Little Elm, TX Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Code
- Ch. 18 Animals
- Exotic Pets
- Prohibited in town limits
- State Law
- TX Parks and Wildlife Code Ch. 63
- Venomous Snakes
- TPWD permit required
- Enforcement
- Little Elm Code Enforcement
Summary
Little Elm Ch. 18 prohibits wild, exotic, or dangerous animals in town limits. TX P&W Code Ch. 63 governs non-game wildlife. Venomous snakes require TPWD permits.
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where a dangerous wild animal is kept or a county sheriff in an area that does not have an animal control office.(2) Repealed by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1, Sec. 3.1639(119), eff.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) "
Full Breakdown
Little Elm Code of Ordinances Chapter 18 prohibits residents from keeping wild, exotic, or dangerous animals within town limits. This includes large cats, primates, wolves, bears, venomous reptiles, and other non-domesticated species. Texas Parks and Wildlife Code Chapter 63 governs the taking, possession, and sale of non-game wildlife, requiring permits for commercial propagation or display. TPWD issues controlled exotic snake permits for venomous species under 31 TAC Chapter 65. Federal Lacey Act requirements apply to interstate transport of certain species. Common exotic pets such as sugar gliders, hedgehogs, and non-venomous reptiles may be allowed depending on species and local interpretation, but the broad prohibition in Chapter 18 gives code enforcement discretion to declare specific animals prohibited. Residents should contact Little Elm Code Enforcement before acquiring any non-traditional pet to confirm compliance.
Violations & Fines
Keeping a prohibited animal: Class C misdemeanor, fine up to $500 per day. Animal may be seized and relocated to an appropriate facility at the owner's expense. State TPWD violations carry separate penalties including fines up to $500 for Class C Parks and Wildlife violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a pet hedgehog or sugar glider in Little Elm?
What about pet snakes?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Little Elm
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Exotic Pets in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Denton County handle exotic pets.