Rio Rancho, NM Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Base rule
- Wild/dangerous animals banned without a permit
- Permit term
- One year, RRARC-inspected
- Exempt animals
- Exotic birds, legal fish, pet-store stock
- Permit transfer
- Not transferrable between owners
Summary
Rio Rancho bars keeping wild, dangerous, or protected animals as pets unless the owner holds a city wild-or-exotic-animal permit or operates a licensed facility.
No person shall keep an animal which is wild, dangerous, noxious or naturally inclined to do harm, except in a facility licensed by the state and/or federal government or approved by the city or pursuant to the conditions of a wild or exotic animal license. Adequate protection devices shall be provided to prevent any animals from escaping or injuring the public. Any changes in the state or federal permit(s), animal(s), or premises must be reported immediately to RRARC.
(3) Notwithstanding any provisions of this chapter to the contrary, no person shall keep wild or exotic animals in a manner as to constitute a likelihood of harm to the animals themselves or to other animals or to human beings or to the property of human beings, or which constitutes a public or private nuisance.
(B) (1) Except as otherwise provided, no person shall receive, own or keep wild or exotic animals, except those which are listed in subsection (B)(5) of this section, within the limits of the city, without first applying for and receiving from the RRARC a wild and/or exotic animal permit. If approved, the permit will be for a period of one year from the date of issuance.
(2)
Full Breakdown
Rio Rancho City Code § 90.27 bars anyone in this Sandoval County, New Mexico city from keeping species protected under 50 CFR 17.11 or NMSA §§ 17-2-3 and 17-3-32, or any animal that is wild, dangerous, noxious, or naturally inclined to harm, except through a state/federally licensed facility or a city wild-and/or-exotic-animal permit. Permits run one year, require proof of state/federal permits and adequate care facilities, and are subject to RRARC inspection and City Manager revocation. Exotic birds, legal exotic fish, and pet-store animals are exempt from the permit requirement.
Violations & Fines
No 90.27-specific fine is listed; violations default to Rio Rancho City Code § 10.99's general penalty: up to $500, up to 90 days in jail, or both, with each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a pet parakeet or aquarium fish in Rio Rancho without a permit?
What animals need a Rio Rancho wild/exotic permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rio Rancho
Compare Rio Rancho to another location·View the New Mexico animal ordinances overview
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