Exotic pet laws in Arizona

Every animal in our directory, checked against Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) rules and Arizona statute. Click any animal for the full entry — the exact law, penalties, permits, and local caveats.

All animals: status at a glance

AnimalStatusStatuteVerified
RaccoonBannedA.A.C. R12-4-406 (restricted live wildlife)2026-07-03
MonkeyBannedA.A.C. R12-4-406 (restricted live wildlife)2026-07-03
ServalBannedA.A.C. R12-4-406 (serval named)2026-07-03
Fennec FoxBannedA.A.C. R12-4-406 (all Carnivora)2026-07-03
Sugar GliderLegalNot listed in A.A.C. R12-4-4062026-07-03
HedgehogLegalAriz. Admin. Code R12-4-406 (hedgehogs not restricted)2026-07-13
FerretLegalA.A.C. R12-4-406 (domestic ferret not restricted)2026-07-13

Animals banned in Arizona

  • RaccoonRestricted live wildlife — all Carnivora are restricted; no pet permits
  • MonkeyPrimates are restricted live wildlife — banned as pets
  • ServalRestricted live wildlife — all non-domestic cats banned as pets
  • Fennec FoxAll foxes are restricted Carnivora — banned as pets

Legal without a permit in Arizona

  • Sugar GliderNot restricted — legal with no permit
  • HedgehogLegal — African pygmy hedgehogs are not restricted live wildlife in Arizona
  • FerretLegal — domestic ferrets are not on Arizona's restricted live wildlife list

How Arizona regulates exotic pets

Primary authority sits with Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD). Statewide statute sets the floor; cities and counties frequently layer stricter bans on top, so always check your municipal code as well as the entries above.

Research directory, not legal advice. Verify current rules with Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) before acquiring any animal.