Philadelphia, PA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Philadelphia Code § 10-106
- Rule
- Wild/exotic animals banned as pets
- Grandfather license fee
- $50/year, non-renewable at replacement
- Penalty
- $150-$300 fine per § 10-115
- Enforcer
- Animal Control Agency
Summary
Philadelphia Code § 10-106 bans keeping wild animals, lions, wolves, venomous snakes, alligators, primates, anywhere except zoos, circuses, or licensed educational facilities, with narrow grandfather licensing for animals owned before the ordinance passed.
Wild Animals Prohibited. No person shall keep a wild animal in any place other than a zoological park, veterinary hospital or clinic, humane society, circus or facility used for educational or scientific purposes, which provides proper cages, fences and other protective devices adequate to prevent such animal from escaping or injuring the public. No license shall be required of persons exempted in this Section.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 Code: Electronic version of The Philadelphia Code and Home Rule Charter is current through August 19, 2026).
Full Breakdown
The Philadelphia Code defines 'wild animal' to include big cats, bears, wolves and wolf hybrids, non-domesticated ferrets and other weasels, raccoons, primates, venomous snakes and lizards, alligators and crocodiles, and venomous invertebrates: even if raised in captivity from birth. Section 10-106 bars keeping any of them outside a zoo, vet hospital, humane society, circus, or educational/scientific facility with secure cages. Selling, offering for sale, or exchanging a wild animal is also banned. Owners who already had a wild animal when the ordinance took effect could license it within six months for $50/year, but once that animal dies or is given up, it cannot be replaced.
Violations & Fines
Violating § 10-106 falls under Philadelphia's general animal-code penalty in § 10-115: a fine of $150 to $300 per offense, enforced by Animal Control Agency officers who can also seize the animal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I own a pet fox, snake, or big cat in Philadelphia?
Are domesticated ferrets or common house cats included in the ban?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Philadelphia
Compare Philadelphia to another location·View the Pennsylvania animal ordinances overview
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