Pearland, TX Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Sec. 6-6 makes it unlawful to keep, possess, or maintain, or cause to be kept, possessed, or maintained, any wild animal within the city unless it is contained within a licensed and permitted zoo, is a raptor or falcon licensed by the State of Texas, or is kept by a licensed and permitted wildlife rehabilitator. Sec. 6-1 defines 'wild animal' as any mammal, amphibian, reptile, or fowl of a species that is wild by nature and that, due to size, vicious nature, or other characteristics, is dangerous to human beings, expressly naming lions, tigers, leopards, panthers, bears, wolves, raccoons, skunks, apes, gorillas, monkeys, foxes, elephants, rhinoceroses, crocodiles, alligators, and all venomous reptiles, while carving out raptors and falcons that are state-licensed or permitted.

If animal control seizes a wild animal in violation, Sec. 6-44 lets the animal control officer impound it, and gives the owner three days after impoundment to recover it by showing ownership documentation, a state permit if applicable, an affidavit stating where the animal will be kept outside the city, an indemnification agreement approved by the city attorney, and a waiver authorizing destruction if the animal is impounded again. If recovery does not happen within that three-day window, the officer may offer the animal to a zoo or wildlife refuge or destroy it after three more unclaimed days.

A wild animal recovered by its owner and later found at large or in violation again is seized a second time and the city attorney seeks a court order for its destruction.