Pets You Can't Legally Own In Texas

I've noticed a lot of people on TikTok have various types monkeys as pets. Not at all that I want one for myself, but it peaked my curiosity as to what pets are legal to own in the state of Texas. First of all, there are a few things to consider before owning an exotic animal or any animal taken from its natural habitat.

1. It could be difficult to find a vet

2. These animals require a specific diet & habitat

3. Know the animal laws in the state in which you live

Me personally, I don't mind taking a trip to the zoo to see an exotic creature. I'm not too keen on the idea of cohabitating with one. But for those of you who are. Check out the list of exotic animals you can own in the state of Texas.

Asian Leopard Cat

Move over Garfield. Yes, it is perfectly legal to own an Asian Leopard Cat.... if you don't mind handling small rodents because that's mostly what he eats. They're very pretty animals. They only get about as big as the average house cat and can live up to 13 years.

Kangaroos

If it's bigger than me and taller than me, but doesn't call me mama or boo, it can't live with me. Kangaroos can be as large at 6'7" and weigh 200 pounds. They mostly graze on grass (strict herbivores), and can live over 20 years. Their natural habitat is Australia.

Sloth

Yes, Texas is sloth friendly... that's if you have a spare $6K to spurge on a very slow moving 30 year commitment. Houston Skrewston, Texas would most definitely be home of the sloth. lol Sloths range from 7.9 to 17 lbs, depending on the species and can live for 20 years in the wild, 30 years in captivity. They mostly eat leaves, fruit, and insects. It's the two toes for me.... I'll pass.

Lemur, Callitrichid, Bushbaby, & Kinkjou

These are a few more animals on the smaller side that you can legally own in the state of Texas and have as pets. They too, require a different diet and habitat that will need to be recreated for their survival.

Here's a quick list of exotic animals you can have in Texas,

Owning an exotic animal should be thought through very thoroughly and planned out well. Caring for an exotic animal is not as easy as it's made to look on TikTok.

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