A Wild Animal as a Pet
W. Va. Code § 19-34-4 — no dangerous wild animal, unless it was kept legally before the rules
A person may not possess a dangerous wild animal: a mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian or aquatic animal, hybrids included, that can do significant harm by its nature. The Dangerous Wild Animal Board may permit one only for someone who legally had it before the board's rules took effect.
Who handles this in West Virginia: legal aid programs, lawyer referral and the state offices, listed in the West Virginia directory.
| A permit holder | The rule |
|---|---|
| A permit holderBreeding or replacing | The ruleNot allowed |
| A permit holderAn escape | The ruleThe sheriff or humane officer is told immediately |
| A permit holderInsurance | The ruleLiability coverage of at least $300,000 |
| A permit holderRenewal | The ruleEvery calendar year |
Wildlife is a separate rule. Keeping any live wildlife, wild animal, wild bird, game or fur bearing animal in captivity is unlawful except as the natural resources chapter and its rules allow.
Which species count as dangerous is set by the board's rules, not the statute. Whether a particular animal may be kept is a question for the board or a licensed West Virginia attorney.
Sources for this section (4)
- W. Va. Code § 19-34-4 — Prohibition on the possession of a dangerous wild animal; exceptions
- W. Va. Code § 19-34-2 — Definitions
- W. Va. Code § 19-34-6 — Permit applications, requirements, issuance and revocation
- W. Va. Code § 20-2-4 — Possession of wildlife
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed West Virginia attorney.