Exotic Pets: San Antonio vs Universal City
How do exotic pets rules compare between San Antonio, TX and Universal City, TX?
San Antonio and Universal City have similar restriction levels.
San Antonio, TX
Bexar County
San Antonio prohibits keeping wild and exotic animals within city limits under Chapter 5 of the Code of Ordinances. Prohibited species include non-human primates, wolf hybrids, coyotes, foxes, exotic cats, bears, skunks, raccoons, miniature Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs, and venomous species. The city defines nondomestic animals broadly, excluding only domestic cats, dogs, ferrets, rabbits, and similar household pets.
View full San Antonio rules →Universal City, TX
Bexar County
Universal City prohibits the keeping of dangerous wild animals in residential areas, consistent with Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 822 Subchapter E requirements.
View full Universal City rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Antonio | Universal City |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | Chapter 5 (Animals) | - |
| Prohibited | Primates, wolf hybrids, exotic cats, bears, skunks, raccoons | - |
| Also Banned | Coyotes, foxes, pot-bellied pigs, venomous species | - |
| Allowed Pets | Dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits, similar household pets | - |
| Enforcement | Animal Care Services (ACS) | - |
| Dangerous Wild Animals | - | Prohibited in city |
| State Law | - | TX H&S 822 Subchapter E |
| Allowed Exotics | - | Ferrets, rabbits, small reptiles |
| Insurance if Registered | - | 100,000 dollars liability (state) |
| Max Fine | - | 500 dollars + seizure |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
San Antonio FAQ
Can I keep a pet monkey in San Antonio?
No. Chapter 5 of the Code of Ordinances prohibits keeping non-human primates and other wild animals within city limits. This includes monkeys, apes, and all other primate species.
Are pot-bellied pigs allowed in San Antonio?
No. Miniature Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs are specifically listed among prohibited species under Chapter 5. The city only allows domestic cats, dogs, ferrets, rabbits, and similar traditional household pets.
Universal City FAQ
Can I keep a pet monkey?
No. Non-human primates are classified as dangerous wild animals and are not allowed in Universal City.
Are ball pythons allowed?
Yes. Non-venomous snakes under a reasonable size are permitted under general exotic pet rules.
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