Pets That Are Surprisingly Legal to Own in Louisiana

When people think about getting a pet, dogs, cats, birds, or fish are likely the first animals that come to mind.

However, the realm of possibility when it comes to animals you can actually have as pets in Louisiana is quite surprising.

Pets You Can Legally Own In Louisiana

People enjoy having pets for various reasons, and the benefits of pet ownership can be both physical and emotional.

Pets provide companionship and emotional support. They are often seen as loyal friends who offer unconditional love and affection.

Interacting with pets has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety. The presence of a pet can have a calming effect on their owners.

The presence of a pet has been linked to improved emotional well-being and a sense of purpose. Pet owners often report feeling happier and less lonely.

However, for folks who march to the beat of their own drum, dogs and cats might not be what they're looking for when it comes to pets.

In Louisiana, there are definitely some out-of-the-box pet options you might not even realize are legal in Louisiana.

The gang over at a-z-animals.com has compiled a list of pets that are actually legal to own in Louisiana, but we're going to hit a few highlights.

From a-z-animals.com -

"Have you ever thought of what pets you can own in Louisiana? Local ordinances often prohibit having wild or exotic animals as pets, including alligators, tigers, and bears. However, some baffling pets are legal to own in Louisiana.

You can check local municipal laws to see what the regulations and rules are in your specific area."

Without any further ado, let's take a look at some of the awesome animals you can legally have in Louisiana.

Again, pet ownership laws vary from city to city, Parish to Parish so please check local laws

Wolfdogs

A wolfdog is basically a mix between a domestic dog and a gray wolf. They can have a range of wolf-like features and behaviors, depending on how much wolf ancestry they have. Some may look and act more like traditional dogs, while others might show wilder traits.

It's important to know that taking care of a wolfdog can be quite challenging.

Venomous or Constrictor Snakes

From a-z-animals.com -

"With a permit, you can have some venomous and constrictor snakes over eight feet long as pets if you live in Louisiana. You’d have to get the permit from the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, or you could receive a violation."

Some of the venomous and constrictor snakes you may be able to have as a pet depending on where in Louisiana you live are -

Cobras
Burmese pythons
Reticulated pythons
Anacondas
Pit vipers
Sea snakes

Gila Monsters

If you have a permit, Gila Monsters are legal to own as pets in Louisiana.

Gila Monsters are venomous, so it is strongly recommended that only people with reptile experience own one.

Chinchillas

Is it a rabbit? Is it a squirrel?

Neither, but kind of.

A Chinchilla isn't considered to be wild or exotic, so they are legal to own in Louisiana.

Surprisingly, Chinchillas can live up to 20 years.

Hedgehogs

Like Chinchillas, Hedgehogs are also not considered a wild or exotic animal, therefore they are legal to own in Louisiana.

Genets

From a-z-animals.com -

"Most large carnivores are banned in Louisiana, but their list doesn’t include the Viverridae family, making genets legal to own if you live in the state.

Genets might be allowed because they are small mammals, although they are opportunistic eaters."

Bengal Cats

Bengal cats are illegal in many States but are legal in Louisiana depending on where you live, so make sure to check your local pet laws if you're thinking about getting one.

Read more at a-z-animals.com.