An Exotic Animal as a Pet
Idaho Code § 25-3902 — the agriculture department decides which exotic animals are deleterious
The department of agriculture and its division of animal industries may regulate or prohibit bringing in or keeping any deleterious exotic animal. Which animals those are, and the permits for them, are set by the department's rules rather than the statute.
Who handles this in Idaho: legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Idaho directory.
| Breaking the rules | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Breaking the rulesCivil penalty from the department | PenaltyUp to $5,000 for each offense, after notice and a chance for a hearing |
| Breaking the rulesCriminal conviction | PenaltyMisdemeanor, $100 to $5,000 for each offense |
A civil penalty can be appealed to the district court within 30 days. Whether a particular animal is covered is a question for the department of agriculture or a licensed Idaho attorney.
Sources for this section (2)
- Idaho Code § 25-3902 — Authority of the department of agriculture and the division of animal industries
- Idaho Code § 25-3905 — Violations — Civil — Criminal — Penalties for violations
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Idaho attorney.