Rowlett, TX Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 6-7(e), Rowlett Animal Code
- Scope
- Applies citywide, all zoning districts
- Covered animals
- Foxes, big cats, primates, exotic livestock
- Exceptions
- Zoos, circuses, licensed rehabilitators
Summary
Rowlett bans keeping any wild or exotic animal for pet ownership, sale, display, or exhibition anywhere in city limits, with narrow exceptions for zoos, circuses, and licensed wildlife rehabilitation.
No person shall keep or permit to be kept on his premises or premises under his control any wild or exotic animal for pet ownership, sale, or display, or for exhibition purposes, whether gratuitously or for a fee. This section shall not be construed to apply to zoological parks, performing animal exhibitions, permitted wildlife rehabilitation, or circuses.(f)Slaughtering of animals. It shall be unlawful for any person to slaughter, skin or defeather an animal within the city, unless as part of a bona fide, licensed business. It shall further be unlawful for any person to butcher or display the carcass of an animal on residential property within the city in view of the public, except an animal carcass cooking over a barbecue pit, or a dead animal being prepared by a taxidermist for the purpose of display.(g)Dead animals. It shall be unlawful for any person to permit the carcass of any dead animal to be, or remain, upon any property under his control for more than 24 hours after the death of the animal. Veterinary facilities and animal services division facilities shall be exempt. This section shall not apply to dead animals buried in the owner's yard. (Ord. No. 027-23, § 1, 9-5-2023)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 29).
Full Breakdown
Rowlett Code of Ordinances § 6-7(e) prohibits keeping or permitting any wild or exotic animal on premises for pet ownership, sale, or display, or for exhibition, gratuitous or paid. The code's definitions section describes exotic animals as including large nonvenomous reptiles, ratites, and exotic livestock, and wild animals as species not normally domesticated, foxes, big cats, primates, raccoons, skunks, and coyote or wolf hybrids, regardless of how long the animal has been captive. The ban does not reach zoological parks, performing-animal exhibitions, permitted wildlife rehabilitators, or circuses.
Violations & Fines
Keeping a prohibited wild or exotic animal is an offense enforceable by Rowlett Animal Services or police, with citation to Rowlett Municipal Court and possible seizure of the animal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a 'wild or exotic animal' under the ban?
Are there any exceptions to Rowlett's exotic animal ban?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rowlett
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Rowlett to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Exotic Pets in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Dallas County handle exotic pets.