Queen Creek, AZ Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Queen Creek's Town Code (Chapter 6) focuses on dogs, rabies/animal control, and beekeeping, and does not establish a separate permitting scheme for exotic pets. Instead, possession of exotic and non-native animals in Queen Creek is governed primarily by Arizona state wildlife rules administered by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Arizona Administrative Code R12-4-406 designates a broad list of 'restricted live wildlife' that may not be imported, exported or possessed without a special license or a lawful exemption. The rule defines 'exotic' as wildlife (or its offspring) not native to North America and lists restricted groups including all species of the order Carnivora (such as bears, foxes, wolves, raccoons, skunks, servals and weasels) and many hoofed mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish. To lawfully possess a restricted species, a person must hold the appropriate special license under the Game and Fish rules. Because these are state determinations, residents should verify a species' status with Arizona Game and Fish before acquiring it. Standard domestic pets are not restricted, but many 'exotic' mammals and reptiles are either prohibited for private ownership or require a state license.