What exotic pets are legal in Massachusetts? (2024)

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So if you're thinking just a dog or a cat might not do it for you, there are some exotic animals you can own in Massachusetts. Hedgehogs, chinchillas and Southern Flying Squirrels are all legal in the state.Oct 16, 2015

What exotic pets are legal in Massachusetts? (1)

Can you have a fox as a pet in Massachusetts?

#1: Foxes. It's devastating, but it's true. Foxes didn't make it on the list of mammals you can own in the state of Massachusetts. Regardless of whatever fantasies grew from watching The Fox & The Hound and the fact that there are states that allow you to own a fox, they are banned in Massachusetts.Oct 15, 2015

Is it legal to bury pet in backyard in MA?

Massachusetts law currently prohibits cemeteries from letting humans and animals be buried together. ... Trabucco, the owner of eight cats, two dogs and two birds, told SHNS he'd like to be buried with them.Jun 23, 2015

Can you have a pig as a pet in Massachusetts?

The state prohibits people from keeping exotic pets, such as alligators and venomous snakes, and endangered and threatened wildlife. Domestic birds and mammals, including chickens, horses, cows and pigs, are allowed by the state without a permit, but some communities have local regulations for such animals.Dec 30, 2015

How many dogs can I own in Massachusetts?

Residents may have three (3) licensed dogs. If the dogs have puppies, the puppies may stay with the mothers for six (6) months. Anyone housing more than three (3) adult dogs would need to apply for a kennel license in the Town Clerk's office.

Can you own a pitbull in Massachusetts?

While the state of Massachusetts does restrict pit bull ownership and breeding, this also applies to other dogs that are close in relation or those known to have vicious or dangerous behavior which could cause more severe injury.

Is it legal to have a possum as a pet?

It's illegal to keep them without a wildlife rehabilitation permit, though, and once they're old enough to survive on their own, healthy possums can, and should, be released. ... They're wild animals who don't fare well often in captivity.

Can I own a platypus?

Platypus are difficult and expensive animals to keep in captivity, even for major zoos and research institutions. ... Sensibly, platypus cannot be legally kept as pets in Australia, nor are there currently any legal options for exporting them overseas.

Can I have a pet raccoon in Massachusetts?

Many states do not allow possession of raccoons. Some states in which owning raccoons is forbidden by law include Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland and Massachusetts. ... Individuals who owned a pet raccoon when laws banning their ownership were enacted may be allowed to maintain ownership.

Are sugar gliders legal in MA?

Changes in state regulations make it perfectly legal to be a “sugar slave,″ as sugar glider owner Michelle Cutler calls herself. Massachusetts residents can also now legally own green tree pythons, emerald tree boas, true chameleons and spiny-tailed monitors.Jan 26, 2014

Why you shouldn't bury your pet in the backyard?

Backyard burial may seem like the easiest way to respectfully take care of your pet's remains. Unfortunately, it can be dangerous for other pets and wildlife. ... If your pet dies of a disease which could be spread to other animals or even people, their body might also pose a risk.Mar 18, 2019

Should I bury my cat in a plastic bag?

If you choose to bury your pet at home, put the body in a heavy-duty plastic bag, encase it in a secure receptacle such as a wood or metal box, and bury it at least three feet deep. This helps prevent other animals from being attracted by the scent and digging at the grave site.

Can you own an exotic pet in Massachusetts?

  • ” MassWildlife has a list of exotic pets that are permissible in the state, and it’s pretty short. So as tempting as it may be to shake things up and get your cat or dog a new, feral playmate, there’s some limitations when it comes to which critters you can raise.

What kind of animals are exempt from Ma exotic pet ban?

  • Citation: 321 CMR 9.01 Summary: This section exempts some animals from Massachusetts' exotic pet ban. The animals that have been added to this license-exemption list include boas and pythons, skinks, parrots, hedgehogs, chinchillas, and flying squirrels, among others.

What kind of animals are allowed in Massachusetts?

  • Includes regulations about domestic animals in Massachusetts. Does not include hunting or wild or exotic animals. 321 CMR 2.12 Artificial propagation of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians

Can you have a crocodilian as a pet in Massachusetts?

  • You cannot have in your possession any mammal not listed as legal or domestic. You cannot have any crocodilian species in your possession in Massachusetts. This includes

Are sugar gliders legal in Massachusetts?

Changes in state regulations make it perfectly legal to be a “sugar slave,″ as sugar glider owner Michelle Cutler calls herself. Massachusetts residents can also now legally own green tree pythons, emerald tree boas, true chameleons and spiny-tailed monitors.26 янв. 2014 г.

Can you own a pig in Massachusetts?

Are teacup pigs legal in Massachusetts? Teacup pigs are now legal in most cities. It is still a good idea to check your local city ordinances. ... If your city specifically mentions no swine, you may want to consider a different pet or moving to a different city.

What dogs are illegal in Massachusetts?

Breed Specific Restrictions These breeds include fighting class dogs, terriers, and both American and Staffordshire bull terriers and standard terriers. Those with pit bull blood almost always remain on these lists as well as any that share a common gene pool.

How many dogs can you own in MA?

Residents may have three (3) licensed dogs. If the dogs have puppies, the puppies may stay with the mothers for six (6) months. Anyone housing more than three (3) adult dogs would need to apply for a kennel license in the Town Clerk's office.

Is it legal to have a pet raccoon in Massachusetts?

Some states in which owning raccoons is forbidden by law include Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland and Massachusetts. This is just a partial list, though. Individuals who owned a pet raccoon when laws banning their ownership were enacted may be allowed to maintain ownership.

Is it legal to keep sugar gliders as pets?

Native mammals like kangaroos, quolls and sugar gliders cannot be kept as pets in NSW. The best place for native animals is in the bush where they can live in their natural environment. Native mammals have special needs and do not thrive in confined domestic environments.14 окт. 2020 г.

What state can you own a monkey?

Feel free to purchase or sell monkeys as pets in Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin. These states currently have no restrictions on monkeys as pets.

Are piranhas legal in Massachusetts?

(1997), states that specifically prohibit the sale, possession, or transport of piranhas within their borders include: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, ...29 мая 2018 г.

Can you own a pig in Boston?

Pet pigs aren't legal in Boston, but one pig hopes to change that.8 авг. 2017 г.

How many cats can you legally own in Massachusetts?

Other provisions Dennis - limits a person from keeping more than six cats over the age of six months. Fairhaven - any person that keeps five or more cats is required to get a permit and be subject to inspections. States that a litter of kittens may be kept for a period not to exceed six weeks.

Can you own a Savannah cat in Massachusetts?

Arnold, servals are among the most popular wild cats and that a cross breed of a serval, called a savannah, is also illegal to possess in Massachusetts except by zoos and educational institutions.13 июн. 2006 г.

What do you do if your pet dies at home?

If you believe that once a pet has passed away the body is just a shell, you can call your local animal control. They usually have low cost (or no cost) services to dispose of deceased pets. You can also call your veterinarian. You will need to bring your pet to the clinic but then they can arrange for disposal.18 июн. 2018 г.

Do you need a license to own a dog in Massachusetts?

State law requires that every dog owner get a license for their dog each year. If your dog is 6 months or older, you need to get them a rabies vaccine and a license. You also need proof of current vaccinations to get a license. If you don't get your dog licensed, you could be subject to fines.20 июл. 2021 г.

Is it illegal to sell your own animal in Massachusetts?

Does not appear to apply to if you are selling your own animal ( MGL c.129 § 39A ). 330 CMR 12.05 Massachusetts pet "lemon law."

Can a pet be kept as a pet in Massachusetts?

Any animal listed in any rarity category of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species, any category of federal endangered species law, or listed on the Massachusetts List of Endangered, Threatened, and Special Concern species may not be possessed without a permit.


What exotic pets are legal in Massachusetts? (2024)

FAQs

What exotic pets are legal in Massachusetts? ›

So if you're thinking just a dog or a cat might not do it for you, there are some exotic animals you can own in Massachusetts. Hedgehogs, chinchillas and Southern Flying Squirrels are all legal in the state.

Are monkeys allowed as pets in mass? ›

At present, Massachusetts residents can legally own certain breeds of fish, reptiles and small mammals. Lions, monkeys, tigers and bears are not permitted.

Can you have a Fennec fox as a pet in Massachusetts? ›

Foxes didn't make it on the list of mammals you can own in the state of Massachusetts. Regardless of whatever fantasies grew from watching The Fox & The Hound and the fact that there are states that allow you to own a fox, they are banned in Massachusetts.

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