Lexington, KY Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Kentucky Revised Statutes 65.877 authorizes local governments and state agencies to regulate inherently dangerous wildlife, and 301 KAR 2:082 lists Dangerous Wild Animals that cannot be imported, transported, or possessed in the Commonwealth. Prohibited species include African lions, tigers, leopards, bears, wolves, non-human primates such as chimpanzees and macaques, venomous reptiles, large constricting snakes over 8 feet, alligators, crocodiles, and Komodo dragons. People who lawfully owned such animals before July 13, 2005 could register them under grandfather provisions but cannot acquire new ones. LFUCG Code of Ordinances Chapter 4 (Animals) also prohibits keeping wild, dangerous, or vicious animals within the Urban Service Boundary and requires permits for pet shops and exotic pet dealers. Legal exotic pets in Lexington include small non-venomous reptiles, birds (with USDA permits for certain species), ferrets, sugar gliders, and most rodents. Native Kentucky wildlife such as raccoons, squirrels, and opossums cannot be kept as pets without a rehabilitation permit from the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife.