Rockville, MD Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Flatly banned as pets
- Big cats, wild canids, primates, venomous snakes
- Other exotic animals
- Written Chief of Police permission required
- Wild animal ban list
- Fox, skunk, raccoon, bear, opossum, squirrel, bat
- Narrow exception
- Trained capuchin service monkey
Summary
Rockville flatly bans keeping foxes, bears, non-domestic cats or dogs, primates, and specified venomous snakes as pets, and requires advance Chief of Police permission for any other exotic or wild animal.
Notwithstanding subsection (a)(1), the following types of exotic animals are prohibited to be kept as pets:a.Fox or bear;b.Caiman, alligator, or crocodile;c.Member of the cat family Felidae other than the domestic cat;d.Hybrid of (A) a member of the cat family Felidae other than a domestic cat; and (B) a domestic cat;e.Member of the dog family Canidae other than the domestic dog;f.Hybrid of (A) a member of the dog family Canidae other than a domestic dog; and (B) a domestic dog;g.Nonhuman primate, including lemur, monkey, chimpanzee, gorilla, orangutan, marmoset, loris, or tamarin; orh.Poisonous snake in the family groups of Hydrophidae, Elapidae, Viperidae, or Crotolidae.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 17 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 3-24(a)(1) requires written Chief of Police permission, secured before the animal enters the City, for any exotic animal not native to Maryland. Sec. 3-24(a)(2) then flatly bans a specific list regardless of permission: fox or bear; caiman, alligator, or crocodile; any non-domestic Felidae or Canidae and their hybrids; nonhuman primates (narrow exception for a trained capuchin aiding a mobility disability); and certain venomous snake families. Sec. 3-24(c) separately bans keeping wild fox, skunks, raccoons, bears, opossums, squirrels, and bats as pets.
Violations & Fines
Owning a listed species, or any exotic or wild animal without prior Chief of Police permission, is unlawful under Sec. 3-24; owners are also liable if they negligently let such an animal escape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a pet fox or a big cat in Rockville?
Do I need a permit for any exotic pet?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rockville
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Exotic Pets in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Montgomery County handle exotic pets.