Is it legal to own a serval in Alabama?
The short answer
Yes. Servals aren't among the animals barred by Rule 220-2-.26, which focuses on native furbearers, injurious wildlife, and listed fish/reptiles. Alabama does not require a state permit to keep a serval as a pet.
What Alabama law says
Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.26 does not list Leptailurus serval; non-native exotic cats fall outside the native-furbearer and injurious-wildlife bans.
Which agency regulates servals in Alabama
Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is the authority for serval (Leptailurus serval) possession in Alabama.
Is there a permit for pet servals?
No permit is required at the state level.
Penalties and enforcement
None at state level for lawful possession; local ordinance violations carry local penalties.
Local city and county rules
Cities/counties commonly ban exotic cats; verify local ordinances before acquiring a serval.
Legal alternatives in Alabama
- Fennec Fox in Alabama — The world's smallest fox — and one of the few foxes legal to own in several U.S. states.
- Sugar Glider in Alabama — A palm-sized gliding marsupial, legal in most states but banned in a handful of cities and states.
Frequently asked questions
Is a serval legal in Alabama?
Yes, at the state level. Servals aren't on the prohibited list and need no state permit.
Are native bobcats treated the same?
No. Native bobcats are restricted under 220-2-.26; the non-native serval is not.
Sources
- Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.26 (Animal Legal & Historical Center)
- Exotic Animal Laws by State (FindLaw)
More animals in Alabama
- Is it legal to own a raccoon in Alabama?
- Is it legal to own a monkey in Alabama?
- Is it legal to own a fennec fox in Alabama?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in Alabama page, or compare every state on the pet serval laws by state page.
Last verified 2026-07-03 against the cited primary sources. This is a research directory, not legal advice — confirm current rules with Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.