from state wildlife regulation.
Violations & Fines
Violating Section 6.05.010 is punishable under Section 6.07.010's Title 6 general penalty in Section 1.16.020(A): a fine up to $2,650, up to 365 days in jail, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I own a pet raccoon or fox in Lakewood, CO?
Is there any exception to Lakewood's wild animal ban?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lakewood
Compare Lakewood to another location·View the Colorado animal ordinances overview
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Exotic Pets in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Jefferson County handle exotic pets.