Takoma Park follows COMAR 15.11.15 and Montgomery County Code Chapter 5 restrictions on exotic pets. Large cats, bears, venomous snakes, and primates are prohibited without state permits.
Exotic pet ownership in Takoma Park is governed by both Maryland state regulations (COMAR 15.11.15) and Montgomery County Code Chapter 5. Maryland prohibits private possession of foxes, skunks, raccoons, bears, alligators, crocodilians, venomous snakes, and large cats (lions, tigers, leopards) without a wildlife possession permit from the Department of Natural Resources. Montgomery County further restricts dangerous and wild animals, requiring permits for any animal not commonly kept as a domestic pet. Primates, wolf hybrids, and large constricting snakes over eight feet are restricted. Ferrets are legal in Maryland (unlike some states) but must be vaccinated for rabies. Reptiles and amphibians may be kept as pets but cannot be released into the wild, which is particularly important given Takoma Park's location in the Sligo Creek watershed where invasive species threaten native ecosystems.
Possession of prohibited wildlife without a permit: state misdemeanor, up to $1,000 fine. Montgomery County dangerous animal violation: up to $500 fine per offense. Animal may be confiscated.
Takoma Park, MD
Takoma Park sets residential decibel limits at 65 dBA daytime and 55 dBA nighttime under Ordinance 2002-35. If ambient noise already exceeds these thresholds...
Takoma Park, MD
Takoma Park adopts Montgomery County construction noise standards (MoCo Code 31B-6) by reference. Weekday construction is allowed 7 AM to 5 PM at up to 75 dB...
Takoma Park, MD
Outdoor music in Takoma Park must comply with 65 dBA daytime and 55 dBA nighttime limits. Events with amplified outdoor music require a temporary waiver requ...
Takoma Park, MD
Under Chapter 14.12 Section 9, no person may allow a dog or other animal to persistently, habitually, or continuously bark, howl, or yelp causing a noise dis...
Takoma Park, MD
Industrial and commercial noise in Takoma Park must meet the same residential decibel limits as all other sources: 65 dBA daytime and 55 dBA nighttime at the...
Takoma Park, MD
Takoma Park has among the strictest leaf blower rules in the DC metro. The city noise ordinance (Ch. 14.12, Sec. 8) caps all leaf blowers at 70 dBA at 50 fee...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Montgomery County.
See how other cities in Montgomery County handle exotic pets.
See how Takoma Park's exotic pets rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.