Exotic Pets: Denver vs Nashville
How do exotic pets rules compare between Denver, CO and Nashville, TN?
Denver and Nashville have similar restriction levels.
Denver, CO
Denver County
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 →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 | Denver | Nashville |
|---|---|---|
| Prohibited | Big cats, wolves, foxes, raccoons, primates | - |
| Also Prohibited | Venomous snakes, large constrictors | - |
| Code Section | DRMC Chapter 8 | - |
| Enforcement | Denver Animal Protection | Metro Animal Care and Control + TWRA |
| Max Fine | Up to $999 | - |
| 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) |
| Penalties | - | Animal confiscation; fines; possible criminal charges |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
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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