6 Pets You Won’t Believe Are Legal to Own in the US

We can all agree that pets are adorable beings who can easily boost our mood and make our days better. Even more so when you return home from work to find them eager to play and cuddle, hopefully without turning the house upside down.

With 63.4 million families owning dogs and 42.7 million households owning cats, it goes without saying that cats and dogs are far and away the most common choices. Some surprises await you if you look closer at these numbers. What about the 5.4 million homes that welcome tiny animals into their lives? 4.5 million families with reptiles as pets, perhaps?

State-specific regulations on exotic pet ownership exist. The majority of wild creatures shouldn’t be kept in captivity, but that hasn’t stopped people who enjoy exotic pets from lawfully owning everything from ferrets and foxes to more deadly animals like alligators, bears, and tigers.

Here is a list of animals we are surprised are legal to own as pets in the US.

1 23 ... 7>

Share:

Related Article

Watercolor illustration of a person and their dog gently touching foreheads in a warm, cozy living room.

7 Signs Your Pet Considers You Family

Discover the science behind pet bonding, from canine oxytocin loops to feline slow blinks, and learn how your dog or cat shows they view you as family.

A warm watercolor illustration of three different cuddly cats sleeping together in a cozy armchair next to a hot mug of tea.

11 Cat Breeds That Love Cuddling

Discover the 11 most affectionate cat breeds, from the warmth-seeking Sphynx to the floppy Ragdoll, and learn the science behind cuddly felines.

Watercolor illustration of a cozy living room with several cats sleeping in a box, kneading a blanket, and playing.

8 Strange Cat Behaviors Explained

Discover the science and psychology behind common feline habits, from slow blinking to 3 AM zoomies, to better understand your cat’s body language.

A golden retriever rests its head on its owner's lap in a warm, sunlit living room, showcasing a quiet moment of trust.

8 Signs Your Dog Trusts You Completely

Discover the subtle behavioral cues and body language signs that prove your dog completely trusts you, from making soft eye contact to relaxed sleeping positions.