St. Tammany Parish, LA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- before owning any wild/exotic animal
- Annual permit fee
- $200.00
- Liability insurance
- $200,000.00 min., parish as additional insured
- Venomous snakes
- banned except zoos, universities, gov't agencies
- Public display ban
- no traveling exhibits outside zoo/circus exemption
- Appeal window
- 15 days to appeal permit revocation
Summary
Owning, keeping or exhibiting a wild or exotic animal anywhere in unincorporated St. Tammany Parish requires a permit from the parish department of animal services under Code of Ordinances Sec. 10-669, and venomous snakes are banned outright except at zoos, universities and government agencies. Permits cost $200.00 a year and require $200,000.00 in liability insurance.
No person may own, possess, or have custody of any wild or exotic animal unless that person first obtains a permit from the director or is exempted from obtaining such a permit as set forth herein. ... No person shall own, keep or harbor any venomous snake in the parish, except institutions of higher learning, zoos or governmental agencies. ... Fees. The fee per permit is $200.00 annually. ... The owner or keeper shall present to the director of the animal control center proof that the owner or keeper has procured liability insurance in the amount of at least $200,000.00, covering any damage or injury which may be caused by such animal.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 12 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Section 10-669(a) makes it unlawful to own, possess or have custody of any wild or exotic animal without first obtaining a permit from the animal services director, unless exempted. Exempt categories include licensed veterinarians treating a sick or injured wild animal, accredited AAZPA zoos, circuses, research facilities licensed under the federal Animal Welfare Act, state universities, and government agencies acting officially. Everyone else must apply before bringing the animal into the parish, show the facility isn't in a recognized subdivision, demonstrate the ownership will enhance the species and that the applicant has the credentials and resources to run a legitimate species-enhancement program, prove the animal won't be kept as a pet, and get an annual veterinary health certificate.
00 in liability insurance naming the parish as an additional insured. Section 10-669(b) separately bans keeping any wild or exotic animal for paid or free display or exhibition, such as a traveling reptile show, outside the same zoo/circus/veterinary exemptions, and subsection (c) bans sponsoring, training for, or attending any event where a wild or exotic animal is wrestled, fought or otherwise abused. Subsection (d) bans owning any venomous snake in the parish outright except at an institution of higher learning, zoo, or government agency, and subsection (e) makes it unlawful to let a wild or exotic animal escape.
Violations & Fines
The director can modify or revoke a wild/exotic animal permit for a permit-condition violation, denied inspection access, unpaid fees, or a change in animal count that isn't reported within a month, and a revoked animal is permanently forfeited to the director for disposal. The director's revocation decision can be appealed to the parish adjudication process within 15 days of the revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a pet tiger or other exotic animal in unincorporated St. Tammany Parish?
Are venomous snakes legal to keep as pets in the parish?
Can I bring in a traveling reptile show for a private event?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in St. Tammany Parish
Compare St. Tammany Parish to another location·View the Louisiana animal ordinances overview
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