Oregon Statewide Rule

Oregon Bans Private Possession of Exotic Animals

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Oregon (2026)

Key Facts

Statutes: ORS 609.305-609.335
Banned animals: Big cats, bears, primates
Penalty: Class A misdemeanor
Permit agency: Oregon Dept. of Agriculture

Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Oregon Public Law

Summary

Oregon ORS 609.305 to 609.335 prohibits keeping non-native cats, bears, primates, crocodilians, and venomous reptiles as pets. The ban applies statewide and supersedes any conflicting local exotic pet ordinance.

609.341 Permit requirement for keeping of exotic animal; breeding of animal. (1) A person may not keep an exotic animal in this state unless the person possesses a valid State Department of Agriculture permit for that animal issued prior to January 1, 2010, or issued as provided in ORS 609.351. (2) Except as provided in subsection (4) of this section, a person keeping an exotic animal in this state may not breed that animal. (3) A person may not keep an exotic animal in this state for more than 30 days after the expiration, revocation or suspension of a permit.

Source: Oregon Public LawView official code

Full Breakdown

Under ORS 609.305 through 609.335, Oregonians may not possess, import, or sell exotic animals defined to include large non-domestic felines (lions, tigers, cheetahs), non-wolf canids, bears (except black bears under permit), non-human primates, and crocodilians. Persons who lawfully owned such animals before the 2009 prohibition could keep them under permit but cannot replace or breed them. The Oregon Department of Agriculture administers permits for service, exhibition, and research uses. Native wildlife is separately regulated by ODFW under ORS 497.298. The statewide ban applies uniformly; cities may add stricter rules but cannot authorize prohibited species.

Violations & Penalties

Possession is a Class A misdemeanor under ORS 609.335, punishable by up to 364 days jail and $6,250 fine. Animals are subject to seizure and forfeiture at owner expense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I own a serval or fennec fox in Oregon?

No. ORS 609.305 classifies non-domestic cats and non-wolf canids as exotic animals prohibited from private ownership. Possession is a Class A misdemeanor with seizure of the animal.

Are reptiles like ball pythons or geckos legal?

Most non-venomous reptiles are legal in Oregon. The exotic animal ban targets large carnivores, primates, and crocodilians; common pet snakes and lizards are not prohibited by ORS 609.305.

Sources

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.