Exotic Pets: Austin vs Nashville
How do exotic pets rules compare between Austin, TX and Nashville, TN?
Austin and Nashville have similar restriction levels.
Austin, TX
Travis County
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 →Nashville, TN
Davidson County
Nashville regulates exotic and dangerous animals under Metro Code Chapter 10.28 (Control of Exotic/Venomous Animals). Many wild and exotic species are prohibited as pets. Tennessee state law also restricts Class I and II wildlife.
View full Nashville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Austin | Nashville |
|---|---|---|
| State Law | TX H&SC 822.101-.116 | - |
| Registration | Required annually | - |
| Insurance | $100,000 minimum | - |
| Covered | Big cats, bears, primates, venomous | - |
| Code | - | Metro Code Ch. 10.28; TWRA Wildlife Regulations |
| Prohibited Species | - | Large cats, bears, wolves, venomous reptiles, primates (and others) |
| State Classification | - | Class I (prohibited), Class II (permit required), Class III (may be allowed) |
| Enforcement | - | Metro Animal Care and Control + TWRA |
| Penalties | - | Animal confiscation; fines; possible criminal charges |
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.
Nashville FAQ
Can I own an exotic pet in Nashville?
Nashville regulates exotic and dangerous animals under Metro Code Chapter 10.28 (Control of Exotic/Venomous Animals). Many wild and exotic species are prohibited as pets. Tennessee state law also restricts Class I and II wildlife.
What exotic animals are prohibited in Nashville?
Code: Metro Code Ch. 10.28; TWRA Wildlife Regulations. Prohibited Species: Large cats, bears, wolves, venomous reptiles, primates (and others). State Classification: Class I (prohibited), Class II (permit required), Class III (may be allowed). Enforcement: Metro Animal Care and Control + TWRA.
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