Lewisville, TX Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Local Code
- Ch. 6 Animals
- State Wildlife Law
- TX P&W Code Ch. 63
- Dangerous Wild Animals
- TX HSC Ch. 822 Subch. E
- Banned Species
- Large cats, bears, primates, venomous snakes
- Fine
- Up to $500/day
Summary
Lewisville Code Ch. 6 prohibits keeping dangerous wild animals within city limits. Texas Parks and Wildlife Code Ch. 63 regulates possession of non-game wildlife. Venomous snakes, large cats, bears, primates, and similar species require state permits and are generally banned in city limits.
Sec. 822.101. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:(1) "Animal registration agency" means the municipal or county animal control office with authority over the area where a dangerous wild animal is kept or a county sheriff in an area that does not have an animal control office.(2) Repealed by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1, Sec. 3.1639(119), eff. April 2, 2015.(3) "Commercial activity" means:(A) an activity involving a dangerous wild animal conducted for profit that is not inherent to the animal's nature;(B) an activity for which a fee is charged and that is entertainment using or an exhibition of the animal; or(C) the selling, trading, bartering, or auctioning of a dangerous wild animal or a dangerous wild animal's body parts.(4) "Dangerous wild animal" means:(
Full Breakdown
Lewisville Code of Ordinances Chapter 6 (Animals) prohibits keeping dangerous wild animals inside city limits. This includes any animal classified as inherently dangerous to human safety such as large cats (lions, tigers, leopards, cougars), bears, wolves, venomous reptiles, primates (excluding small species where permitted by state law), and alligators. Texas Parks and Wildlife Code Chapter 63 governs the possession, transport, and sale of non-game wildlife. Anyone possessing non-indigenous venomous snakes or constrictors over six feet requires a Controlled Exotic Snake Permit from TPWD. Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 822, Subchapter E (Dangerous Wild Animals) requires a registration certificate from the local animal control authority for listed species including lions, tigers, ocelots, cougars, leopards, cheetahs, jaguars, bobcats, lynx, servals, caracals, hyenas, bears, chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans.
Lewisville does not issue such certificates, effectively prohibiting these animals. Standard exotic pets such as hedgehogs, sugar gliders, non-venomous reptiles under six feet, and ferrets are generally permitted provided they do not create a nuisance.
Violations & Fines
Keeping a prohibited exotic animal: fine up to $500 per day. Dangerous wild animal violations under TX HSC Ch. 822: Class C misdemeanor, fine up to $500. Animal may be confiscated and relocated to an accredited facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a pet snake in Lewisville?
Are ferrets legal in Lewisville?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lewisville
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Lewisville to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
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Exotic Pets in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Denton County handle exotic pets.