Is it legal to own a serval in Arkansas?
The short answer
Yes, with a permit. The serval is on Arkansas's permit-required captive-wildlife list, so importing, breeding, or dealing one requires AGFC permits. Personal possession is allowed once the animal is legally sourced.
What Arkansas law says
AGFC Addendum R1.02 lists the serval (Leptailurus serval), meaning a Wildlife Importation Permit (Code 09.10) is needed to bring one in and a Wildlife Breeder/Dealer Permit (Code 09.07) to breed or sell.
Which agency regulates servals in Arkansas
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is the authority for serval (Leptailurus serval) possession in Arkansas.
Is there a permit for pet servals?
Yes — the Wildlife Importation Permit / Wildlife Breeder-Dealer Permit, issued by Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Owners may sell up to 20 individuals per year without a breeder permit if sales are registered.
Penalties and enforcement
Possessing an illegally imported serval or acting without required permits can bring fines and confiscation.
Local city and county rules
Local ordinances frequently ban exotic cats even where the state permits them.
Legal alternatives in Arkansas
- Sugar Glider in Arkansas — A palm-sized gliding marsupial, legal in most states but banned in a handful of cities and states.
- Raccoon in Arkansas — North America's masked native — intelligent, destructive, and a rabies-vector species in most states.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit for a serval in Arkansas?
Yes — servals are permit-required; you need AGFC importation/breeder permits to acquire one legally.
Sources
More animals in Arkansas
- Is it legal to own a raccoon in Arkansas?
- Is it legal to own a monkey in Arkansas?
- Is it legal to own a fennec fox in Arkansas?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in Arkansas 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 Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.