A Wild Animal as a Pet
10 V.S.A. § 4709 — any live wild animal, reptile or amphibian takes the Commissioner's permit
No one may bring in, move or possess any live wild bird or animal of any kind, reptiles, amphibians and feral swine included, without authorization from the Commissioner of Fish and Wildlife. The permit fee is $100, and the department can dispose of wildlife held unlawfully.
Who handles this in Vermont: legal aid programs, lawyer referral and the state offices, listed in the Vermont directory.
Some species never get a permit. The Commissioner may not issue a permit for feral swine, including wild boar and wild hogs, or their hybrids and offspring.
The state can collect treble damages for its expenses from someone who brings in wildlife unlawfully. Whether a particular animal needs a permit is a question for the Department of Fish and Wildlife or a licensed Vermont attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- 10 V.S.A. § 4709 — Transport, importation, possession, and stocking of wild animals
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Vermont attorney.