Exotic pet laws in Nebraska
Every animal in our directory, checked against Nebraska Game & Parks Commission rules and Nebraska statute. Click any animal for the full entry — the exact law, penalties, permits, and local caveats.
All animals: status at a glance
| Animal | Status | Statute | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raccoon | Permit Required | Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 37-477, 37-479 | 2026-07-03 |
| Monkey | Legal | Neb. Rev. Stat. § 37-477 | 2026-07-03 |
| Serval | Banned | Neb. Rev. Stat. § 37-477(2) | 2026-07-03 |
| Fennec Fox | Legal | Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 37-477, 37-479 | 2026-07-03 |
| Sugar Glider | Legal | Neb. Rev. Stat. § 37-477 | 2026-07-03 |
| Hedgehog | Legal | Neb. Rev. Stat. §37-477 (hedgehogs not covered) | 2026-07-13 |
| Ferret | Legal | Neb. Rev. Stat. §37-477 (ferrets not captive wildlife) | 2026-07-13 |
Animals banned in Nebraska
- Serval — All non-domestic Felidae are prohibited; Game & Parks names serval cats explicitly
Permit-required animals in Nebraska
- Raccoon — Captive Wildlife Permit ($33/yr) plus captive-bred sourcing and enclosure inspection
Legal without a permit in Nebraska
- Monkey — Primates appear on neither the prohibited list nor the Captive Wildlife Permit list
- Fennec Fox — Only native red and gray foxes need permits; fennecs are on neither state list
- Sugar Glider — Not on the prohibited or permit-required lists; unregulated at the state level
- Hedgehog — Legal statewide — but the city of Omaha bans hedgehogs
- Ferret — Legal — captive wildlife permits don't apply to domestic ferrets
How Nebraska regulates exotic pets
Primary authority sits with Nebraska Game & Parks Commission. 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 Nebraska Game & Parks Commission before acquiring any animal.