Is it legal to own a serval in Nevada?
The short answer
Yes. Servals are legal in Nevada with no state permit — non-domestic cats aren't on the prohibited species list. Local ordinances (notably in the Las Vegas area) may restrict them.
What Nevada law says
NAC 503.110 doesn't reach servals; Nevada has no exotic-cat permit scheme.
Which agency regulates servals in Nevada
No state agency regulates serval (Leptailurus serval) possession in Nevada — authority rests with local animal control. See the state wildlife agency for related rules.
Is there a permit for pet servals?
No permit is required at the state level.
Penalties and enforcement
None at the state level; escape and injury liability is on the owner.
Local city and county rules
Clark County and municipal exotic rules apply — check locally.
Legal alternatives in Nevada
- Sugar Glider in Nevada — A palm-sized gliding marsupial, legal in most states but banned in a handful of cities and states.
Frequently asked questions
Are big cats also legal in Nevada?
Nevada historically allowed even big cats with few state controls, though local rules and recent county ordinances have tightened. Servals face no state-level restriction.
Sources
More animals in Nevada
- Is it legal to own a raccoon in Nevada?
- Is it legal to own a monkey in Nevada?
- Is it legal to own a fennec fox in Nevada?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in Nevada 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 your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.