Exotic Pet Laws: Check Before You Move Your Bird, Reptile or Small Mammal

If you keep dogs and cats, moving usually means checking licensing and maybe breed rules. If you keep exotic pets, like birds, reptiles and some small mammals, the legal picture can be much more complicated. A pet that's legal where you live now might be banned where you're going.

Levels of rules to check

1. Federal (national) rules at the border, including wildlife trade laws.
2. Provincial or state rules.
3. Municipal bylaws, which in some places are the most important layer.
4. Housing rules from landlords, condo boards and homeowners' associations.

Canada

• Provinces differ significantly in how they regulate exotic animals. In Ontario, much of the regulation happens at the municipal level, so rules can change from one city to the next. Check your destination municipality's animal control bylaw.
• Some cities prohibit a long list of animals, including many snakes, large lizards, primates and certain birds.
• CITES-listed species need permits to cross international borders, even as personal pets in many cases.

United States

• States vary enormously. Some regulate or ban specific species, others require permits, and some leave it to counties and cities.
• Injurious species. Under the U.S. Lacey Act, several large constrictor snakes, including Burmese and reticulated pythons and some anacondas, are listed as injurious wildlife, which restricts importing them into the country.
• Ferrets have been banned as pets in some jurisdictions, including some U.S. states and cities.
• Some states restrict certain parrots or other birds considered agricultural risks.
• Wildlife imports typically need to be declared to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

CITES

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) covers many popular pets, including many parrots, ball pythons, boa constrictors and some tortoises. Moving these across a border can require CITES permits from both countries. Start early; permits can take weeks or months.

How to check

• Search your destination city's animal control bylaw or ordinance.
• Contact the provincial or state wildlife or agriculture department.
• Check the CFIA's Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and USDA APHIS resources for border crossings.
• Ask your exotic vet or a local reptile or bird club, who often know local rules well.

Don't guess

If your pet turns out to be illegal at your destination, it could be seized. Checking the rules is always worth it.

Read our species guides for reptiles, birds and small rodents. 4Paws Movers can transport legal exotic pets across Ontario and into the U.S. Request a quote.