Loveland, CO Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Section 6.28.040(A) sets a general rule: no one may own or keep, within Loveland, any animal that is not commonly domesticated, not native to North America, or that is wild or predatory regardless of its geographic origin. Subsection B carves out birds, small rodents, and small nonpoisonous reptiles up to six feet used for education, experiments, or as pets, and exempts zoos, circuses, and recognized institutions of learning or scientific research entirely. Subsection C then bans a specific list outright, for anyone: poisonous snakes and reptiles, and any nonpoisonous snake over six feet; gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans, and other primates; any feline species other than an ordinary domestic house cat; bears of any species; raccoons, porcupines, skunks, and badgers, except ferrets or minks; and any wolf, coyote, fox, or other wild canine species other than the ordinary domesticated dog. Subsection D exempts bona fide zoos, circuses, carnivals licensed by the city, and bona fide research institutes.

Enforcement ties directly into impoundment: § 6.24.010(A)(3) specifically authorizes animal control and police officers to seize wild or exotic animals kept in violation of § 6.28.040. Separately, § 6.28.050 preserves narrow exceptions for a licensed circus, rodeo, zoo, livestock show, or menagerie, for people authorized by the city manager to keep wild or dangerous animals for scientific research, and for licensed veterinarians at properly zoned business premises.