Exotic Pets: Holbrook vs Quincy
How do exotic pets rules compare between Holbrook, MA and Quincy, MA?
Holbrook and Quincy have similar restriction levels.
Holbrook, MA
Norfolk County
Massachusetts MGL c. 131 §23 and 321 CMR 9.01 prohibit keeping most exotic and wild animals as pets. Norfolk County does not regulate exotic pets independently; state law governs statewide.
View full Holbrook rules →Quincy, MA
Norfolk County
Quincy has restricted exotic animals in traveling shows and exhibits (one of 15 MA cities to do so). Massachusetts state law prohibits possession of large cats, bears, primates, and venomous reptiles without special permits. Quincy enforces state exotic animal possession rules.
View full Quincy rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Holbrook | Quincy |
|---|---|---|
| State Law | MGL c. 131 §23 and 321 CMR 9.01 | MGL c. 131 — MassWildlife permit required |
| Ferrets | ILLEGAL in Massachusetts | - |
| Most Wild Animals | Prohibited without MassWildlife permit | - |
| Permits | MassWildlife — no county-level permitting | - |
| Fine | Up to $500 per violation; animal confiscated | - |
| Traveling Show Ban | - | Yes — Quincy was early adopter |
| Prohibited Without Permit | - | Large cats, bears, primates, venomous reptiles |
| Contact | - | Quincy Animal Control: (617) 479-1212 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Holbrook FAQ
Can I own an exotic pet in Norfolk County?
Massachusetts MGL c. 131 §23 and 321 CMR 9.01 prohibit keeping most exotic and wild animals as pets. Norfolk County does not regulate exotic pets independently; state law governs statewide.
What exotic animals are prohibited in Norfolk County?
State Law: MGL c. 131 §23 and 321 CMR 9.01. Ferrets: ILLEGAL in Massachusetts. Most Wild Animals: Prohibited without MassWildlife permit. Permits: MassWildlife — no county-level permitting.
Quincy FAQ
Can I own an exotic pet in Quincy?
Quincy has restricted exotic animals in traveling shows and exhibits (one of 15 MA cities to do so). Massachusetts state law prohibits possession of large cats, bears, primates, and venomous reptiles without special permits. Quincy enforces state exotic animal possession rules.
What exotic animals are prohibited in Quincy?
Traveling Show Ban: Yes — Quincy was early adopter. State Law: MGL c. 131 — MassWildlife permit required. Prohibited Without Permit: Large cats, bears, primates, venomous reptiles. Contact: Quincy Animal Control: (617) 479-1212.
Compare other topics
See how Holbrook and Quincy 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