Illegal animals


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Illegal Animals

Many animals are illegal to own, transport, and import into Washington State. There are several state agencies that regulate animal ownership. Please contact the agency listed in the law to request more information about that law.

Rabies law

It is illegal to own animals that may infect people with rabies. For questions concerning the rabies law please visit the Department of Health

Animals illegal to own under this law are:
  • Bats
  • Skunks
  • Foxes
  • Raccoons
  • Coyotes

Wild animal law

It is illegal to possess wild animals. For questions concerning the wild animal law please visit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Some of the animals illegal to own under this law are:
  • Elk
  • Deer
  • Bears
  • Bobcats
Some of the birds illegal to own under this law are:
  • Falcons
  • Quail (except Coturnix)
  • Pheasants
  • Chukars
  • Grouse
 


 

Deleterious animal law

It is illegal to own animals that can cause damage to the enviroment or to native wildlife. For questions concerning the deleterious exotic wildlife law please visit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Some of the animals illegal to own under this law are:
  • Mute swans
  • Mongoose
  • Wild boar
  • Javelina 
  • Wild goats
  • Wild sheep
  • Wildebeests
  • Reindeer
  • Fallow deer

Aquatic Invasive Species
https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=220-640-030
https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=220-640-050

Dangerous animal law

It is illegal to own animals that pose a threat to people, livestock, or domestic animals. For a complete list of animals illegal to own in the dangerous animal law please visit the definitions page

Some of the animals illegal to own under this law are:
  • Lions
  • Tigers
  • Cougars
  • Wolves
  • Bears
  • Monkeys (non human primates)
  • Marmosets 
  • Lemurs 
  • Cobras
  • Rattlesnakes
  • Crocodiles
  • Alligators