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Louisville, KY Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Rescue Permits (2026)

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

Key Facts

Exempt category
authorized wildlife rehabilitators
Requirement
state-issued permit required
Registration
with MAS within 30 days
General rule
wild/exotic animal keeping banned

Summary

Louisville Metro bans keeping wild or exotic animals, but authorized wildlife rehabilitators holding a state-issued permit are exempt from the ban.

The keeping or holding of wild animals that are inherently dangerous wildlife, exotic wildlife, endangered species... is prohibited... This section shall not apply to the following: ... (3) Authorized wildlife rehabilitators with any required state-issued permit...

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-47: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ordinances passed by the Council and approved by the Mayor as of July 1, 2026).

Full Breakdown

Louisville Metro Code § 91.008(A) makes it unlawful to keep inherently dangerous wildlife, exotic wildlife, or endangered species within Jefferson County. Subsection (A)(3) carves out authorized wildlife rehabilitators who hold any required state-issued permit, alongside accredited zoos, licensed circuses, licensed veterinary hospitals treating injured animals, and federally-licensed research institutions. Anyone keeping wild animals under this exemption must still register the animal with Louisville Metro Animal Services (MAS) within 30 days under § 91.008(C).

Violations & Fines

Keeping wild, exotic, or endangered wildlife without qualifying for an exemption is unlawful under § 91.008(A); penalties are set out in § 91.999. Rehabilitators must hold a valid state-issued permit and register with MAS within 30 days or lose the exemption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rehab injured wildlife in Louisville without a permit?
No. § 91.008(A)(3) only exempts rehabilitators who hold a required state-issued permit; unpermitted keeping of wildlife is unlawful under § 91.008(A).
Do permitted rehabilitators still have to register their animals?
Yes. § 91.008(C) requires owners/keepers of exempted wild animals to register with Louisville Metro Animal Services within 30 days of obtaining the animal.

Sources & Official References

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All Louisville rules

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