Exotic pet laws in Louisiana

Every animal in our directory, checked against Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries rules and Louisiana statute. Click any animal for the full entry — the exact law, penalties, permits, and local caveats.

All animals: status at a glance

AnimalStatusStatuteVerified
RaccoonBannedLa. Admin. Code tit. 76 (native/furbearing wildlife rules)2026-07-03
MonkeyBannedLa. Admin. Code tit. 76, Pt. V, 1152026-07-03
ServalLegalLa. Admin. Code tit. 76, Pt. V, 1152026-07-03
Fennec FoxLegalLa. Admin. Code tit. 76, Pt. V, 1152026-07-03
Sugar GliderLegalLa. Admin. Code tit. 76, Pt. V, 1152026-07-03
HedgehogLegalLa. Admin. Code tit. 76, pt. V (hedgehogs not listed)2026-07-13
FerretLegalLAC Title 76 (domestic ferret not listed)2026-07-13

Animals banned in Louisiana

  • Raccoon — Louisiana does not allow pet raccoons; native furbearer/rabies-vector rules bar private possession.
  • Monkey — All non-human primates are barred from importation and private possession under LAC 76:V.115.

Legal without a permit in Louisiana

  • Serval — Servals aren't 'big exotic cats' under LAC 76:V.115; no state permit required.
  • Fennec Fox — Fennec foxes aren't on LAC 76:V.115; non-native, so native-furbearer rules don't apply. No state permit.
  • Sugar Glider — Sugar gliders aren't on any Louisiana prohibited list; no permit required.
  • Hedgehog — Legal — hedgehogs are not on Louisiana's prohibited exotic species lists
  • Ferret — Legal — not on LDWF's prohibited or restricted species lists

How Louisiana regulates exotic pets

Primary authority sits with Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. 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 Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries before acquiring any animal.