Exotic Pets: Beaverton vs Hillsboro
How do exotic pets rules compare between Beaverton, OR and Hillsboro, OR?
Hillsboro has fewer restrictions than Beaverton.
Beaverton, OR
Washington County
Beaverton Code Chapter 5 (Animals) prohibits keeping wild, exotic, or dangerous animals within the city, with narrow exceptions for licensed zoological or scientific exhibits. Oregon state law ORS 609.305 to 609.355 separately prohibits private possession of 'exotic animals' including non-human primates, non-domesticated felines (except service animals), non-wolf canines, and bears, except under a state permit issued before 2010 (grandfathered). Livestock and poultry are also restricted under Beaverton Code Chapter 5 except for permitted household pets such as urban chickens (no roosters).
View full Beaverton rules →Hillsboro, OR
Washington County
Exotic pet ownership in Hillsboro follows Oregon ODFW regulations. Many species require permits or are prohibited.
View full Hillsboro rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Beaverton | Hillsboro |
|---|---|---|
| City Code | Beaverton Code Chapter 5 (Animals) - wild/exotic prohibited | - |
| State Law | ORS 609.305 - 609.355 (Exotic Animal Act) | - |
| Prohibited Statewide | Non-human primates, non-domestic cats, bears, non-wolf canines, crocodilians | - |
| Permits | No new state exotic-animal permits since 2010 | Required for many species |
| Enforcement | Washington County Animal Services + Oregon Dept. of Agriculture | ODFW |
| Regulation | - | Oregon ODFW governs |
| Prohibited | - | Primates, large cats, bears |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Beaverton FAQ
Can I own a monkey, big cat, or bear in Beaverton?
No. Oregon's Exotic Animal Act (ORS 609.305 to 609.355) bans private possession of non-human primates, non-domesticated felines, bears (other than black bear under separate wildlife rules), non-wolf canines, and crocodilians, and Oregon stopped issuing new exotic-animal permits in 2010. Beaverton Code Chapter 5 also prohibits wild and exotic animals inside city limits.
Are ferrets, hedgehogs, and pet snakes legal in Beaverton?
Generally yes. ORS 609.305 to 609.355 targets non-human primates, big cats, bears, non-wolf canines, and crocodilians, not common exotic pets. Beaverton Code Chapter 5 still restricts wild or dangerous animals, and venomous reptiles or wildlife requiring an ODFW captive-wildlife permit remain regulated. Washington County licensing rules apply to dogs but not these species.
Hillsboro FAQ
Can I keep an exotic pet in Hillsboro?
Many species require ODFW permits. Some are prohibited entirely in Oregon.
Are snakes legal in Hillsboro?
Non-venomous snakes are generally allowed. Venomous reptiles may require permits.
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