A Wild Animal as a Pet
3 Del. C. § 7201 — a permit for any wild mammal or reptile not native here, and no venomous snakes at all
No one may bring in, possess, sell or exhibit a live wild mammal, a wild mammal hybrid, or a live reptile not native to or generally found in the state without a permit. The Department of Agriculture may exempt by regulation the ones that are no significant threat.
Who handles this in Delaware: legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Delaware directory.
No venomous snakes, permit or not. A poisonous snake not native here whose venom can seriously injure or kill a person may not be brought in, kept, sold or shown, and no permit for one will be issued, except for medical or psychological research or a licensed zoo or traveling circus.
Each offense carries a fine of up to $500, up to 30 days, or both. Whether a particular animal needs a permit is a question for the Department of Agriculture or a licensed Delaware attorney.
Sources for this section (2)
- 3 Del. C. § 7201 — Possession; permit required
- 3 Del. C. § 7203 — Penalties
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Delaware attorney.