South Jordan, UT Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Citation
- South Jordan City Code § 6.08.050
- Covered species
- Big cats, wolves, bears, venomous snakes
- Residential zones
- Wild animals barred outright
- Exceptions
- Zoos, shelters, vet hospitals, labs, circuses
- Enforcement
- Seizure and impoundment by animal control
Summary
South Jordan bans keeping, selling, buying, or giving away any 'wild animal', including big cats, wolves, bears, venomous snakes, and raccoons, under § 6.08.050, with narrow exceptions for zoos, shelters, and labs.
It is unlawful for any person to sell, offer for sale, barter, give away, keep or purchase any "wild animal", as defined in this title, or any animal which is fierce, dangerous, noxious or naturally inclined to do harm, 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.
Full Breakdown
City Code § 6.08.050 makes it unlawful to sell, buy, barter, give away, or keep any 'wild animal' as defined in § 6.04.010, a list covering the cat and dog families (lions, tigers, wolves, coyotes), bears, raccoons, skunks, venomous snakes and lizards, piranha, subhuman primates, and most weasels, unless the keeper is a zoo, animal shelter, veterinary hospital, public lab, or circus with adequate containment. Separately, § 6.08.020(C) flatly bars keeping or harboring any 'wild animal' in an area of the city zoned for residential use, in Salt Lake County, Utah, with no exception for pet owners.
Violations & Fines
Section 6.08.050 does not list its own fine; violations are enforced as a general title 6 offense, and any wild animal kept unlawfully is subject to seizure and impoundment by animal control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a pet raccoon, snake, or big cat in South Jordan?
Are wild animals allowed anywhere in South Jordan?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in South Jordan
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Exotic Pets in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Salt Lake County handle exotic pets.