Exotic pet laws in South Dakota
Every animal in our directory, checked against South Dakota Animal Industry Board rules and South Dakota statute. Click any animal for the full entry — the exact law, penalties, permits, and local caveats.
All animals: status at a glance
| Animal | Status | Statute | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raccoon | Legal | S.D. Admin. R. 12:68:18:03 | 2026-07-03 |
| Monkey | Permit Required | S.D. Admin. R. 12:68:18:03, 12:68:18:03.03 | 2026-07-03 |
| Serval | Permit Required | S.D. Admin. R. 12:68:18:03, 12:68:18:03.03 | 2026-07-03 |
| Fennec Fox | Permit Required | S.D. Admin. R. 12:68:18:03, 12:68:18:03.03 | 2026-07-03 |
| Sugar Glider | Legal | S.D. Admin. R. 12:68:18:03 (not listed) | 2026-07-03 |
| Hedgehog | Legal | SDCL ch. 40-3 (hedgehogs not restricted) | 2026-07-13 |
| Ferret | Legal | SDCL tit. 41 captive wildlife provisions (domestic ferret not covered) | 2026-07-13 |
Permit-required animals in South Dakota
- Monkey — All primates need an Animal Industry Board possession permit ($10/animal)
- Serval — All nondomestic Felidae need a $10 possession permit and facility approval
- Fennec Fox — Nondomestic Canidae require the $10 Animal Industry Board possession permit
Legal without a permit in South Dakota
- Raccoon — Raccoons (Procyonidae) are not on the possession-permit list; captive-bred animals only
- Sugar Glider — Marsupials are outside the possession-permit rule; no state permit needed
- Hedgehog — Legal — hedgehogs are not on South Dakota's captive wildlife permit lists
- Ferret — Legal — treated as a domestic pet, outside captive wildlife permitting
How South Dakota regulates exotic pets
Primary authority sits with South Dakota Animal Industry Board. 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 South Dakota Animal Industry Board before acquiring any animal.