Exotic animals in Tennessee regulated under TCA §70-4-401 et seq. (TWRA). Class I animals (big cats, great apes, bears): personal possession prohibited without exhibitor permit (age 21+, 2 yrs experience, $150/animal fee). Class II animals require permit. Class III (small reptiles, non-venomous snakes) generally no permit needed.
Memphis regulates exotic animal ownership through local ordinances and state wildlife laws. Commonly prohibited animals include large cats, primates, venomous reptiles, wolves, and bears. Some jurisdictions require special permits for species like hedgehogs, ferrets, or certain reptiles. Exotic animal owners may need to demonstrate proper enclosures, liability insurance, and veterinary care plans. Escaped exotic animals create public safety emergencies. State fish and wildlife agencies maintain lists of prohibited and restricted species.
Confiscation of prohibited animals. Fines $500 to $5,000. Criminal charges possible for dangerous species. Owner liable for damages from escaped animals.
Memphis, TN
The City of Memphis does not regulate yard ornaments on private property. Statuary, religious displays, and decorative landscape elements are generally allow...
Memphis, TN
Memphis has no ordinance setting size, height, or hours limits for inflatable holiday displays on private residential property. Wind and severe weather (thun...
Memphis, TN
Memphis does not impose specific install-by or take-down-by dates for holiday lights on private property. Holiday-light regulation in Memphis is overwhelming...
Memphis, TN
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Memphis require permits from Construction Code Enforcement for gas-line installation, electrical work, plumbing, and any structu...
Memphis, TN
Memphis - the global capital of dry-rub barbecue - has no smoker-specific ordinance for single-family use, and the cultural and culinary tradition of backyar...
Memphis, TN
Memphis adopts the International Fire Code through Chapter 9 (Fire Prevention) with local amendments, including IFC Section 308 prohibiting open-flame cookin...
See how Memphis's exotic pets rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.