Is it legal to own a serval in Montana?
The short answer
Yes. Montana names the serval cat (Leptailurus serval) directly on its noncontrolled exotic-wildlife list, so you may possess one without a state permit. Montana is one of the genuinely permissive states for servals - and the rule text proves it rather than relying on a blog.
What Montana law says
ARM 12.6.2205 lists Leptailurus serval among noncontrolled mammals, which may be possessed, sold, purchased, or exchanged without a permit (though they may not be released into the wild).
Which agency regulates servals in Montana
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (noncontrolled - no permit) is the authority for serval (Leptailurus serval) possession in Montana.
Is there a permit for pet servals?
No permit is required at the state level.
Penalties and enforcement
None for lawful possession; releasing into the wild is prohibited.
Local city and county rules
Cities and counties may impose exotic-cat ordinances the state rule doesn't override; the Dept. of Livestock also regulates importation.
Legal alternatives in Montana
- Sugar Glider in Montana — A palm-sized gliding marsupial, legal in most states but banned in a handful of cities and states.
- Fennec Fox in Montana — The world's smallest fox — and one of the few foxes legal to own in several U.S. states.
Frequently asked questions
Do I really not need a permit for a serval in Montana?
Correct - the serval is expressly noncontrolled under ARM 12.6.2205, though importation still runs through the Department of Livestock and local rules may apply.
What about a caracal?
The caracal is a controlled species in Montana and does require a permit - the serval does not.
Sources
More animals in Montana
- Is it legal to own a raccoon in Montana?
- Is it legal to own a monkey in Montana?
- Is it legal to own a fennec fox in Montana?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in Montana 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 Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (noncontrolled - no permit) and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.