Twin Falls, ID Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Twin Falls does not publish a list of banned wild species. The rule that governs an exotic animal is the permit requirement in Section 6-3-4 in Title 6, Chapter 3 (Animals) of the City Code. It makes it unlawful to keep or maintain horses, mules, donkeys, cows, sheep, goats, poultry (more than 4 hen chickens) or rabbits (more than 3 rabbits), or any other animals except dogs, cats or other animals kept inside a residence or place of business at all times, without first obtaining a permit from the Code Enforcement Coordinator. The closing catch-all, any other animals, is where a reptile, a primate, a big cat or a similar animal would land if it lives outdoors. An animal kept inside a residence or place of business at all times falls outside the permit requirement.

The permit comes with real hurdles. Section 6-3-8 sends the application through the Chief of Police or a designee, who must recommend it, and requires the applicant to circulate a petition to every household within three hundred feet (300') and win the approval of seventy five percent (75%) of them. The Chief of Police or designee can inspect the premises first and must deny the permit if a violation of the chapter is found. A denial can be appealed to the City Council within seven (7) days of notice, and the council's order is final under Section 6-3-9.

Separate from the permit, Section 6-3-7(B) requires all other animals, including pets and service animals, to be kept in sanitary conditions with sufficient access to shelter, food, and water. Section 6-4-14(I) makes it unlawful to own, have custody of or control any dog or any other animal which is vicious or dangerous, a misdemeanor punishable by up to one hundred twenty (120) days in jail and/or a one thousand dollar ($1,000.00) fine, plus a civil penalty of one hundred dollars ($100.00) that may be assessed. Section 6-4-16 lets the City Attorney move for destruction of such an animal.