The allure of owning an exotic pet in Texas is strong, even in 2024. However, if you live in Texas (or anywhere else in the U.S.), you cannot keep a tiger as a pet without a proper permit. The Big Cat Public Safety Act, signed into law in 2022, means that new exotic pet owners can no longer own big cats, including cubs.
Texas also has clear regulations on exotic pet ownership. These regulations are meant to protect the animals and the general public. Some may misunderstand these laws, and this causes confusion about owning pets that do not fall into the domestic category.
Some of the most rampant misconceptions include the following:
1. Exotic Pets Are Legal to Own in Texas Without Any Restrictions
Contrary to popular belief, you cannot just fill your yard or farm with exotic pets without restrictions. You must get a Certificate of Registration if you already own a tiger or a lion. You can only get such a certification through an animal registration office.
If you own more than one exotic pet, each animal must have their own certificate. According to Texas law, the application fee per animal cannot exceed $50 and also cannot exceed $500 per person registering the animals.
As mentioned above, if you want to own a big cat in 2024 and do not already have one, you can no longer do so. A certificate is non-negotiable if you currently own big cats, and you must abide by applicable state and federal regulations.
2. Exotic Animals Raised in Captivity Are Domesticated
If you have raised an exotic animal from birth, it does not mean it is domesticated. This is a popular myth among prospective exotic pet owners in Texas.
In reality, domestication does not happen within the lifespan of one exotic animal. Domestication is a process that takes thousands of years. This process includes selective breeding and adaptation to human environments.
Moreover, even exotic animals raised in captivity retain their instincts and behaviors. This poses a serious risk to you and your community.
You can bring up a tiger or a lion on your property, but this does not mean they lose their predatory instincts. This also goes for certain species of primates. They often show territorial aggression as they mature despite being raised by humans. Their aggressive instincts cannot be safely controlled in a household setting.
3. Texas Freedom Means No Accountability for Exotic Pet Owners
There is also a belief that because Texas encourages personal freedom, this automatically extends to exotic pet ownership. People seem to think they can own as many exotic pets as they like with zero accountability.
This is simply untrue. As indicated above, exotic pet owners in Texas must meet several requirements. They face financial and legal liabilities if they do not adhere to laws and regulations.
If you want to own an exotic pet (one that is still legal to own), you must get a permit and possibly liability insurance. The insurance covers damages if your animal escapes and causes injury or death.
Keep in mind that you will likely face criminal charges if your exotic pet hurts or kills someone. This is also one of the main reasons tigers and other large cats are prohibited as pets.
4. It Is My Land, So I Can Keep Any Animal I Want
Private property rights in Texas are highly valued, but they do not grant unrestricted authority to own exotic animals. Zoning laws, wildlife regulations, and federal guidelines supersede individual property rights regarding owning exotic animals.
The ‘It’s My Land’ misconception often leads to individuals keeping restricted animals on their property because they believe land ownership entitles them to do so.
Your county will likely have more laws (over and above state laws) governing exotic pet ownership. If you live in an urban or suburban area, you will face more restrictive regulations. Moreover, an animal classified as dangerous by local law is usually prohibited from residential areas, regardless of the size of the owner’s property.
5. Exotic Pets Do Not Pose a Threat to the Environment
Some people also believe that keeping an exotic animal as a pet does not affect the environment or their local ecosystem. However, many exotic animals people keep as pets are not native to Texas. They pose serious ecological threats when they escape or are released into the wild.
Invasive exotic species can disrupt entire ecosystems and outcompete native animals for resources. They can also spread diseases to native wildlife. Large snakes like pythons have already disastrously impacted states like Florida. The same happens in Texas when exotic animals escape or are released.
What Happens If You Illegally Own an Exotic Pet
If you decide to chance it and illegally keep an exotic pet on your property, you face many consequences. This means you will probably be fined. However, criminal penalties may include jail time if you own a large, dangerous, restricted animal that poses a danger to the public.
If it is discovered that you are illegally keeping exotic animals, they will be confiscated. The animals are typically moved to wildlife sanctuaries or rehabilitation centers when this happens.
You will be liable for medical expenses and other damages if your exotic animal injures someone. As the animal is confiscated, you will remain liable to compensate the victim.
In some instances, you will be restricted from owning future pets, including domestic animals.
Owning an Exotic Pet in Texas Is Complicated
There are far more restrictions on exotic pet ownership than most people realize. If you want to own an exotic animal in 2024, you must educate yourself on ownership laws and regulations. This is the best way to avoid clashing with the law.
Even better, refrain from keeping exotic pets at all. If you stick to domestic animals, you create a safer environment for others and play your part in protecting the ecosystem.
Moreover, you will protect yourself and your family from the unpredictable behaviors of exotic pets.