Adams County, CO Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- County pet code
- Excludes wildlife
- Wildlife defined
- Non-human, non-domesticated animals
- Main authority
- Colorado Parks & Wildlife
- Exotic-animal farm
- Conditional use in ag zones
- Permit for wildlife
- Required from CPW
Summary
Adams County's Animal Control Code covers only "pet animals" kept for companionship and excludes wildlife, feral cats, and livestock. Keeping wild or exotic animals is governed mainly by Colorado Parks and Wildlife and state law, not a county exotic-pet permit.
The definition of "pet animal" does not include feral cats, wildlife, livestock used for any purposes or that is estray as defined in § 35-44-101, C.R.S., or animals that are owned or bought and sold through the efforts of those that are licensed, inspected, or both, by the United States Department of Agriculture, the Colorado Department of Agriculture, or both.
Full Breakdown
Under the Adams County Animal Control Code, "pet animal" means an animal owned or kept for companionship or protection and expressly does not include feral cats, wildlife, or licensed/inspected agricultural animals. Wildlife is defined as mammals, birds, fishes and reptiles that are neither human nor domesticated. Because the county code focuses on dogs and cats, possession of exotic or wild animals is controlled by Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations (which prohibit possessing most native wildlife without a license) and state law. Some exotic-animal farming uses appear as conditional uses in county agricultural zones. Confirm species-specific rules with CPW before acquiring an exotic animal.
Violations & Fines
Illegal possession of native wildlife is enforced by Colorado Parks and Wildlife under state wildlife law, with state fines and forfeiture. County zoning may separately restrict commercial exotic-animal operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Adams County issue exotic-pet permits?
Can I keep a wild animal I found?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Adams County
Compare Adams County to another location·View the Colorado animal ordinances overview
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