Is it legal to own a serval in Arizona?
The short answer
No. Servals are named among Arizona's restricted Carnivora. No pet permits exist; only institutional special licenses.
What Arizona law says
R12-4-406's Carnivora listing expressly reaches servals and ocelots along with big cats.
Which agency regulates servals in Arizona
Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is the authority for serval (Leptailurus serval) possession in Arizona.
Is there a permit for pet servals?
No. There is no permit pathway that allows private pet ownership.
Penalties for owning a serval illegally
Misdemeanor charges, seizure, and fines.
Local city and county rules
Statewide rule controls.
Frequently asked questions
Are Savannah cats legal in Arizona?
Domestic cat hybrids are generally treated as domestic; pure servals are restricted. Keep generation paperwork for any Savannah.
Sources
More animals in Arizona
- Is it legal to own a raccoon in Arizona?
- Is it legal to own a monkey in Arizona?
- Is it legal to own a fennec fox in Arizona?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in Arizona 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 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.