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PET REGULATIONS IN UTAH

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.

Utah prohibited and controlled species info

Are you interested in collecting or possessing lizards, snakes and frogs? Starting in 2020, Utah has new rules that oversee the state’s reptiles and amphibians. Depending on the species you’re interested in — and what you plan to do with them — you may need a special permit or document to collect or keep certain animals. For more information see: Reptiles & amphibians 

The following list includes some of the reptiles and amphibian species prohibited in Utah: 

    • Columbia spotted frog 
    • Relict leopard frog 
    • Western or boreal toad 
    • Arizona toad 
    • Gila monster 
    • Mojave (or Mohave) desert tortoise 

Are you interested in collecting or possessing wild fish, mollusks and crustaceans? Starting in 2023, Utah has new rules that oversee the collection and possession of fish, mollusks and crustaceans. Depending on the species you’re interested in — and what you plan to do with them — you may need a special permit or document to collect or keep certain animals. For more information see: Collection, importation and possession of fish, mollusks and crustaceans in Utah 

The following list includes some of the fish, mollusk, and crustacean species prohibited in Utah: 

    • Prohibited Fish 
    • Bighead, grass, silver, and black carp 
    • Bowfin 
    • Eurasian ruffe 
    • Piranhas (all species) 
    • Northern snakehead  
    • Sea lamprey 
    • Tiger fish  
    • Tilapia (all species) 
    • Walking catfish 
    • Zander  
    • Prohibited mollusks 
    • Asian clam 
    • Chinese mystery snail 
    • Giant garden, and gray field slug 
    • Golden mussel 
    • New Zealand mud snail 
    • Quagga, and zebra mussel 
    • Prohibited crustaceans 
    • Asian shore, Chinese mitten, and European green crab 
    • Killer shrimp 
    • Redclaw, marron, marbled, rusty, and signal crayfish 
    • Spiny water flea, and fishhook water flea 

There are also several terrestrial wild animals that are illegal to possess in Utah. Unpermitted animals may be seized immediately if the person possessing the animal cannot produce a valid permit for each individual animal. You may be given a citation for illegally possessing these animals, which is a Class B misdemeanor. The following list includes some of the wild animals that are considered non-protected wildlife in the state of Utah:  

    • Raccoons 
    • Striped skunks 
    • Coyotes 
    • Ground squirrels 
    • Gophers 
    • Jack rabbits 
    • Muskrats 
    • Field mice 

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. 

R657-3a: Collection, importation, transportation and possession of animals 

DWR reminds public about not illegally keeping wildlife (utah.gov) 

le.utah.gov/xcode/Title4/Chapter23/4-23-S111.html?v=C4-23-S111_2018050820180508