Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Omaha

Omaha, NE Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
City Code § 6-81
Reptile size cap
Snakes under 8 ft, lizards under 5 ft
Zoo/refuge exception
§ 6-82
Import permit
30 days, renewable, § 6-83
Max fine
$500 plus up to 6 months jail

Summary

Omaha bans owning or keeping any nondomestic animal, including anything that has reverted to a wild state or any wolf or other hybrid, with only zoo and educational-institution exceptions.

Nondomestic animal: Any animal other than a pet animal, agricultural animal; any animal, which has reverted to a wild state, a wolf hybrid animal, or any other hybrid animal. ... Sec. 6-81. - Nondomestic animals prohibited. It shall be unlawful for any person to own or have under his care, custody or control any nondomestic animal.

Source: Omaha Municipal Code Chapter 6 – AnimalsView official code

Full Breakdown

City Code Sec. 6-81 makes it unlawful to own or have under your care, custody or control any nondomestic animal. Sec. 6-1 defines nondomestic animal as anything other than a pet animal or agricultural animal, plus any animal that has reverted to a wild state, a wolf hybrid, or any other hybrid animal. The pet-animal definition itself caps legal reptiles at non-venomous lizards under 5 feet and non-venomous snakes under 8 feet at maturity. Sec. 6-82 exempts only zoos, wildlife refuges, race tracks and licensed educational institutions; anyone importing or keeping a nondomestic animal under a federal or state permit must get a renewable 30-day city permit under Sec. 6-83.

Violations & Fines

Misdemeanor under the Sec. 1-10 general penalty: fine up to $500.00, up to 6 months in jail, or both, with each day a separate offense; the animal control authority may also seize and impound the animal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep a pet wolf-dog hybrid in Omaha?
No. The code's definition of nondomestic animal specifically includes wolf hybrids and any other hybrid animal, so they're banned like other wild animals.
Is there any way to legally keep an exotic animal in Omaha?
Only if it's held by a zoo, wildlife refuge, race track, or licensed educational institution, or under a renewable 30-day city permit tied to a federal or state license.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Omaha

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsDog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsMicrochippingLight RestrictionsPet Store RulesSome RestrictionsVeterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsPet LimitsSome RestrictionsMandatory Spay/NeuterSignificant RestrictionsCat RulesSome RestrictionsPet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsBeekeepingSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: FireworksSignificant RestrictionsFire Regulations: Smoke DetectorsSignificant Restrictions

All Omaha rules

Compare Omaha to another location·View the Nebraska animal ordinances overview

Get notified when Exotic Pets in Omaha, NE changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.