Is it legal to own a serval in New Mexico?
The short answer
No. New Mexico's Director's Species Importation List places the serval (Leptailurus serval) in Group IV, whose importation is prohibited for the general public. Unlike list-only states that omit servals, New Mexico names it directly.
What New Mexico law says
Under 19.35.7 NMAC, importing any live non-domesticated animal requires a director's permit; the importation list classifies Leptailurus serval as Group IV, importation of which is prohibited for the public and permitted only for scientific, zoological, or qualified-expert use.
Which agency regulates servals in New Mexico
New Mexico Dept. of Game & Fish is the authority for serval (Leptailurus serval) possession in New Mexico.
Is there a permit for pet servals?
No. There is no permit pathway that allows private pet ownership. Group IV importation may be allowed for scientific, zoological, or qualified-expert use - not pets.
Penalties for owning a serval illegally
Unlawful importation/possession penalties with seizure.
Local city and county rules
Statewide importation control; counties and cities may bar exotic cats entirely.
Legal alternatives in New Mexico
- Sugar Glider in New Mexico — A palm-sized gliding marsupial, legal in most states but banned in a handful of cities and states.
Frequently asked questions
I read servals are legal in some Western states - what about New Mexico?
Not for pet owners here - the serval is expressly Group IV, prohibited for the general public to import.
Sources
More animals in New Mexico
- Is it legal to own a raccoon in New Mexico?
- Is it legal to own a monkey in New Mexico?
- Is it legal to own a fennec fox in New Mexico?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in New Mexico 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 New Mexico Dept. of Game & Fish and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.