Exotic Pets: Burlington vs Somerville
How do exotic pets rules compare between Burlington, MA and Somerville, MA?
Burlington and Somerville have similar restriction levels.
Burlington, MA
Middlesex County
Massachusetts prohibits private possession of most exotic and wild animals statewide. MassWildlife regulates permits, and the list of prohibited species is uniform across the Commonwealth.
View full Burlington rules →Somerville, MA
Middlesex County
Exotic pets are governed primarily by Massachusetts state law, which bans most wild and dangerous species; Somerville enforces the state list through Animal Control and Board of Health.
View full Somerville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Burlington | Somerville |
|---|---|---|
| Statute | M.G.L. c. 131 §23 | - |
| Regulation | 321 CMR 9.01 | - |
| Authority | MassWildlife | - |
| Permit Required | Most exotic species | - |
| Main authority | - | 321 CMR 9.01 (state) |
| Statutory basis | - | MGL c.131 s.23 |
| Permitting agency | - | MassWildlife |
| Common pets allowed | - | Dogs, cats, small exotics |
| Typical fine | - | From 500 dollars |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Burlington FAQ
Can I keep a monkey or big cat as a pet in Massachusetts?
No. Primates, big cats, bears, wolves, and most exotic animals are prohibited statewide for private ownership under M.G.L. c. 131 §23 and MassWildlife regulations.
Which exotic pets are legal without a permit in Massachusetts?
MassWildlife maintains an exemption list including common species like ferrets, sugar gliders, hedgehogs, and certain non-venomous reptiles. Check current 321 CMR 9.01 list.
Somerville FAQ
Can I own a ferret in Somerville?
Yes. Ferrets are legal domestic pets in Massachusetts, unlike in California or New York City.
Are sugar gliders or hedgehogs allowed?
Sugar gliders and hedgehogs are restricted in Massachusetts; most species require state permits that are rarely issued to hobbyists.
Compare other topics
See how Burlington and Somerville compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool