Rockville, MD Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Exotic pet ownership in Rockville is governed by both Maryland state law and Montgomery County regulations. Maryland Criminal Law 10-621 makes it illegal to import, offer for sale, trade, barter, possess, breed, or exchange certain dangerous exotic species including foxes, skunks, raccoons, bears, caimans, alligators, crocodiles, wild cats, wolves, nonhuman primates, and venomous snakes. Montgomery County Code Chapter 5 further restricts residents from possessing any wild animal or any animal declared dangerous by the county. Exotic birds are permitted but an owner must not allow a domestic or exotic bird, including a homing pigeon, to be in an aviary within 100 feet of any structure other than the owner's home used for human habitation or work. This restriction does not apply to birds kept inside the owner's dwelling, in a licensed pet shop, or in an agricultural area. Violations of the state exotic pet law are criminal offenses. The Montgomery County Office of Animal Services enforces local animal control regulations and may seize prohibited animals.