Springdale, AR Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Springdale layers a city framework with two state frameworks. Locally, Chapter 14 (Animals) of the Springdale Municipal Code at https://library.municode.com/ar/springdale/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH14AN uses general restraint, nuisance, and vicious-animal provisions to address species kept in residential settings, and Chapter 130 (Zoning) does not recognize exotic species as customary residential accessory uses. Statewide, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Captive Wildlife Regulations at AGFC Code 09 (https://www.agfc.com/education/captive-wildlife/) divide animals into unrestricted species, species that require a permit, and prohibited species; permits include the Wildlife Breeder/Dealer Permit (Code 09.07), Wildlife Importation Permit (Code 09.10), and Venomous Reptile Possession Permit (Code 09.17). The harder line comes from Arkansas Code Annotated Sections 20-19-501 through 20-19-511 (Ownership and Possession of Large Carnivores) at https://www.animallaw.info/statute/ar-exotic-pets-large-carnivores-subchapter-5-ownership-and-possession-large-carnivores: since 2005 it has been unlawful to acquire any new large carnivore in Arkansas - defined to include lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, cheetahs, cougars, bears, and most non-human primates. AZA-accredited zoos, USDA Class C licensees, sanctuaries, and research institutions are exempt. Persons who lawfully owned a large carnivore before the cut-off may register and continue possession subject to caging, insurance, and microchip requirements. Common household pets such as ferrets, parrots, non-venomous reptiles, rabbits, sugar gliders, and hedgehogs generally are not regulated as captive wildlife but may still draw Springdale nuisance review. Call Springdale Animal Services at (479) 750-8114 and the AGFC Captive Wildlife Program before acquiring any unusual pet.