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πŸ” Animal Ordinances/Exotic Pets

Exotic Pets: Austin vs Denver

How do exotic pets rules compare between Austin, TX and Denver, CO?

Austin and Denver have similar restriction levels.

Austin, TX

Travis County

Heavy Restrictions

Travis County regulates dangerous wild animals under TX H&SC 822.101-.116. Lions, tigers, bears, primates, and venomous reptiles require registration with the county animal registration authority and $100,000 liability insurance.

View full Austin rules β†’

Denver, CO

Denver County

Heavy Restrictions

Denver DRMC Chapter 8 prohibits numerous exotic animals including big cats, wolves, foxes, raccoons, primates, venomous reptiles, and large constrictors. Violations carry significant fines.

View full Denver rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactAustinDenver
State LawTX H&SC 822.101-.116-
RegistrationRequired annually-
Insurance$100,000 minimum-
CoveredBig cats, bears, primates, venomous-
Prohibited-Big cats, wolves, foxes, raccoons, primates
Also Prohibited-Venomous snakes, large constrictors
Code Section-DRMC Chapter 8
Enforcement-Denver Animal Protection
Max Fine-Up to $999

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Austin FAQ

Who enforces this in Travis County?

Travis County code enforcement at (512) 854-4260 handles most complaints.

Who enforces this in Travis County?

Travis County code enforcement at (512) 854-4260 handles most complaints.

Denver FAQ

Can I own an exotic pet in Denver?

Denver DRMC Chapter 8 prohibits numerous exotic animals including big cats, wolves, foxes, raccoons, primates, venomous reptiles, and large constrictors. Violations carry significant fines.

What exotic animals are prohibited in Denver?

Prohibited: Big cats, wolves, foxes, raccoons, primates. Also Prohibited: Venomous snakes, large constrictors. Code Section: DRMC Chapter 8. Enforcement: Denver Animal Protection.

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