Pittsburgh, PA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Pittsburgh Code § 636.04
- First offense fine
- $100 plus costs
- Repeat offense fine
- $300 plus costs
- Exception
- PA Game Law permit only
Summary
Pittsburgh outlaws purchasing, displaying, selling, or possessing wildlife anywhere in the city unless a Pennsylvania Game Law permit authorizes it, which bars ordinary residents from keeping wild or exotic animals as pets.
No person shall purchase, display, sell, or possess any wildlife in the City except as permitted by the Pennsylvania Game Law, 34 P.S., Section 1311.401, et seq., as amended by Act No. 60 of 1982.
Full Breakdown
City Code Chapter 636 covers wild animals. Section 636.04 makes it unlawful to purchase, display, sell, or possess any wildlife in Pittsburgh except as permitted under the Pennsylvania Game Law, 34 P.S. § 1311.401 et seq. Because the state Game Law issues permits mainly for licensed propagators, exhibitors, and rehabilitators rather than private pet-keeping, the practical effect is a ban on keeping wild or dangerous exotic animals as household pets. A related definition in § 636.01 covers carnivorous wild animals, and § 636.02 separately restricts public exhibition of them to caged, barrier-protected settings with a trainer present.
Violations & Fines
A first violation of Chapter 636 draws a $100 fine plus costs under § 636.05; each subsequent violation is fined $300 plus costs, and each day of continued possession can count as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a wild animal as a pet in Pittsburgh?
What's the penalty for keeping a prohibited wild animal?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pittsburgh
Compare Pittsburgh to another location·View the Pennsylvania animal ordinances overview
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