A Wild Animal as a Pet
R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-18-3 — primates, carnivores, reptiles, amphibians and insects need a permit
No one may bring in, receive or keep primates, carnivores, amphibians, reptiles, members of the dog family or insects without first getting a permit from the department of environmental management. The director can add species to the list or waive the permit for some by regulation.
Who handles this in Rhode Island: legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Rhode Island directory.
Accredited zoos are exempt if they report their acquisitions to the state veterinarian every quarter. Which species need a permit today is in the department's regulations. Whether a particular animal needs one is a question for the department or a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
Sources for this section (2)
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-18-3 — Permit required to import wild animals
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-18-2 — Definitions
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Rhode Island attorney.