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PET REGULATIONS IN MONTANA

Promoting Responsible Pet Ownership

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.

Montana prohibited and controlled species info

Prohibited species are live, exotic wildlife species, subspecies, or hybrid of that species, including viable embryos or gametes, that may not be possessed, sold, purchased, exchanged, or transported in Montana, except as provided in MCA 87-5-709 or ARM 12.6.2220.

Some of the prohibited species in Montana include:

    • North American bullfrog
    • California quail
    • Rusty crayfish
    • Big head, black, grass, and silver carp
    • Tilapia
    • White perch
    • Apes
    • Bats
    • Foxes
    • New world primates
    • Old world monkeys
    • Raccoons
    • Southern flying squirrel
    • Virginia opossum or North American Opossum
    • Zebra and quagga mussels
    • Crocodylidae family
    • Alligatoridae family
    • Pit vipers and true vipers
    • Red-eared slider turtle

“Controlled species” means live, exotic wildlife species, subspecies, or hybrid of species that may not be imported, possessed, sold, purchased or exchanged in Montana unless a person obtains written authorization from the department. Written authorization to possess a species of exotic wildlife that has been classified as controlled may be requested by submitting an application. The application requires information on the exotic species requested, the intended purpose for possession, where the exotic species will be held, and the enclosures intended to contain the exotic species.

Access the full list of prohibited and regulated species in Montana here.

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.

Learn more from MT Fish, Wildlife and Parks about what you can do to prevent the spread of invasive species in Montana.