Is It Legal to Own Exotic Pets in Vermont? Here's What You Need to Know

Owning exotic pets in Vermont is strictly regulated and, in many cases, prohibited without special permits. Here’s a comprehensive overview of what you need to know before considering an exotic animal as a pet in the state.

General Rule: Most Exotic Pets Are Restricted

Vermont law prohibits the importation, possession, or transport of any live wild bird or animal without a permit from the Commissioner of Fish & Wildlife.
This applies to both native and non-native wild animals, including mammals, reptiles, birds, and amphibians.
Permits are rarely issued for private pet ownership and are generally reserved for scientific, educational, or rehabilitation purposes.

What Is Considered an Exotic Pet?

Exotic pets are defined as any animal that is not a domestic dog, cat, mouse, rat, rabbit, gerbil, hamster, guinea pig, European ferret, or livestock.
This broad definition includes many animals commonly kept as pets elsewhere, such as reptiles, amphibians, birds, and small mammals.

Permitted and Prohibited Species

Prohibited Without a Permit

Wild animals, including foxes, raccoons, skunks, mink, coyotes, bobcats, lynx, servals, and most non-domestic cats and canines, are illegal to possess as pets in Vermont.
Native reptiles and amphibians cannot be kept as pets unless you have a specific permit.
Many non-native species also require a permit, and most applications for private pet ownership are denied.

Allowed Without a Permit

Certain species are listed as “Unrestricted Wild Animals” and may be kept without a permit. These are species determined to pose no threat to native wildlife or human safety and are commonly sold in the pet trade.
The list of unrestricted animals is maintained and periodically updated by the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department. If a species is not on this list or the domestic species list, it requires a permit.
Examples of commonly allowed pets (without a permit): hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, European ferrets, and certain reptiles and amphibians that appear on the Unrestricted Wild Animals list.
Savannah cats and Bengal cats are legal only if they are at least four generations removed (F4) from their wild ancestors.

Local Ordinances

Some Vermont cities, such as Burlington, have additional restrictions and may ban nearly all exotic animals, including birds, reptiles, and aquarium fish, except for a few domesticated species.
Grandfathering clauses may allow you to keep an existing exotic pet if registered, but you cannot replace it once it dies.

Permit Requirements

If you wish to own an exotic pet not on the unrestricted list, you must apply for an Importation and Possession Permit from the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department.
Permits are generally not granted for private ownership unless for scientific, educational, or rehabilitation purposes.
Commercial dealers must have a valid Dealer’s Permit to import, export, or sell wild birds and animals.

Summary Table: Exotic Pet Ownership in Vermont

Animal Type	Legal to Own as Pet?	Permit Needed?
Common domestics (dogs, cats, hamsters)	Yes	No
Unrestricted Wild Animals (on state list)	Yes	No
Wild mammals (foxes, raccoons, bobcats)	No	Not for pets
Native reptiles/amphibians	No	Not for pets
Savannah/Bengal cats (F4 or later)	Yes	No
Other exotic species	No (unless on list)	Yes, rarely granted

Key Takeaways

Most exotic pets are not legal in Vermont without a permit, and permits are rarely granted for personal pet ownership.
Check both state and local laws before acquiring any non-traditional pet.
Refer to the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department’s Unrestricted Wild Animals list for species that may be kept without a permit.
Violating these laws can result in confiscation of the animal, fines, and other penalties.

If you are considering an exotic pet, always consult the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department and your local ordinances to ensure compliance with all regulations.

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