Larimer County, CO Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Rule
- State license required to keep
- Bears
- Prohibited without license
- Exotic cats
- Prohibited without license
- Venomous reptiles
- Prohibited without license
- Primates
- Prohibited without license
Summary
Larimer County Code Sec. 6-83 bars keeping or feeding any wild or exotic animal that requires a state license unless you hold the proper permit from Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Bears, non-domestic cats, venomous reptiles, and primates are listed.
No person shall own, keep or feed any wild or exotic animal for which a state license is required unless such person possesses the appropriate license from the state division of wildlife including without limitation the following: Bears; Any species of feline other than ordinary domesticated house cats.
Full Breakdown
Under Larimer County Code Sec. 6-83, no person may own, keep, or feed any wild or exotic animal for which a state license is required without holding the appropriate license from the state division of wildlife. The ordinance specifically lists bears; any feline other than an ordinary house cat (including exotic-cat crossbreeds); skunks; poisonous or venomous reptiles; raccoons, porcupines, and badgers (except under a rehabilitation license); deer; and any nonhuman primate. A valid circus, menagerie, or carnival license is a defense. Animals kept in violation may be captured and impounded under Sec. 6-101. Colorado state wildlife rules separately govern which species can be licensed at all.
Violations & Fines
Keeping a listed wild or exotic animal without the required state license is a class 2 petty offense; a $100 first-offense penalty may apply and the animal may be seized and impounded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a non-domestic cat or monkey in Larimer County?
What about squirrels or songbirds?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Larimer County
Compare Larimer County to another location·View the Colorado animal ordinances overview
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