PET REGULATIONS IN ALASKA
If you're wanting to purchase or adopt a new pet, use these resources to help you find out if the pet you want is prohibited or controlled (i.e., requires a permit) in your state. And don't forget to do some research on the pet you want. Many pets are expensive, time consuming, and can live for a long time. Be prepared to properly care for your pet for its entire lifetime.
Alaska prohibited and controlled species info
What Pets Can I Own?
Mammals, birds, and reptiles:
All mammal, bird, and reptile species that have been specifically approved for entry or possession in Alaska appear on the “Clean List“ (5 AAC 92.029). The approved animals are listed by category in the links below. If a particular mammal, bird, or reptile species does not appear on this list, it may not be imported into Alaska or possessed as a pet or livestock in Alaska, and the Department of Fish and Game cannot issue a permit allowing its importation or possession.
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- Birds
- Mammals
- Reptiles
Fish, shellfish and amphibians:
Only ornamental species are allowed.
It is Illegal to Hold Wild Species as Pets
The native (indigenous) fish and wildlife of Alaska are a public resource. You may not cage or fence in a wild creature and try to make it your pet, even if you think it is a juvenile that has been abandoned. It is illegal for citizens to possess or export native Alaska species as pets. However, some other forms of wildlife or fish possession are allowed with the necessary permit.
Who to Contact
Mammals, birds, or reptiles:
For questions on transport or possession of mammals, birds, or reptiles, contact the department’s Wildlife Permits Section at dfg.dwc.permits@alaska.gov or (907) 465-4148.
Fish, shellfish or amphibians:
Information on importing fish, shellfish or amphibians is found at Fish, Amphibian, and Aquatic Plant Permits.
Importing species of fish, crustaceans, or mollusks:
If you have questions about importing species of fish, crustaceans, or mollusks that are not native to Alaska and have been identified as invasive elsewhere in the United States, or you think might pose a potential risk of harm to Alaska’s aquatic ecosystems, please contact ADF&G’s Invasive Species Coordinator at tammy.davis@alaska.gov or 907-465-6183.
Certain plants and aquatic pests are also regulated/prohibited in the state of Alaksa. Please see the links below for more information on these species.
Beginning in 2021, regulations prohibit possession, import, propagation, transport, release, purchase, and/or sale of organisms listed as banned invasive species without a permit. Examples of the banned invasive species includes signal crayfish, red swamp crayfish, yellow perch, zebra mussels, quagga mussels, American bullfrogs, Asian carp, and New Zealand mudsnails. For more information on banned invasive species see: Legal Requirements for Invasive Species, Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Now, keep in mind, just because an animal is legal to own in the state, it doesn’t mean the city you live in allows it. Many local cities and counties have their own restrictions on which animals are legal to keep, and which are not. Consider checking with your local city and/or county for their regulations regarding what pets you can and can’t own. It is your responsibility to comply with all local laws, ordinances and covenants before importing or possessing live wildlife.
For more information on prohibited species, please see the link below.
Pets That Are Legal To Have In Alaska, Alaska Department of Fish and Game