Is it legal to own a serval in Louisiana?
The short answer
Yes. LAC 76:V.115 targets big exotic cats (lions, tigers, cougars, etc.), bears, wolves, and primates, but the serval is not among the barred species. No state permit is required, though many parishes and cities ban servals.
What Louisiana law says
La. Admin. Code tit. 76, Pt. V, 115 does not list Leptailurus serval among the prohibited big cats and quadrupeds, so servals are legal statewide.
Which agency regulates servals in Louisiana
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is the authority for serval (Leptailurus serval) possession in Louisiana.
Is there a permit for pet servals?
No permit is required at the state level.
Penalties and enforcement
None at state level for lawful possession; local violations carry local penalties.
Local city and county rules
Many Louisiana parishes and cities have banned servals; local verification is essential before acquiring one.
Legal alternatives in Louisiana
- Fennec Fox in Louisiana — The world's smallest fox — and one of the few foxes legal to own in several U.S. states.
- Sugar Glider in Louisiana — A palm-sized gliding marsupial, legal in most states but banned in a handful of cities and states.
Frequently asked questions
Is a serval legal in Louisiana?
Yes, statewide. Servals aren't on the LAC 76:V.115 big-cat list and need no state permit.
What's the catch?
Numerous parishes and municipalities ban servals, so check local law first.
Sources
- LA - Captive Wildlife - §115 (Animal Legal & Historical Center)
- Exotic Pets Legal in Louisiana (Animal of Things)
More animals in Louisiana
- Is it legal to own a raccoon in Louisiana?
- Is it legal to own a monkey in Louisiana?
- Is it legal to own a fennec fox in Louisiana?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in Louisiana 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 Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.