Wichita, KS Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Kansas regulates dangerous wild animals under Kansas Statute 32-1301 et seq. and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks rules. Private ownership of big cats (lions, tigers, cougars), bears, non-human primates, and dangerous venomous reptiles is prohibited unless the owner holds a USDA Class C exhibitor license, is a research facility, or qualifies as an accredited zoo. Existing owners as of the 2006 grandfather date had to register with local law enforcement and meet caging, insurance, and signage requirements. Wichita Municipal Code Chapter 6.04 further restricts keeping wild, vicious, or exotic animals within city limits, prohibiting venomous snakes, alligators and crocodiles, large constrictors over a specified length, wolves and wolf hybrids, and any animal that poses a threat to public safety. Common exotic pets that remain legal in Wichita include most non-venomous reptiles (corn snakes, ball pythons, leopard geckos, bearded dragons), small mammals (guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, ferrets), birds (parrots, finches, canaries), and small constrictors. Native Kansas wildlife such as raccoons, opossums, deer, and squirrels cannot be kept as pets without a Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks permit. Importing animals across state lines may require additional health certificates from the Kansas Department of Agriculture.