Exotic Animals That Are Legal To Own In Wisconsin

The State Of Wisconsin has some of the loosest state-wide animal laws in the country. In fact only a few other states allow any of these to be your pet. The list will surprise you!

A few of the exotic animals require a permit. It's also important to know that there is paperwork involved with many of these. Most of the time, it requires a Certified Veterinarian Certificate (CVI) and an import permit from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP).

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You'll also want to be sure to check with your local county and city ordinances. Several big cities have enacted ordinances because Wisconsin State Laws don't prevent someone in Milwaukee from owning a tiger. So make sure you read up if you're planning on adding an exotic pet or starting your own zoo.

If you're thinking about an exotic animal as a pet, make sure you know what you are getting into. There have been many cases in states like Wisconsin where people don't realize how big these animals can get, and that's why they get released illegally into the wild. Yes, there are stories of kangaroos roaming wild in the Badger State.

Exotic Animals Legal To Own In Wisconsin

Wisconsin is one of the few states in the US without strict laws against exotic animals. According to Statewide laws, you could start your own zoo hypothetically. Here are the exotic animals you can legally own in Wisconsin. (Check your local ordinances first.)

Gallery Credit: Ken Hayes