Petaddon
Guides and gear for exotic and small pets
You can legally own a kangaroo, an ostrich or even a giraffe in some US states, usually with a permit. Hyenas and hippos are banned or limited to licensed facilities in the states that name them. A wild moose is off-limits almost everywhere, because moose are native big game that state wildlife laws protect. The rules come from each state, so the same animal can be legal in one state and a crime across the border.
| Animal | Short answer | Examples from state law |
|---|---|---|
| Hyena | Banned in many states | Banned as a pet in Florida, Ohio and Illinois; Texas requires a certificate of registration |
| Hippo | Banned where named | Florida and Ohio list hippos with their most dangerous animals |
| Giraffe | Permit in some states | Florida Class II: $140 yearly permit, experience and land |
| Kangaroo | Permit or no state rule in some states | Florida needs a free Class III permit; Alabama’s rule does not list kangaroos |
| Ostrich | Often treated as livestock | Kansas classes ostriches as livestock; Florida needs a Class II permit for a pet |
| Moose | Not available | Native big game; Alabama bans bringing moose in from other states |
Contents
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Can you own a hyena in the US?
Only in a few states, and never easily. Florida lists hyenas and aardwolves as Class I wildlife, which can’t be kept as personal pets. Ohio names hyenas as dangerous wild animals that private owners can’t acquire. Illinois includes hyenas in its definition of dangerous animals, which only zoos, licensed exhibits, circuses and refuges may keep.
Texas takes a different approach. It lists hyenas as dangerous wild animals under Health and Safety Code §822.101, which means an owner needs a certificate of registration from the county or city. Some local governments ban them outright.
The federal Big Cat Public Safety Act doesn’t cover hyenas, so state law decides.
Is it legal to own a hippo?
Not as a pet in the states that address them. Florida puts hippopotamuses in Class I with lions, bears and elephants, so only licensed exhibitors and sellers can hold one. Ohio lists hippos as dangerous wild animals, along with elephants and rhinoceroses. Hippos weigh several tons and spend much of the day in water.
Can you own a giraffe?
In a few states, with a permit and a lot of land. Florida lists giraffes and okapis as Class II wildlife. A Florida owner needs a $140 yearly PPL permit, 1,000 hours of documented experience with the species’ family, at least 2.5 acres, and an 8-foot perimeter fence.
Ohio’s dangerous wild animal list doesn’t include giraffes. Many other states require a permit for any non-native wild mammal, so check with your state wildlife agency. Our guide to Florida exotic pet laws covers the Class II rules in full.
Can you own a kangaroo or wallaby?
Yes, in some states. Florida lists wallabies as Class III wildlife, which needs a free permit. Kangaroos aren’t named in Florida’s Class I or II lists, which places them in Class III as well.
Kangaroos in Alabama: the answer is unsettled. Alabama’s restricted animal rule, 220-2-.26, doesn’t list kangaroos or any other marsupial, so we found no state ban. A 2024 Alabama news report stated that owning a kangaroo is illegal there but cited no law. Pet kangaroos have escaped onto Alabama roads more than once. Ask the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and your county before you buy one.
Can you own an ostrich?
Often yes, because many states treat ostriches as farm animals. Kansas law classifies ostriches, emus and rheas as livestock, so they fall under livestock rules instead of exotic pet rules. That makes zoning the main hurdle: you need land zoned for livestock.
Florida treats a pet ostrich differently. Ostriches and cassowaries are Class II wildlife there, so keeping one as a personal pet takes the $140 PPL permit and experience requirements.
Can you own a moose?
No. Moose are native big game, and states control them through hunting and wildlife laws. Minnesota, for example, bars anyone from taking a moose without a moose license. Alaska wildlife biologists have warned that taking in a moose calf is unlawful, even when people mean well, because the mother usually returns.
Some states also block moose at the border. Alabama bans importing or possessing deer, elk, moose and caribou that come from outside the state.
What about lions, tigers and other big cats?
Federal law settles those. The Big Cat Public Safety Act has banned new private ownership of lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, cheetahs and cougars since December 20, 2022. See big cats in every state, or check servals and other small wild cats.
Before you buy a large exotic animal
- Get permits first. States that allow these animals almost always require the permit before you take possession.
- Check zoning. County and city zoning often bans large animals on residential land, even where the state allows them.
- Plan for escapes. Owners are liable for damage and injuries, and some states require insurance.
- Find a vet who treats the species. Few vets work with hoofstock, ratites or large carnivores.
For more animals, see our list of exotic pets and where each is legal. Laws change, so confirm with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before you buy. This article summarizes published sources and is not legal advice.
Sources: Florida Rule 68A-6.002, FWC: personal pets, Ohio Rev. Code §935.01, Illinois 720 ILCS 585, Texas Health and Safety Code §822.101, Alabama Rule 220-2-.26, 1819 News: kangaroo in Collinsville (2024), Kansas: ratites as livestock, Minnesota §97B.501, Grand View Outdoors: baby moose are not pets, USFWS: Big Cat Public Safety Act. Last checked October 22, 2026.
