Exotic Pets: Fort Worth vs Keller
How do exotic pets rules compare between Fort Worth, TX and Keller, TX?
Fort Worth and Keller have similar restriction levels.
Fort Worth, TX
Tarrant County
Fort Worth Sec. 6-62 prohibits dangerous animals and TX HSC §822.102 Dangerous Wild Animals (lions, tigers, bears, primates, etc.). Exemptions for zoos, circuses, educational institutions, licensed labs, and wildlife rehabilitators. Miniature swine addressed separately.
View full Fort Worth rules →Keller, TX
Tarrant County
Keller follows TX H&S Code 822 subchapter E and TX Parks and Wildlife Code 63. Big cats, bears, non-human primates, and many venomous reptiles are effectively barred as pets.
View full Keller rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fort Worth | Keller |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | Sec. 6-62 | - |
| State Law | TX HSC §822.102 | - |
| Prohibited | Lions, tigers, bears, etc. | - |
| Mini Swine | Separate provisions | - |
| Banned (Effective) | - | Big cats, bears, primates |
| State Framework | - | TX H&S 822 subchapter E |
| Wildlife Permits | - | TPWD Code 63 |
| Venomous Snakes | - | Regulated under TPWD |
| Generally Legal | - | Ferrets, parrots, hedgehogs |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fort Worth FAQ
Can I own an exotic pet in Fort Worth?
Fort Worth Sec. 6-62 prohibits dangerous animals and TX HSC §822.102 Dangerous Wild Animals (lions, tigers, bears, primates, etc.). Exemptions for zoos, circuses, educational institutions, licensed labs, and wildlife rehabilitators. Miniature swine addressed separately.
What exotic animals are prohibited in Fort Worth?
Code Section: Sec. 6-62. State Law: TX HSC §822.102. Prohibited: Lions, tigers, bears, etc.. Mini Swine: Separate provisions.
Keller FAQ
Can I keep a monkey or tiger in Keller?
No. Non-human primates and big cats are dangerous wild animals under TX H&S 822 subchapter E, and Keller does not grant the registration needed to keep them.
Are ferrets legal in Keller?
Yes. Ferrets are not listed as dangerous wild animals. They are subject to standard rabies vaccination and animal care rules.
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