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Friday, Mar. 3, 2023

Are exotic animals generally legal to own in Nevada?

Todd Butterworth, The Nevada Independent

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. 

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The Nevada Independent is a nonpartisan, nonprofit news and opinion website founded in 2017 by veteran political journalist and commentator Jon Ralston. The site and its supporting channels are focused on ethical, unbiased and transparent journalism. In general, we aim to gather and disseminate important public information and increase civic engagement. We are supported by corporate donations, memberships, event ticket sales and sponsorships and foundation grants. We disclose all our members and donors. Donors have no influence over our content, ever. The Nevada Independent is the dba for Nevada News Bureau, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit founded in 2010 by Elizabeth Thompson, who now serves as one of The Nevada Independent's managing directors and its Editor.

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