Melissa, who has a biology bachelor’s degree and a certificate in veterinary assisting, takes care of a variety of exotic animals.
Regarding the private ownership of so-called exotic animals, many states have ambiguous laws. While some states have a specific list of which species are allowed and which are prohibited, other states have other laws that regulate particular species. Many states demand licenses that are extremely difficult to obtain or are not offered to “regular” people for pets, effectively making the animal illegal. Although Pennsylvania’s laws appear to be somewhat ambiguous, the state is terrible when it comes to exotic pet owners’ rights.
Another popular “pocket pet” that is forbidden in Pennsylvania is this one. If passed into law, Lawrence’s bill would also make it possible to keep these as pets.
In 2017, Rep. It hasn’t moved forward since David Zimmerman of Lancaster introduced legislation to make it legal to keep them as pets. Many states allow them, but not Pennsylvania, California or Alaska. Dont Edit.
Rough green snake, which is listed as endangered. The Eastern Massasauga and Kirtlands snakes, both of which are endangered, are also prohibited. Dont Edit.
A few animals, like wolves or coyotes, are permitted as exotic pets under Pennsylvania law.
One final statement is included in the law: “The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission does not advise keeping venomous reptiles as pets.” “Dont EditDont Edit.
According to the Inquirer, Pennsylvania law stipulates that owners of hybrid wolf-dogs must obtain a special permit. Lyons does not have one. He claims to have purchased the animal legally for $400 in Florida and to have the paperwork and receipts to back up his claim, according to the Inquirer. NBC10 is informed by Lyons that if he finds the animal, he will take him back to the Pennsylvania Wolf Sanctuary.
As the wolf-dog continues to roam, one man has come forward, claiming the animal belongs to him. Kasey Lyons, 21, tells the Philadelphia Inquirer he bought the wolf-dog hybrid in Florida for his fiancé at the time and named the 4-month-old puppy Levi, after his middle name. Lyons claims the animal is actually a timber wolf-Alaskan Malamute mix. He says he lost the animal three-months ago while visiting his family in Philadelphia and training Levi in Pennypack Park. Lyons tells the Inquirer he has since then broken up with his fiancé and moved back to Northeast Philadelphia with his family. It was there that he says he learned about the wolf-dog wandering in the park. When he went there to investigate, he says he recognized his pet.
According to police, locals started reporting sightings of the wolf-dog hybrid on the 8600 block of Algon Avenue close to Pennypack Park in Northeast Philadelphia last week. In an effort to catch it and transport it to a wolf sanctuary, the Pennsylvania Game Commission set up cage traps nearby. However, the animal has been able to avoid capture while amusing onlookers.
Which Exotic Pets Are Legal in Pennsylvania?
Like all states in the Northeast, Pennsylvania regulates exotic pets. Sadly, all exotic animals—with the exception of a few reptiles and birds—require a permit to be kept, and officials have suggested that permits only be issued for animals that are native to the state.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) is in charge of overseeing related laws and issuing permits. Unlike most states, which typically only grant permits for educational, scientific, and other exhibition purposes (facilities like zoos, sanctuaries, educators who use wildlife and nature centers), the state does issue licenses to pet owners. The trick is meeting the requirements to get one.
Pennsylvania is infamous for having complex regulations for owning “exotic pets” and “wildlife.” Their difficult-to-get exotic wildlife possession permit has a strict 2-year requirement for practical experience with the particular species requested. Finding experience that matches this requirement is challenging enough, but it also needs to come from an “approved” facility. Below is the actual language of the law:
Exotic animals are vaguely defined as:
But many more animals are included, including harmless sugar gliders. These definitions are disappointingly arbitrary. Another definition provided for “wild animals”:
Bears and big cats are considered exotic wildlife, which most people are not surprised about, but what about small pets? Even hedgehogs used to be prohibited in the state without a permit. Later, they were made once again legal, but outside of the state, they cannot be brought in. Hedgehogs are frequently taken away from their owners when they cannot demonstrate that the animals were bred in Pennsylvania, as the previous ban all but eliminated in-state breeders.
“Hedgehog” by Jarkko Laine is licensed under CC BY 2.0
The PGC frequently provides contradictory information regarding what must be done in order to legally keep exotic animals. If you have the required two years of experience, you can obtain a permit for a native animal like a red fox. The organization where you worked for two years must submit a thorough letter outlining your experience. (The facility must hold a menagerie permit. You can inquire to see if your facility qualifies). Additionally, you will require your township’s approval before keeping the animal. Then, your cages must be approved in accordance with the given guidelines.
The PGC dislikes issuing permits, so you won’t get one until your enclosures have been inspected and approved. Only 28 individual permits for exotic pet ownership, 11 dealer permits, and 112 menagerie permits were in effect in the state in 2011. Additionally, they’ve said that they don’t often issue permits for primates because they can spread human diseases.
FAQ
Are wolf dog hybrids legal in PA?
Twelve states, including Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Wyoming, forbid the keeping of wolfdog hybrids as pets. However, in Michigan, a wolfdog can be “grandfathered” in.
What pets are illegal in PA?
In Pennsylvania, it is illegal to possess any wild dog or wild animal crossbreed, with the exception of coyotes, wolves, foxes, and bobcats. Additionally, keeping some of these animals in your home can be dangerous.
What states are wolf dogs legal?
Several states permit people to keep wolfdogs as pets. Several states, including Alaska, Michigan, and North Dakota, have grandfathered in wolfdogs under previous laws. Consequently, it is legal for individuals to own a wolf-dog in these states.
Are wolfdogs illegal to own?
In some states, wolf hybrids are considered wild animals, and private ownership is prohibited. In Alabama, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, and Virginia, it is illegal to own a wolf hybrid.