Exotic Pets: Salt Lake City vs South Jordan
How do exotic pets rules compare between Salt Lake City, UT and South Jordan, UT?
Salt Lake City and South Jordan have similar restriction levels.
Salt Lake City, UT
Salt Lake County
Salt Lake City prohibits keeping wild, dangerous, or exotic animals including big cats, bears, primates, venomous reptiles, and constrictors over 8 ft under SLC 8.04.230.
View full Salt Lake City rules →South Jordan, UT
Salt Lake County
South Jordan prohibits most exotic and dangerous animals (large cats, primates, venomous reptiles, alligators) in residential zones. State law (Utah Admin Code R657-3) governs possession of wildlife.
View full South Jordan rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Salt Lake City | South Jordan |
|---|---|---|
| Code | SLC 8.04.230 | - |
| Banned | Big cats, bears, primates, venomous reptiles | - |
| Constrictors | Over 8 ft prohibited | - |
| State | UDWR permit rules R657-3 | - |
| Prohibited (city) | - | Big cats, primates, bears, venomous reptiles, alligators |
| State rule | - | Utah Admin Code R657-3 |
| Certificate of Registration | - | Required for many exotics |
| Ferrets | - | Legal in Utah |
| Hedgehogs | - | Legal in Utah |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Salt Lake City FAQ
Can I own a ferret in SLC?
Yes. Ferrets are considered domestic in Utah and allowed in SLC.
Who enforces this?
Salt Lake City at (801) 535-7704.
South Jordan FAQ
Can I own a ball python in South Jordan?
Yes — non-venomous, non-constrictor-giant snakes are generally legal subject to R657-3. Burmese pythons and reticulated pythons face restrictions.
Are monkeys or capuchins legal?
No — primates are prohibited in residential zones and heavily restricted statewide.
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