Tiger King in Illinois? What state law says about owning exotic animals as pets
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Illinois bans many big cats and bears, with exceptions for certain licensed facilities.
- Nonhuman primates and most invasive species are illegal, with limited exemptions.
- Violations are Class C misdemeanors: $75 to $1,500 fine and up to 30 days jail.
If you’re looking for a pet that’s a little more unique than your typical cat or dog, you may be wondering what kinds of animals Illinois residents can legally own.
Residents aren’t limited to only cats or dogs by state law, although city ordinances and landlords may limit the number and type of animals residents or tenants can have. Federal rules may also apply in certain situations, such as those involving endangered animals.
Belleville has a city ordinance prohibiting residents from owning “wild animals” in most circumstances.
Illinois law bans residents from owning some species under the state’s “dangerous animals” act, including lions, tigers, bobcats, leopards, ocelots, jaguars, bears, hyenas, margays, mountain lions, lynxes, jaguarundis, wolves and coyotes.
“Things like small mammals, hedgehogs, chinchillas, ferrets, those are all allowed in Illinois, and with reptiles, almost any nonvenomous species is allowed,” Teri Ross, executive director of Illinois Legal Aid Online, said in a recent interview with the News-Democrat.
Bearded dragons, geckos, certain turtle species and most birds are allowed, Ross added.
There are exceptions to banned “dangerous animals,” allowing properly maintained zoos, federally licensed exhibits, animal refuges and select other organizations to lawfully keep them.
Along with lions, tigers, bears and other large animals that can pose a risk to humans, state law prohibits residents from owning nonhuman primates such as chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans, bonobos, gibbons, monkeys, lemurs and others.
There are a couple of exceptions to the ban on nonhuman primates, including the exemption for zoos and other licensed facilities. Additionally, those who lawfully possessed a primate before Jan. 1, 2011, can legally keep it if it’s properly registered, and someone with a permanent disability with a “severe mobility impairment” can have a capuchin monkey to assist them with performing daily tasks, if certain requirements are met.
Other species illegal to own in Illinois include varieties of bats, most invasive species and more. Certain fox species can be legally owned in Illinois, but permits are required.
Violating the Illinois dangerous animals act can result in a Class C misdemeanor, which can carry a fine of $75 to $1,500 per offense, as well as up to 30 days of imprisonment. Each day of violation constitutes a separate offense, the law says.
In addition to legal considerations, ethical and practicality issues can arise in exotic pet ownership. The World Wildlife Fund recommends people to consider many factors before deciding to obtain an exotic pet, including whether the animal poses a risk to others and whether you can provide appropriate veterinary care, nutrition, housing, social needs and more. Sourcing the animal ethically is also a concern.
The Endangered Wolf Center in Eureka, Mo., houses an Arctic fox that was surrendered after his owner realized his species did not make for an appropriate household pet.
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