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Tyler, TX Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Wild Animals
Prohibited citywide
Buffer Zone
Within 5,000 feet too
Banned Examples
Big cats, bears, primates, snakes
Exemptions
Zoos, research, exhibitions only
Near Homes
None within 300 feet

Summary

Tyler bans keeping dangerous wild animals within city limits or 5,000 feet of them, declaring it a public nuisance. The prohibited list covers big cats, bears, wolves, primates, venomous and constrictor snakes, alligators, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, and skunks.

Except as otherwise provided herein, the ownership, possession, keeping, harboring, or exhibition of any dangerous wild animal or reptile within the City limits or within five thousand (5,000) feet thereof is hereby declared a public nuisance and unlawful.

Source: Tyler Code of OrdinancesView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: July 2026: Including amendments through July 22, 2026).

Full Breakdown

Code Sec. 14-14 makes it unlawful to own, keep, harbor, or exhibit any dangerous wild animal or reptile inside the city or within 5,000 feet, treating it as a public nuisance. The enumerated list includes alligators, bats, bears, bobcats, cheetahs, constrictor and venomous snakes, coyotes, crocodiles, foxes, jaguars, leopards, lions, lynx, monkeys and other primates, mountain lions, ocelots, panthers, raccoons, skunks, tigers, wildcats, and wolves or wolf-hybrids. Only accredited zoos, licensed research institutions, qualified researchers, and permitted animal exhibitions are exempt, and even they cannot keep such animals in or within 300 feet of a residence. Service and assistance animals are excluded from the ban.

Violations & Fines

Keeping a prohibited wild animal is a public nuisance and unlawful, subject to impoundment and Class C misdemeanor citations. Owners remain liable for injury or damage the animal causes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I own an exotic pet like a monkey or big cat in Tyler?
No. Tyler bans keeping dangerous wild animals, including primates, big cats, bears, wolves, and venomous or constrictor snakes, anywhere in or near the city.
Are pet foxes or raccoons allowed?
No. Foxes, raccoons, coyotes, and skunks are on Tyler's prohibited dangerous-wild-animal list under Sec. 14-14.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Tyler

Dog Leash LawsLight RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Water RestrictionsLight RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Artificial TurfFew RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Native PlantsLight RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage TreesLight RestrictionsHome Business: Zoning & Home Occupation PermitsSome RestrictionsHome Business: Customer Traffic RestrictionsSome Restrictions

All Tyler rules

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