Salt Lake City, UT Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 8.04.430
- Covered species
- Big cats, bears, wolves, primates, venomous snakes
- Default penalty
- Class B misdemeanor, up to $1,000
- Institutional exception
- Zoos, vets, labs with secure enclosures
Summary
Salt Lake City bans owning, keeping, or selling wild or exotic animals as pets, including big cats, bears, wolves, primates, and venomous snakes.
It is unlawful for any person to sell, offer for sale, barter, give away, keep, own, harbor or purchase any wild animal, as defined in section 8.04.010 of this chapter, or its successor; except, the animal shelter, a zoological park, veterinary hospital, humane society shelter, public laboratory, circus, sideshow, amusement show, or facility for education or scientific purposes may keep such an animal if protective devices adequate to prevent such animal from escaping or injuring the public are provided.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-21: Code current through: Ord. 40-26, passed June 16, 2026).
Full Breakdown
City code section 8.04.430 makes it unlawful to sell, keep, own, harbor, or purchase any wild animal as defined in section 8.04.010. That definition sweeps in big cats, bears, wolf hybrids, primates, raccoons, skunks, venomous snakes and lizards, and venomous fish or piranha, even if tamed. Only the animal shelter, a zoological park, a veterinary hospital, a licensed humane society shelter, a public laboratory, a circus, or an education/science facility with escape-proof enclosures may lawfully hold one.
Violations & Fines
A class B misdemeanor by default under section 1.12.050: up to $1,000 fine and up to 6 months in jail; animal services can also seize the animal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a pet fox or wolf-dog hybrid in Salt Lake City?
Are venomous snakes legal to own here?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Salt Lake City
Compare Salt Lake City to another location·View the Utah animal ordinances overview
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Exotic Pets in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Salt Lake County handle exotic pets.