Is it legal to own a serval in Kentucky?
The short answer
Yes, with a permit. Servals are not on Kentucky's 'inherently dangerous' list, so private ownership is allowed, but 301 KAR 2:082 requires a transportation permit to import exotic wildlife like a serval into the state.
What Kentucky law says
301 KAR 2:082 exempts servals from the inherently-dangerous prohibition but requires a transportation permit to import exotic wildlife into Kentucky.
Which agency regulates servals in Kentucky
Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources is the authority for serval (Leptailurus serval) possession in Kentucky.
Is there a permit for pet servals?
Yes — the Transportation Permit (exotic wildlife), issued by Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (Nominal application fee (contact KDFWR)). AZA-accredited facilities have separate authorization.
Penalties and enforcement
Wildlife violation for importing without the required transportation permit; fines and confiscation.
Local city and county rules
Local governments may separately ban exotic cats under KRS 65.877; verify your city/county rules.
Legal alternatives in Kentucky
- Sugar Glider in Kentucky — A palm-sized gliding marsupial, legal in most states but banned in a handful of cities and states.
- Fennec Fox in Kentucky — The world's smallest fox — and one of the few foxes legal to own in several U.S. states.
Frequently asked questions
Is a serval legal in Kentucky?
Yes. Servals aren't 'inherently dangerous,' but you need a transportation permit to import one.
Are big cats treated differently?
Yes. Lions, tigers and the like are inherently dangerous and barred from private ownership.
Sources
More animals in Kentucky
- Is it legal to own a raccoon in Kentucky?
- Is it legal to own a monkey in Kentucky?
- Is it legal to own a fennec fox in Kentucky?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in Kentucky 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 Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.