Georgia has fairly open laws when it comes to keeping exotic pets. If you’ve always dreamed of having an unusual animal friend, you may be able to realize that dream by moving to the Peach State. Read on to learn about some of the surprising exotic pets that are legal in Georgia.
Common Exotic Pets Allowed in Georgia
Savannah Cats
Savannah cats, a hybrid between a domestic cat and an African serval, have become quite popular as exotic pets in Georgia. These tall, lean cats often exhibit dog-like behaviors like playing fetch. However, savannah cats are not for everyone – they require lots of exercise and stimulation.
While first generation savannahs are regulated in Georgia, later generations like F1 and F2 savannah cats are legal with no permit required. Just be prepared for an active, high-energy feline companion if you adopt one of these exotic beauties!
Capuchin Monkeys
Believe it or not, it’s legal to own a capuchin monkey as a pet in Georgia with the right exotic animal permit. These highly intelligent primates need lots of space to climb and swing, requiring large outdoor enclosures. Capuchins also form strong social bonds, so they should not be isolated.
While their inquisitive and cunning nature can make them delightful companions, capuchin monkeys can also be quite demanding – not an ideal pet for first-time exotic owners. Proper monkey care requires much experience and resources.
Always research extensively before taking on one of these exotic pets!
Chinchillas
For rodent lovers out there, chinchillas make fun and lively exotic pets permitted in Georgia. Known for their incredibly soft, thick fur, chinchillas need lots of room and ledges to jump and play. Their curious yet skittish nature means they may not enjoy much human handling at first.
With time and patience however, chinchillas can form close bonds with their owners. These affectionate exotics require specialized diets and humidity-controlled environments too. So while adorable, owning a chinchilla is a big commitment!
Hedgehogs
Who can resist those cute little faces? Hedgehogs are unique exotic pets allowed in Georgia without any special permits. Their popularity comes from being quiet and lower maintenance than other exotics. However, hedgehogs still need plenty of space with wheels and tunnels for exercise.
They can be shy creatures taking time to warm up to handling. While illegal in many states, hedgehogs offer Georgia exotic enthusiasts delightful, small companions full of quirky personality once trust is built! Just be ready for their night owl lifestyle.
Sugar Gliders
For exotic pet lovers seeking affectionate mini companions, sugar gliders perfectly fit the bill. These adorable marsupials bond strongly with owners when properly socialized. Given adequate space to climb and glide around, sugar gliders thrive indoors as exotic house pets.
Their omnivorous diets, specialized veterinary needs, and colony nature requiring companions do demand some extra care however. Still, sugar gliders make endearing, fascinating pets for experienced exotic owners able to meet their needs.
And with no permit necessary, Georgia residents can legally add these exotic darlings to their family!
Venomous Snakes and Reptiles
Rattlesnakes
Georgia laws allow captive breeding of certain venomous snakes, including rattlesnakes. However, special permits are required, as rattlesnakes can deliver a dangerous, potentially deadly bite. Popular species kept as pets include the Western Diamondback and Timber Rattlesnake.
Owners must have extensive knowledge of proper care and safety precautions when keeping hot snakes.
Copperheads
The venomous Southern Copperhead is another viper species legal to own with a permit in Georgia. They are generally not recommended as pets due to their painful, toxic bite. Still, experienced herpetoculturists have success keeping and breeding captive-bred Copperheads using specialized caging and handling tools.
Cottonmouths
Cottonmouths, also called Water Moccasins, are semi-aquatic pit vipers found wild in Georgia. Acquiring captive-bred baby Cottonmouths is allowed with the proper license. Their care requires ample swimming space, high humidity, and great caution when servicing their enclosure.
An angry Cottonmouth can deliver a fast, extremely dangerous bite.
Gila Monsters
The Gila Monster is one of only two venomous lizard species globally. These sluggish, chunky lizards from America’s southwest rarely bite humans. Their mild venom is a defense against predators. Gila Monster ownership is legal in Georgia and several other states with no license required.
Captive breeding remains quite rare, so most pets are wild-caught.
Green Iguanas
The bright Green Iguana is a popular exotic pet lizard allowed in Georgia. Easy to acquire and fairly low maintenance compared to other exotics, iguanas do require sizable, customized enclosures with specialized lighting and heating.
Most captive iguanas are bred on farms, and hatchlings sold to retailers can become tame pets with regular gentle handling.
Other Unusual Pets
Skunks
Believe it or not, keeping domesticated skunks as pets is legal in some parts of Georgia, provided they have had their scent glands removed. Skunks are intelligent, playful creatures that can be litter trained. However, they require a large indoor enclosure and lots of daily interaction and exercise.
Make sure to do your research before taking on one of these smelly critters!
Raccoons
Raccoons may look cute, but they don’t make good pets. While it’s not illegal to own one in Georgia, it’s highly discouraged. Raccoons are wild animals that can carry diseases and become aggressive, especially after reaching sexual maturity.
They also require complex diets and environments that most people cannot properly provide.
Bats
Bats get a bad rap, but certain species can legally be kept as pets in Georgia with the right permits. They are intelligent, social creatures. However, bats need sizable flight cages and specialized care to thrive. Diet, housing, enrichment and vet care for bats can also be challenging to provide.
Extensive research is a must before attempting to care for these misunderstood flyers.
Alligators (under 5 feet)
It may come as a shock, but Georgians can legally own alligators under five feet long with no special permits required! However, once they surpass this size threshold, extensive caging and safety measures become legally necessary.
Alligators of any size can pose safety risks, though, and require advanced care to meet their needs. Most experts advise leaving them to trained wildlife professionals.
Coyotes
Coyotes may frequent Georgia, but that doesn’t make them suitable pets. While it’s not expressly illegal to own one, doing so carries many risks. Coyotes are skittish prey animals biologically wired to roam vast territories. Providing adequate housing and enrichment is near impossible.
They are also capable of seriously injuring or killing other pets and small children. For public and coyote safety alike, it’s best to admire these cunning canines from a distance.
Exotic Pets That Are Illegal in Georgia
Tigers
Tigers are amazing exotic cats, but unfortunately keeping them as pets is illegal in Georgia. Their predatory instincts and sheer size make them potentially very dangerous. Tigers require large, secure enclosures and specialized diets to thrive.
As of 2024, there are less than 4,000 tigers left in the wild. While some may argue keeping tigers in captivity helps conserve the species, private ownership often leads to poorly cared for animals. Professional zoos and sanctuaries are better equipped to properly house tigers.
Lions
Lions are revered as the kings of the jungle, but they don’t make good house pets. Georgia strictly prohibits owning lions or any other big cat species. Lions are apex predators that can weigh over 500 pounds and run up to 50 mph. Even if raised in captivity, they retain powerful hunting instincts.
Attacks on humans are common when lions are kept as pets. Plus, confinement and improper diet wreak havoc on their health. Lions belong in the wild or accredited zoos with special knowledge on their complex needs.
Elephants
As the largest land mammal, elephants certainly don’t fit in a typical house! The species is highly intelligent and social, roaming up to 50 miles per day in the wild. Elephants kept in captivity require tremendous space and specialized care.
Georgia laws prohibit confining these magnificent creatures in small spaces as pets. While elephants may seem gentle, they can become aggressive and destructive when bored or frustrated. Elephants in captivity often develop health issues like obesity and arthritis.
For their wellbeing, elephants should remain in the wild or zoos with appropriate habitats.
Bears
Some exotic pet owners may find baby bears irresistibly cute. However, bears grow into powerful predators ill-suited for domestic life. Georgia classifies all eight bear species as inherently dangerous animals. Bears have immense strength and speed, with large males reaching over 700 pounds.
They are also adept climbers and swimmers. Furthermore, bears are intelligent animals with complex needs. Solitary confinement and improper nutrition cause captive bears to develop neurotic behaviors. For public safety and animal welfare, keeping bears as pets is extremely unwise and illegal in Georgia.
Zebras
With their stunning stripes and spirited nature, it’s easy to see why someone may consider a zebra an appealing pet. Yet zebras are wild equids, not domesticated horses. These African natives are notoriously difficult to tame and become extremely aggressive when stressed or bored.
Zebras kept as pets often bite and kick, sometimes causing serious injury. Additionally, confinement in small spaces is hugely detrimental to zebras’ health. Georgia prohibits anyone from owning this iconic species. Zebras belong roaming Africa’s plains or in reputable zoos, not in a backyard.
Conclusion
As you can see, Georgia allows for a wide variety of exotic pets that are banned in many other states. Just be sure to do your research ahead of time to ensure you can properly care for the pet you choose.
With the right preparation, you may be able to have that unique animal companion you’ve always wanted in the state of Georgia.
