A Wild Animal as a Pet
N.J.S.A. 23:4-63.3 — any live exotic or potentially dangerous animal takes a state permit
No one may possess any live indigenous animal, live exotic animal, or live potentially dangerous indigenous or exotic animal except under a permit from the Department of Environmental Protection, or as the Fish and Game Council's rules allow. Releasing one into the state's environment takes a permit too.
Who handles this in New Jersey: legal aid programs, lawyer referral and the state offices, listed in the New Jersey directory.
| Violation | Civil penalty, first offense | After that |
|---|---|---|
| ViolationPossessing, or releasing a native animal, without a permit | Civil penalty, first offense$100 to $500 | After that$500 to $1,000 |
| ViolationReleasing an exotic animal | Civil penalty, first offense$100 to $1,000 | After that$500 to $2,000 |
| ViolationReleasing a potentially dangerous animal | Civil penalty, first offense$500 to $2,500 | After that$1,000 to $5,000 |
Which species need which permit is set by the department's rules, not the statute. Whether a particular animal can be kept is a question for the department or a licensed New Jersey attorney.
Sources for this section (2)
- N.J.S.A. 23:4-63.3 — Possession and release of certain animals
- N.J.S.A. 23:4-63.4 — Possession and release of certain animals; penalties
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed New Jersey attorney.