Exotic pet laws in Virginia
Every animal in our directory, checked against Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) rules and Virginia 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 | Banned | 4VAC15-30-40 (Procyonidae listed) | 2026-07-03 |
| Monkey | Legal | 4VAC15-30-40(H) (primates not listed) | 2026-07-03 |
| Serval | Banned | 4VAC15-30-40 (all Felidae listed) | 2026-07-03 |
| Fennec Fox | Banned | 4VAC15-30-40 (all Canidae listed) | 2026-07-03 |
| Sugar Glider | Legal | 4VAC15-30-40(H) (not listed) | 2026-07-03 |
| Hedgehog | Legal | 4VAC15-30-40 (hedgehogs not listed) | 2026-07-13 |
| Ferret | Legal | 4VAC15-30-40 (ferret expressly excepted) | 2026-07-13 |
Animals banned in Virginia
- Raccoon — Procyonidae are on Virginia's predatory/undesirable list — no pet pathway
- Serval — All non-domestic cats (Felidae) are listed — no pet permits
- Fennec Fox — All Canidae — including every fox — are listed; no pet pathway
Legal without a permit in Virginia
- Monkey — Not on Virginia's prohibited list — legal at the state level under the catch-all for unlisted exotics
- Sugar Glider — Not listed — legal under the unlisted-exotics allowance
- Hedgehog — Legal — hedgehogs are not on Virginia's predatory/undesirable species list
- Ferret — Legal — expressly carved out of Virginia's predatory/undesirable animal rule
How Virginia regulates exotic pets
Primary authority sits with Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR). 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 Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) before acquiring any animal.