Exotic pet laws in New York

Every animal in our directory, checked against New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) rules and New York statute. Click any animal for the full entry — the exact law, penalties, permits, and local caveats.

All animals: status at a glance

AnimalStatusStatuteVerified
MonkeyBannedNY ECL §11-05122026-07-02
RaccoonBannedNY ECL Art. 11 (protected wildlife)2026-07-02
Fennec FoxPartly LegalNY ECL §11-0512 (fennec fox excluded)2026-07-02
Sugar GliderPartly LegalNY ECL §11-0512 (not covered)2026-07-02
ServalBannedNY ECL §11-05122026-07-03
HedgehogPartly LegalNY ECL §11-05122026-07-13
FerretPartly LegalNYC Health Code §161.012026-07-13

Animals banned in New York

  • Monkey — All nonhuman primates banned as pets statewide since 2005
  • Raccoon — Native wildlife — cannot be possessed as a pet; rehab license required for any possession
  • Serval — Non-domestic cats are 'wild animals' under state law — banned statewide, with NYC's ban on top

Partly legal in New York (local restrictions apply)

  • Fennec Fox — Legal at the state level — the famous exception in NY's wild animal ban — but banned in New York City
  • Sugar Glider — Legal statewide — but prohibited in New York City
  • Hedgehog — Legal in New York State — but banned in New York City by Health Code §161.01
  • Ferret — Legal in New York State — but banned in New York City under Health Code §161.01

How New York regulates exotic pets

Primary authority sits with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). 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 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) before acquiring any animal.