Is it legal to own a serval in Washington?
The short answer
Generally yes, at the state level. Washington's dangerous wild animal law (RCW ch. 16.30) bans big cats such as lions, tigers, and cheetahs, but servals are not included in the statutory definition. That makes servals legal to own under state law — however, many Washington cities and counties ban all exotic or wild cats locally, so your city and county codes are the controlling question.
What Washington law says
RCW 16.30.010 defines 'dangerous wild animals' by listing specific taxa. Servals (Leptailurus serval) fall outside the listed categories, so the statewide ban does not reach them. No state permit is required for an animal not on the list. This is a common pattern: mid-size exotic cats slip between 'big cat' bans and domestic animal rules.
Which agency regulates servals in Washington
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) / local animal control is the authority for serval (Leptailurus serval) possession in Washington.
Is there a permit for pet servals?
No permit is required at the state level.
Penalties and enforcement
At the state level, none for mere ownership. If your city or county bans exotic cats, penalties follow the local code — typically civil fines and removal of the animal.
Local city and county rules
This is the big one: Seattle, and several other cities and counties, prohibit wild or exotic cats regardless of state law. Always confirm your municipal code and county ordinance before acquiring a serval.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to own a serval in Washington?
Not from the state — servals aren't on the RCW 16.30 dangerous wild animal list. But check your city and county: many ban exotic cats outright.
Are Savannah cats legal in Washington?
Savannah cats (serval × domestic hybrids) are generally treated as domestic cats in Washington, though some localities regulate early-generation (F1–F2) hybrids.
Sources
More animals in Washington
- Is it legal to own a raccoon in Washington?
- Is it legal to own a monkey in Washington?
- Is it legal to own a fennec fox in Washington?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in Washington page, or compare every state on the pet serval laws by state page.
Last verified 2026-07-02 against the cited primary sources. This is a research directory, not legal advice — confirm current rules with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) / local animal control and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.