Novi, MI Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Section 5-15 of the Novi City Code makes it unlawful for anyone to "own or keep a dangerous animal" in the city except as Article II otherwise permits. Section 5-2 defines "dangerous animal" in two parts: any wild mammal, reptile, or fowl that is not naturally tame or gentle and, because of its size, vicious nature, or other characteristics, could endanger human life or property, and separately, any domestic mammal, reptile, or fowl with the same size or vicious-propensity risk. That two-part definition means the ban reaches exotic and wild species categorically, a python, a monkey, a large exotic cat, while also reaching an ordinary domestic animal if its size or temperament makes it dangerous.

Section 5-16 then narrows the ban with specific exceptions: animals under the control of a law enforcement or military agency; animals kept to protect property, if restrained by a leash, chain, cage, or fence that prevents public contact; animals under display or exhibition to the public for no more than ten days and in full compliance with the zoning ordinance; animals kept in a licensed veterinary hospital for treatment; and animals held for sale in a commercial establishment. Outside those five carve-outs, keeping a wild or dangerous species as a household pet in Novi violates Section 5-15 regardless of whether the animal has ever caused harm. Enforcement rests with the Novi Police Department's animal control function and the city's code compliance officials under Section 5-14.