PET REGULATIONS IN GEORGIA

Legislative authority for the management of Game and Fish within Georgia is governed by the Georgia General Assembly and is outlined in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA), Title 27. OCGA 27-1-4 provides authority for the “promulgation of rules and regulations to protect wildlife, the public, and natural resources of this state” to the Board of Natural Resources (Board Rule). The governance and management of Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) within Georgia includes both legislative and regulatory processes. 

Laws, Rules, & Regulations Pertaining to Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) seeks to highlight legislation (laws), rules, and regulations that specifically impact ANS management in Georgia. Additional information on all laws, rules, and regulations, along with specific permits needed for the possession of certain wild animals, including ANS, can be obtained from your nearest Law Enforcement Office. 

Additionally, by Georgia Law, most native species of wildlife cannot be held without permits or licenses. The following list of species includes some of the species native to Georgia may not be held as a pet regardless of its origin or morphology. This list does not include all native wildlife that is prohibited. If there is any doubt about the legality of possessing any species, contact the Special Permit Unit at 770-918-6408. 

Mammals 

• Armadillo 
• Bats, all species 
• Black Bear 
• Bobcat 
• Chipmunk 
• Cottontail Rabbit 
• Cougar 
• Gray Fox 
• Gray Squirrel 
• Opossum 
• Raccoon 
• Red Fox 
• River Otter 
• Skunk 
• White-tailed Deer 

Reptiles and Amphibians 

• Alligator 
• Alligator Snapping Turtle 
• Box Turtle (Eastern, Florida, Gulf Coast, Three-toed) 
• Brown Snake 
• Corn Snake 
• Garter Snake 
• Glass Lizard (Eastern, Island, Mimic, Slender) 
• Green Salamander 
• Hellbender 
• Hognose Snake (Eastern, Southern) 
• Kingsnake (Black, Eastern, Mole, Scarlet) 
• Map Turtle (Alabama, Barbour’s, Common) 
• Rat Snake (Black, Gray, Yellow) 
• Sea Turtle (Green, Hawksbill, Leatherback, Loggerhead, Ridley) 
• Skink (Broadhead, Coal, Five-lined, Southeastern Five-lined, Ground, Mole) 
• Striped Newt 
• Water Snake (Banded, Brown, Florida Green, Northern, Redbelly) 

Birds and Fishes 

• All species of birds encountered in the wild in Georgia are protected by state and federal laws except English sparrows, European starlings, and pigeons   
• All species of fish native to the waters of Georgia are protected 

The animals listed below are examples of the exotic species regulated under Georgia Law. The exotic species listed below, except where otherwise noted, may not be held as pets in Georgia. This list is not all inclusive. 

• Marsupials (wallabies, kangaroos, sugar gliders, etc.); all species 

Note: Sugar gliders are legal as pets if the owner possesses valid documentation that the animal originated from a source inspected and regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture. 

• Insectivores (shrews, moles, hedgehogs, tenrecs, etc.); all species 
• Bats; all species 
• Primates (monkeys, apes, etc.); all species 
• Sloths, armadillos, etc.; all species 
• Rabbits and hares; all species except those normally domesticated 
• Rodents (capybaras, cavies, prairie dogs, degus, etc.); all species except those normally domesticated in Georgia such as hamsters, gerbils, and guinea pigs 
• Whales, dolphins, etc.; all species 
• Carnivores (weasels, ferrets, foxes, cats, bears, wolves, etc.); all species. 

Note: European ferrets are legal as pets if neutered by 7 months old and vaccinated against rabies. Wolf hybrids are not a legal pet in Georgia. Most exotic cat hybrids, such as a savannah cat, are not a legal pet in Georgia. 

• Elephants; all species 
• Manatee, dugong; all species 
• Ungulates (hoof stock); all species except American bison, water buffalos, and llamas 
• Rhinoceros 
• Hippopotamus 
• Hawks, eagles, vultures, etc.; all species 
• Turkeys; all species except those normally domesticated 
• Cuckoos; all species 
• Owls; all species 
• Monk parakeet (a.k.a. Quaker parakeet) 
• Java sparrow (a.k.a. Java Rice Bird, Java Rice Finch) 

Note: The Georgia Department of Agriculture has determined the Quaker or Monk Parakeet and the Java Rice Bird are prohibited from entry into the State of Georgia due to being capable of breeding in the wild and, if established in the wild, presenting a threat of being detrimental to the agriculture industry of this State. 

• Crows, ravens, etc.; all species 
• Crocodiles, gavials, etc.; all species 
• Alligators and caimans; all species 
• Cobras, coral snakes, etc.; all species 
• Adders, vipers, etc.; all species 
• Pit vipers; all species 
• Gila monsters and beaded lizards; all species 
• Piranha; all species 
• Grass, Silver and Bighead carp 
• Giant walking catfishes; all species 
• Snakeheads; all species of genera Ophicephalus and Channa 
• Fresh-water stingray; all species 

A full list of the animals and plants protected in the state of Georgia can be found at GA R&R – GAC. 

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 links below. 

Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) in Georgia | Department Of Natural Resources Division 

Protection Of Endangered, Threatened, Rare, Or Unusual Species in Georgia, U.S.A. 

Guide to Legal Pets | Department Of Natural Resources Division 

Invasive Species List – GISC