Nampa, ID Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Scope
- wild animals prohibited citywide
- Exception
- Idaho Fish and Game licensed facilities
- Alternative
- conditional use permit required
- Exempt
- licensed circuses, carnivals, fairs
Summary
Nampa bans keeping wild animals within city limits unless the animal is registered or licensed by Idaho Fish and Game, or a conditional use permit is granted by the city.
B.Wild animals. All "wild" animals are prohibited (unless classified as "domestic pets"), except when located in properly zoned land, and are registered and/or licensed by Idaho Fish and Game (e.g., as a commercial game farm, rehabilitation person or center, birds of prey center, or zoo), or unless specifically approved by a conditional use permit in accordance with subsection A of this section.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 16 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Nampa City Code treats exotic and wild animal keeping as a zoning matter. Any animal not covered by the agricultural, exotic, or pet animal definitions, and whose presence could pose a nuisance or danger, needs a conditional use permit. Wild animals are prohibited citywide unless classified as domestic pets, located in a properly zoned district, and registered or licensed by Idaho Fish and Game as a game farm, rehabilitation center, birds-of-prey center, or zoo, or unless a conditional use permit is separately approved. Licensed circuses, carnivals, and fairs are exempt from this section.
Violations & Fines
Keeping a prohibited wild animal without Idaho Fish and Game registration or a city conditional use permit is a code violation enforced by planning and zoning or code enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a wild animal as a pet in Nampa?
Does the ban apply to a traveling circus in Nampa?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Nampa
Compare Nampa to another location·View the Idaho animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.