The Nevada Independent

Your state. Your news. Your voice.

The Nevada Independent

FACT BRIEF

Are exotic animals generally legal to own in Nevada?

By Todd Butterworth on 03/02/2023

YES

Along with Alabama and North Carolina, Nevada is one of three states that does not directly control the private ownership of exotic pets but may regulate some aspect of ownership. However, cities and counties in Nevada may have more restrictive regulations.

Nevada state law limits public contact with privately owned wildlife, including exotic animals. The administrative code lists many fish, reptiles, mammals and other wildlife that are illegal to own. Animals not on the list include the leopard, tiger, wolf, elephant, bison and Komodo dragon.

Many of Nevada’s cities and counties have more restrictive regulations on wildlife ownership. For example, the state's two most populous counties, Clark and Washoe, have a comprehensive application and inspection process for privately owned exotic animals.

Thirty-three states have comprehensive or partial bans on exotic animal ownership. 

This Fact Brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.

Sources

Animal Legal and Historical Center Map of Private Exotic Pet Ownership Laws

Nevada Legislature NRS on ownership of wildlife

Nevada Legislature NAC on ownership of wildlife

Municode Library Clark County - exotic animal ownership

Washoe County Washoe County - exotic animal ownership

The Nevada Independent is a proud participant in The Gigafact Project — an initiative to safeguard democracy and spread accurate information.

Have you seen a claim online that you want fact-checked? Send us a link here.

SHARE
Notice something wrong? Drop us a message at [email protected].
7455 Arroyo Crossing Pkwy Suite 220 Las Vegas, NV 89113
© 2025 THE NEVADA INDEPENDENT
Privacy PolicyRSSContactNewslettersSupport our Work
The Nevada Independent is a project of: Nevada News Bureau, Inc. | Federal Tax ID 27-3192716