Scranton, PA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Scranton's local enforcement runs through Chapter 169 of the Code of Ordinances at https://ecode360.com/11604508, which addresses dangerous and at-large animals and provides the local nuisance hook for exotic species kept in residential settings. Pennsylvania state law layers a separate and significant requirement on top. The Game and Wildlife Code at 34 Pa.C.S. Section 2961 et seq., implemented through 58 Pa. Code Chapter 147 (https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?file=/secure/pacode/data/058/chapter147/chap147toc.html&d=reduce), classifies certain species as 'exotic wildlife' — including lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, cheetahs, mountain lions, cougars, bears, wolves, hyenas, and venomous reptiles native to non-PA jurisdictions — and requires an Exotic Wildlife Possession Permit from the Pennsylvania Game Commission. The permit includes caging standards, prior-experience requirements, and a minimum two-year apprenticeship for large carnivores. Common household pets such as ferrets, parrots, non-venomous reptiles, rabbits, and most small mammals are not exotic under the state framework and do not need a Game Commission permit, though they may still draw zoning or nuisance review if Scranton Code Enforcement treats them as non-customary household animals. The Pennsylvania Game Commission Northeast Region Office in Dallas, PA serves Lackawanna County for exotic-wildlife and dangerous-animal complaints. Anyone considering an unusual pet should call Scranton Code Enforcement and the PGC Northeast Region before purchase.