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Howard County, MD Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

County rule
No wild/exotic pets
State ban
Md. Criminal Law §10-621
Banned species
Bears, big cats, foxes, gators
Native wildlife
Regulated by MD DNR
Penalty
Up to $1,000, seizure

Summary

Wild or exotic animals may not be kept as pets in Howard County, and Maryland law separately bans possessing dangerous exotic species such as bears, big cats, alligators, foxes and raccoons statewide. County rules cover companion dogs and cats, not wildlife.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Howard County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

A person may not import into the State, offer for sale, trade, barter, possess, breed, or exchange a live: (i) fox, skunk, raccoon, or bear; (ii) caiman, alligator, or crocodile; (iii) member of the cat family other than the domestic cat.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Howard County's animal control guidance is explicit that "wild or exotic animals are not permitted as pets," including offspring of domesticated animals bred with a wild or exotic animal. Reinforcing this, Maryland Criminal Law §10-621 bars any person from importing, selling, possessing, breeding or exchanging a long list of dangerous exotic animals, including foxes, skunks, raccoons, bears, alligators, caimans, crocodiles and members of the cat family (other than domestic cats), with narrow exemptions for licensed sanctuaries and research facilities. Native wildlife is additionally regulated by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, which controls possession of most native species.

Violations & Fines

Possessing a prohibited exotic animal violates Maryland Criminal Law §10-621, a misdemeanor with fines up to $1,000, and can trigger seizure of the animal. Howard County Animal Control also enforces the county no-exotic-pets rule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep a fox, monkey, or big cat in Howard County?
No. The county bars wild or exotic animals as pets, and Maryland Criminal Law §10-621 prohibits possessing dangerous exotics such as foxes, bears and members of the cat family statewide, with only narrow licensed exemptions.
What about a pet snake or reptile?
Maryland's exotic-animal ban targets specific dangerous species and certain venomous snakes. Many common reptiles are allowed, but native species are DNR-regulated. Confirm the species is not prohibited before acquiring it.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Howard County

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsDog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsCat RulesSome RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsSome RestrictionsPet LimitsSome RestrictionsMicrochippingLight RestrictionsParking Rules: Snow Removal Parking RulesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome Restrictions

All Howard County rules

Compare Howard County to another location·View the Maryland animal ordinances overview

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