Is it legal to own a serval in North Dakota?
The short answer
Yes, with a license. North Dakota's Category 3 list names only the big cats (mountain lion, jaguar, leopard, lion, tiger, cheetah), and 'nondomestic cats not listed in category 3' fall into Category 2 - which is where a serval lands. Category 2 owners must hold a nontraditional livestock license from the Board of Animal Health, with approved facilities and annual inventory reports.
What North Dakota law says
NDAC 48.1-09-01-02(2) assigns nondomestic cats not on the big-cat list to Category 2; NDAC 48.1-09-01-03 requires a board license, facility approval before acquisition, and annual reporting.
Which agency regulates servals in North Dakota
North Dakota Department of Agriculture - State Board of Animal Health is the authority for serval (Leptailurus serval) possession in North Dakota.
Is there a permit for pet servals?
Yes — the Nontraditional Livestock License (Category 2), issued by North Dakota Department of Agriculture - State Board of Animal Health (Fee set under NDCC § 36-01-08.1; contact the Board (701-328-2655)).
Penalties and enforcement
Civil penalty up to $5,000 per violation, infraction charges, and confiscation or destruction of noncompliant animals.
Local city and county rules
City exotic-animal ordinances may still prohibit non-domestic cats even with a state license.
Legal alternatives in North Dakota
- Sugar Glider in North Dakota — A palm-sized gliding marsupial, legal in most states but banned in a handful of cities and states.
Frequently asked questions
Is a serval treated like a tiger in North Dakota?
No. Big cats are Category 3 with stricter housing rules; servals fall into Category 2, which still requires licensure and inspections but fewer special-care requirements.
Sources
More animals in North Dakota
- Is it legal to own a raccoon in North Dakota?
- Is it legal to own a monkey in North Dakota?
- Is it legal to own a fennec fox in North Dakota?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in North Dakota 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 North Dakota Department of Agriculture - State Board of Animal Health and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.