Owning exotic pets in Illinois is tightly regulated, with many species completely prohibited under state law. Here’s what you need to know:
Illinois Laws on Exotic Pets
Dangerous Animals and Primates: It is illegal to own, keep, harbor, or care for any “dangerous animal” or primate unless you are a properly maintained zoological park, federally licensed exhibit, circus, scientific or educational institution, research laboratory, veterinary hospital, or animal refuge. “Dangerous animals” specifically include lions, tigers, leopards, ocelots, jaguars, cheetahs, margays, mountain lions, lynx, bobcats, jaguarundi, bears, hyenas, wolves, coyotes, and any poisonous or life-threatening reptiles.
Primates: All primates are banned as pets, except for those registered with local animal control prior to April 2011 (grandfather clause), or for individuals with severe mobility impairment who obtain a capuchin monkey from a licensed nonprofit for assistance.
Wolf-Dog Hybrids: These are considered dangerous and are illegal to own as pets in Illinois.
Fur-Bearing Mammals: Some exotic animals, such as certain foxes (like arctic, red, and gray foxes), mink, and raccoons, can be kept if you obtain a fur-bearing mammal breeder permit from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the animal is purchased from a USDA-licensed breeder. Fennec and pale foxes do not require a permit.
Other Restrictions: It is illegal to keep animals that are injurious to indigenous wildlife, endangered or threatened species, poisonous reptiles, and life-threatening reptiles over six feet in length.
Local Ordinances
County and City Laws: Some counties and cities have additional restrictions or bans on exotic pets, including hybrids (such as wolf-dogs or wild cat hybrids) and indigenous wildlife.
Wildlife Hybrids: Many local ordinances prohibit owning domestic-wildlife hybrids, such as wolf-dogs or wild cat hybrids, outside of approved facilities.
Penalties
Criminal Charges: Violating the Illinois Dangerous Animals Act is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and fines up to $1,500. The animal will likely be confiscated.
Civil Penalties: Additional fines and costs may be imposed for care and confiscation of the animal.
Summary Table
| Animal Type | Legal to Own? | Requirements/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lions, tigers, bears, etc. | No | Only in approved facilities |
| Primates | No | Exceptions: registered before 2011 or assistance animals |
| Wolf-dog hybrids | No | Considered dangerous |
| Foxes (arctic, red, gray) | Yes, with permit | Fur-bearing mammal breeder permit, USDA-licensed breeder |
| Fennec, pale foxes | Yes | No permit required |
| Mink, raccoons, opossums | Yes, with permit | Fur-bearing mammal breeder permit, USDA-licensed breeder |
| Skunks, bats, coyotes | No | Illegal as pets |
| Poisonous/large reptiles | No | Illegal as pets |
Key Takeaways
Most exotic animals are illegal to own in Illinois unless you are an approved facility or meet specific permit requirements.
Primates and many large or dangerous mammals are banned outright, with only limited exceptions.
Some fur-bearing mammals can be kept with a permit.
Local ordinances may further restrict exotic pet ownership.
Violations can result in criminal charges, fines, and loss of the animal.
Always check with state and local authorities before considering an exotic pet in Illinois.
Sources:
- https://law.justia.com/codes/illinois/2005/chapter53/1944.html
- https://www.animallaw.info/statute/il-exotic-pets-548-10-dangerous-animals
- https://www.brunolawoffices.com/articles/possessing-a-dangerous-animal/
- https://zayedlawoffices.com/blog/5-popular-animals-that-are-illegal-as-pets-in-illinois/