An Exotic Animal as a Pet
34 Pa.C.S. 2963 — exotic wildlife only with the commission's permit
No one may possess, buy or receive exotic wildlife without a permit from the commission, which issues one only once it is satisfied the housing, care and public protection meet its standards. Releasing exotic wildlife into the wild is unlawful.
Who handles this in Pennsylvania: legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Pennsylvania directory.
Failing to take due care to keep the public safe from an attack is a separate offense. Each day is a separate violation, and the commission's director may revoke the permit and order the animal disposed of. Whether a particular animal needs a permit is a question for the commission or a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- 34 Pa.C.S. 2963 — Exotic wildlife possession permits
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.