Is it legal to own a serval in South Carolina?

VERIFIED 2026-07-03CONFIDENCE: HIGHS.C. Code Ann. Title 47, Ch. 2

The short answer

Legal

Servals aren't 'large wild cats' under the 2018 ban; no state permit required..

Yes, technically. South Carolina's 2018 ban on 'large wild cats' lists lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, cougars, cheetahs, snow leopards, and clouded leopards, but not the serval. No state permit is required, though the state's rabies rules make servals risky if one ever bites someone.

What South Carolina law says

S.C. Code Ann. Title 47, Ch. 2 defines 'large wild cat' by an enumerated list that excludes Leptailurus serval, so servals are not banned and are unregulated by that statute.

Which agency regulates servals in South Carolina

South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is the authority for serval (Leptailurus serval) possession in South Carolina.

Is there a permit for pet servals?

No permit is required at the state level.

Penalties and enforcement

None under the large-cat statute for servals; rabies-control action (including euthanasia) can follow a bite/exposure.

Local city and county rules

Many local ordinances ban exotic cats; and under SC rabies policy a serval that bites someone may be euthanized for testing.

Legal alternatives in South Carolina

Sugar Glider in South Carolina — A palm-sized gliding marsupial, legal in most states but banned in a handful of cities and states.
Monkey in South Carolina — All primates, from marmosets to capuchins. Among the most heavily regulated exotic pets in the U.S.

Frequently asked questions

Is a serval a banned 'large wild cat' in SC?

No. The statute's list doesn't include servals, so they aren't banned by that law.

Any catch?

Yes. SC's rabies rules can lead to euthanasia if a serval bites a person, and local law may ban it.

Sources

More animals in South Carolina

See all animals on the exotic pet laws in South Carolina 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 South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.