Exotic pet laws in Rhode Island

§ 3.17 native mammal list; §§ 3.7(A), (C)

The possession of native mammals is restricted to those institutions identified within § 3.7(C) of this Part, and as exempted per § 3.8 of this Part. Terrestrial mammals considered native either currently or historically to Rhode Island and which possession as pets is prohibited include the following: ... (4) Black Bear (Ursus americana),

Named on the native mammal list. Rhode Island's native definition applies "regardless of where the animal originated", so a captive-bred animal from out of state is no different, and § 3.7(A) separately restricts every carnivore without a licensed rabies vaccine to researchers, USDA exhibitors and AZA facilities.

How this rule works: One of the most species-specific schemes in the country. § 3.6 defines domestic animals, § 3.7 sets general prohibitions, § 3.9 governs permits, and § 3.17 is the long exempt list of animals that need no exotic animal possession permit. Anything not domestic, not native and not on the § 3.17 list needs a permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§ 3.7(A); § 3.9(B)

All exotic and native wild animals and hybrids of the order Carnivora for which there is no USDA conditionally licensed or unconditionally licensed rabies vaccine are expressly prohibited from importation or possession without the issuance of a valid permit by the Department. Possession is restricted to bona fide researchers, USDA licensed exhibitors authorized to possess animals of this order for short-term exhibition purposes, and Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) certified facilities.

The arctic fox is a carnivore with no licensed rabies vaccine, the fennec fox's position. § 3.9(B) adds that no permit shall be granted to a private person for an exotic carnivore without a licensed rabies vaccine.

How this rule works: One of the most species-specific schemes in the country. § 3.6 defines domestic animals, § 3.7 sets general prohibitions, § 3.9 governs permits, and § 3.17 is the long exempt list of animals that need no exotic animal possession permit. Anything not domestic, not native and not on the § 3.17 list needs a permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§ 3.7(A); § 3.9(B)

All exotic and native wild animals and hybrids of the order Carnivora for which there is no USDA conditionally licensed or unconditionally licensed rabies vaccine are expressly prohibited from importation or possession without the issuance of a valid permit by the Department. Possession is restricted to bona fide researchers, USDA licensed exhibitors authorized to possess animals of this order for short-term exhibition purposes, and Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) certified facilities.

An otter is a carnivore with no licensed rabies vaccine. CITES Appendix I since 2019 governs international trade separately. § 3.9(B) adds that no permit shall be granted to a private person for an exotic carnivore without a licensed rabies vaccine.

How this rule works: One of the most species-specific schemes in the country. § 3.6 defines domestic animals, § 3.7 sets general prohibitions, § 3.9 governs permits, and § 3.17 is the long exempt list of animals that need no exotic animal possession permit. Anything not domestic, not native and not on the § 3.17 list needs a permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§ 3.17 native mammal list; §§ 3.7(A), (C)

The possession of native mammals is restricted to those institutions identified within § 3.7(C) of this Part, and as exempted per § 3.8 of this Part. Terrestrial mammals considered native either currently or historically to Rhode Island and which possession as pets is prohibited include the following: ... (5) Bobcat (Lynx rufus),

Named on the native mammal list. Rhode Island's native definition applies "regardless of where the animal originated", so a captive-bred animal from out of state is no different, and § 3.7(A) separately restricts every carnivore without a licensed rabies vaccine to researchers, USDA exhibitors and AZA facilities.

How this rule works: One of the most species-specific schemes in the country. § 3.6 defines domestic animals, § 3.7 sets general prohibitions, § 3.9 governs permits, and § 3.17 is the long exempt list of animals that need no exotic animal possession permit. Anything not domestic, not native and not on the § 3.17 list needs a permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§ 3.17(A)(4)(a)(2)

The possession of native turtles is restricted to those institutions identified within § 3.7(C) of this Part... Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina),

Native to Rhode Island, so possession is limited to the Department, USFWS, AZA zoos, research institutions and USDA licensed exhibitors. Not a pet species here.

How this rule works: One of the most species-specific schemes in the country. § 3.6 defines domestic animals, § 3.7 sets general prohibitions, § 3.9 governs permits, and § 3.17 is the long exempt list of animals that need no exotic animal possession permit. Anything not domestic, not native and not on the § 3.17 list needs a permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§ 3.7(A); § 3.9(B)

All exotic and native wild animals and hybrids of the order Carnivora for which there is no USDA conditionally licensed or unconditionally licensed rabies vaccine are expressly prohibited from importation or possession without the issuance of a valid permit by the Department. Possession is restricted to bona fide researchers, USDA licensed exhibitors authorized to possess animals of this order for short-term exhibition purposes, and Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) certified facilities.

A wild cat with no licensed rabies vaccine, the serval's position. § 3.9(B) adds that no permit shall be granted to a private person for an exotic carnivore without a licensed rabies vaccine.

How this rule works: One of the most species-specific schemes in the country. § 3.6 defines domestic animals, § 3.7 sets general prohibitions, § 3.9 governs permits, and § 3.17 is the long exempt list of animals that need no exotic animal possession permit. Anything not domestic, not native and not on the § 3.17 list needs a permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§ 3.7(B)

B. Possession of Non-Human Primates. All exotic wild animals of the order Primates are expressly prohibited from importation or ownership without the issuance of a valid permit by the Department. Possession is restricted to bona fide researchers, USDA licensed exhibitors authorized to possess animals of this order for short-term exhibition purposes and AZA certified facilities.

Every exotic primate falls under § 3.7(B), so a permit for a capuchin exists only for researchers, short-term USDA exhibitors and AZA facilities. § 3.9(A) opens permits to private persons only where § 3.7 does not expressly prohibit the animal.

How this rule works: One of the most species-specific schemes in the country. § 3.6 defines domestic animals, § 3.7 sets general prohibitions, § 3.9 governs permits, and § 3.17 is the long exempt list of animals that need no exotic animal possession permit. Anything not domestic, not native and not on the § 3.17 list needs a permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§ 3.7(B)

B. Possession of Non-Human Primates. All exotic wild animals of the order Primates are expressly prohibited from importation or ownership without the issuance of a valid permit by the Department. Possession is restricted to bona fide researchers, USDA licensed exhibitors authorized to possess animals of this order for short-term exhibition purposes and AZA certified facilities.

Every exotic primate falls under § 3.7(B), so a permit for a marmoset exists only for researchers, short-term USDA exhibitors and AZA facilities. § 3.9(A) opens permits to private persons only where § 3.7 does not expressly prohibit the animal.

How this rule works: One of the most species-specific schemes in the country. § 3.6 defines domestic animals, § 3.7 sets general prohibitions, § 3.9 governs permits, and § 3.17 is the long exempt list of animals that need no exotic animal possession permit. Anything not domestic, not native and not on the § 3.17 list needs a permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§ 3.17 native mammal list; §§ 3.7(A), (C)

The possession of native mammals is restricted to those institutions identified within § 3.7(C) of this Part, and as exempted per § 3.8 of this Part. Terrestrial mammals considered native either currently or historically to Rhode Island and which possession as pets is prohibited include the following: ... (49) Mountain Lion (Felis concolor),

Named on the native mammal list, which counts species native "either currently or historically". Rhode Island's native definition applies regardless of where the animal originated, and § 3.7(A) separately restricts a carnivore without a licensed rabies vaccine to researchers, USDA exhibitors and AZA facilities. Federally, the Big Cat Public Safety Act of 2022 (16 U.S.C. § 3372(e)) bars any person outside a licensed exhibitor, sanctuary or state institution from breeding or possessing a cougar unless the animal was born before December 20, 2022, and registered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service within 180 days, so no new pet is lawful anywhere in the country whatever the state rule says. The Florida panther subspecies is also endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act.

How this rule works: One of the most species-specific schemes in the country. § 3.6 defines domestic animals, § 3.7 sets general prohibitions, § 3.9 governs permits, and § 3.17 is the long exempt list of animals that need no exotic animal possession permit. Anything not domestic, not native and not on the § 3.17 list needs a permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§ 3.17 native mammal list; § 3.7(C)

The possession of native mammals is restricted to those institutions identified within § 3.7(C) of this Part, and as exempted per § 3.8 of this Part. Terrestrial mammals considered native either currently or historically to Rhode Island and which possession as pets is prohibited include the following: ... (10) Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis),

Named on the native mammal list, and the native definition applies regardless of where the animal originated, so a captive-bred squirrel is no different.

How this rule works: One of the most species-specific schemes in the country. § 3.6 defines domestic animals, § 3.7 sets general prohibitions, § 3.9 governs permits, and § 3.17 is the long exempt list of animals that need no exotic animal possession permit. Anything not domestic, not native and not on the § 3.17 list needs a permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§ 3.9(B)

no permits shall be granted by the Department to a private person authorizing the import, and/or possession of any exotic wild animals of the order Carnivora, or hybrids thereof, for which there is no USDA conditionally licensed or unconditionally licensed rabies vaccine

Same closed door as the serval. Fennec foxes are canids with no licensed rabies vaccine.

How this rule works: One of the most species-specific schemes in the country. § 3.6 defines domestic animals, § 3.7 sets general prohibitions, § 3.9 governs permits, and § 3.17 is the long exempt list of animals that need no exotic animal possession permit. Anything not domestic, not native and not on the § 3.17 list needs a permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§ 3.17, Appendix A

Southern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys volans)

Listed among Rhode Island's native wild animals that cannot be kept without institutional status, the same treatment this site's box-turtle research documents for other Rhode Island natives. Not a pet species here.

How this rule works: One of the most species-specific schemes in the country. § 3.6 defines domestic animals, § 3.7 sets general prohibitions, § 3.9 governs permits, and § 3.17 is the long exempt list of animals that need no exotic animal possession permit. Anything not domestic, not native and not on the § 3.17 list needs a permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§ 3.17(A)(4)(b)

Rhode Island's exempt Colubridae list names sixteen groups of pet-trade snakes by genus, and Thamnophis is not one of them. The regulation states directly that possession of native snakes is restricted to institutions, meaning typical pet ownership of a Rhode Island garter snake isn't permitted.

How this rule works: One of the most species-specific schemes in the country. § 3.6 defines domestic animals, § 3.7 sets general prohibitions, § 3.9 governs permits, and § 3.17 is the long exempt list of animals that need no exotic animal possession permit. Anything not domestic, not native and not on the § 3.17 list needs a permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§ 3.7(A); § 3.9(B)

All exotic and native wild animals and hybrids of the order Carnivora for which there is no USDA conditionally licensed or unconditionally licensed rabies vaccine are expressly prohibited from importation or possession without the issuance of a valid permit by the Department. Possession is restricted to bona fide researchers, USDA licensed exhibitors authorized to possess animals of this order for short-term exhibition purposes, and Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) certified facilities.

The kinkajou is a carnivore with no USDA licensed rabies vaccine, so the same closed door applies as to the fennec fox and the serval. § 3.9(B) adds that no permit shall be granted to a private person for an exotic carnivore without a licensed rabies vaccine.

How this rule works: One of the most species-specific schemes in the country. § 3.6 defines domestic animals, § 3.7 sets general prohibitions, § 3.9 governs permits, and § 3.17 is the long exempt list of animals that need no exotic animal possession permit. Anything not domestic, not native and not on the § 3.17 list needs a permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§§ 3.7(A), 3.9(B)

no permits shall be granted by the Department to a private person authorizing the import, and/or possession of any exotic wild animals of the order Carnivora, or hybrids thereof, for which there is no USDA conditionally licensed or unconditionally licensed rabies vaccine

There is no USDA licensed rabies vaccine for lions, the serval's position, so the permit route is closed to private owners. § 3.7(A) restricts possession to researchers, short-term USDA exhibitors and AZA facilities. Federally, the Big Cat Public Safety Act of 2022 (16 U.S.C. § 3372(e)) bars any person outside a licensed exhibitor, sanctuary or state institution from breeding or possessing a lion unless the animal was born before December 20, 2022, and registered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service within 180 days, so no new pet is lawful anywhere in the country whatever the state rule says.

How this rule works: One of the most species-specific schemes in the country. § 3.6 defines domestic animals, § 3.7 sets general prohibitions, § 3.9 governs permits, and § 3.17 is the long exempt list of animals that need no exotic animal possession permit. Anything not domestic, not native and not on the § 3.17 list needs a permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§ 3.17(A)(4)(b)(3)(E); § 3.7(C)

The possession of native snakes is restricted to those institutions identified within § 3.7(C) of this Part, and as exempted per § 3.8 of this Part. Snakes considered native to Rhode Island and which possession as pets is prohibited include the following: ... Milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum)

Two provisions have to be read together. § 3.17(A)(4)(b)(2)(D)(x) clears "Kingsnakes and Milk Snakes (Lampropeltis spp.), other than native species listed below", and the list below names Lampropeltis triangulum. § 3.7(C) then confines possession of native wild animals to the Department, the USFWS, AZA-certified zoos, bona fide researchers and short-term USDA exhibitors, so there is no private permit route and captive-bred origin is no answer: § 3.6(A)(15) defines a native animal as one occurring naturally in Rhode Island "regardless of where the animal originated". The bar is written by binomial, so the Central and South American milk snakes that dominate the pet trade, now recognized as separate species such as L. hondurensis and L. polyzona, stay inside the genus clearance.

How this rule works: One of the most species-specific schemes in the country. § 3.6 defines domestic animals, § 3.7 sets general prohibitions, § 3.9 governs permits, and § 3.17 is the long exempt list of animals that need no exotic animal possession permit. Anything not domestic, not native and not on the § 3.17 list needs a permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§ 3.17 native mammal list; §§ 3.7(A), (C)

The possession of native mammals is restricted to those institutions identified within § 3.7(C) of this Part, and as exempted per § 3.8 of this Part. Terrestrial mammals considered native either currently or historically to Rhode Island and which possession as pets is prohibited include the following: ... (27) Raccoon (Procyon lotor),

Named on the list of native mammals that may not be kept as pets. The raccoon is also a rabies target species under § 3.6(A)(23). Rhode Island's native definition applies "regardless of where the animal originated", so a captive-bred animal from out of state is no different, and § 3.7(A) separately restricts every carnivore without a licensed rabies vaccine to researchers, USDA exhibitors and AZA facilities.

How this rule works: One of the most species-specific schemes in the country. § 3.6 defines domestic animals, § 3.7 sets general prohibitions, § 3.9 governs permits, and § 3.17 is the long exempt list of animals that need no exotic animal possession permit. Anything not domestic, not native and not on the § 3.17 list needs a permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§ 3.17 native mammal list; §§ 3.7(A), (C)

The possession of native mammals is restricted to those institutions identified within § 3.7(C) of this Part, and as exempted per § 3.8 of this Part. Terrestrial mammals considered native either currently or historically to Rhode Island and which possession as pets is prohibited include the following: ... (28) Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes),

Named on the native mammal list. Rhode Island's native definition applies "regardless of where the animal originated", so a captive-bred animal from out of state is no different, and § 3.7(A) separately restricts every carnivore without a licensed rabies vaccine to researchers, USDA exhibitors and AZA facilities.

How this rule works: One of the most species-specific schemes in the country. § 3.6 defines domestic animals, § 3.7 sets general prohibitions, § 3.9 governs permits, and § 3.17 is the long exempt list of animals that need no exotic animal possession permit. Anything not domestic, not native and not on the § 3.17 list needs a permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§ 3.7(B)

B. Possession of Non-Human Primates. All exotic wild animals of the order Primates are expressly prohibited from importation or ownership without the issuance of a valid permit by the Department. Possession is restricted to bona fide researchers, USDA licensed exhibitors authorized to possess animals of this order for short-term exhibition purposes and AZA certified facilities.

Every exotic primate falls under § 3.7(B), so a permit for a ring-tailed lemur exists only for researchers, short-term USDA exhibitors and AZA facilities. § 3.9(A) opens permits to private persons only where § 3.7 does not expressly prohibit the animal. Lemur catta is on CITES Appendix I, which bars commercial international trade, so a pet lemur here can only come from captive breeding inside the country, and the whole family Lemuridae is listed endangered under the Endangered Species Act (50 CFR 17.11).

How this rule works: One of the most species-specific schemes in the country. § 3.6 defines domestic animals, § 3.7 sets general prohibitions, § 3.9 governs permits, and § 3.17 is the long exempt list of animals that need no exotic animal possession permit. Anything not domestic, not native and not on the § 3.17 list needs a permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§ 3.9(B)

no permits shall be granted by the Department to a private person authorizing the import, and/or possession of any exotic wild animals of the order Carnivora, or hybrids thereof, for which there is no USDA conditionally licensed or unconditionally licensed rabies vaccine

There is no USDA licensed rabies vaccine for servals, so the permit route is closed to private owners. § 3.7(A) restricts possession to researchers, USDA licensed exhibitors and AZA facilities.

How this rule works: One of the most species-specific schemes in the country. § 3.6 defines domestic animals, § 3.7 sets general prohibitions, § 3.9 governs permits, and § 3.17 is the long exempt list of animals that need no exotic animal possession permit. Anything not domestic, not native and not on the § 3.17 list needs a permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§ 3.17(A)(4)(a)(2)

The possession of native turtles is restricted to those institutions identified within § 3.7(C) of this Part... Turtles considered native to Rhode Island and which possession as pets is prohibited include the following: ...Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina),

Possession is limited to the Department, USFWS, AZA zoos, research institutions and USDA licensed exhibitors.

How this rule works: One of the most species-specific schemes in the country. § 3.6 defines domestic animals, § 3.7 sets general prohibitions, § 3.9 governs permits, and § 3.17 is the long exempt list of animals that need no exotic animal possession permit. Anything not domestic, not native and not on the § 3.17 list needs a permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§ 3.7(B)

B. Possession of Non-Human Primates. All exotic wild animals of the order Primates are expressly prohibited from importation or ownership without the issuance of a valid permit by the Department. Possession is restricted to bona fide researchers, USDA licensed exhibitors authorized to possess animals of this order for short-term exhibition purposes and AZA certified facilities.

Every exotic primate falls under § 3.7(B), so a permit for a squirrel monkey exists only for researchers, short-term USDA exhibitors and AZA facilities. § 3.9(A) opens permits to private persons only where § 3.7 does not expressly prohibit the animal.

How this rule works: One of the most species-specific schemes in the country. § 3.6 defines domestic animals, § 3.7 sets general prohibitions, § 3.9 governs permits, and § 3.17 is the long exempt list of animals that need no exotic animal possession permit. Anything not domestic, not native and not on the § 3.17 list needs a permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§ 3.17 native mammal list; §§ 3.7(A), (C)

The possession of native mammals is restricted to those institutions identified within § 3.7(C) of this Part, and as exempted per § 3.8 of this Part. Terrestrial mammals considered native either currently or historically to Rhode Island and which possession as pets is prohibited include the following: ... (40) Striped Skunk (Mephitis mephitis),

Named on the native mammal list, and skunks are rabies target species. Rhode Island's native definition applies "regardless of where the animal originated", so a captive-bred animal from out of state is no different, and § 3.7(A) separately restricts every carnivore without a licensed rabies vaccine to researchers, USDA exhibitors and AZA facilities.

How this rule works: One of the most species-specific schemes in the country. § 3.6 defines domestic animals, § 3.7 sets general prohibitions, § 3.9 governs permits, and § 3.17 is the long exempt list of animals that need no exotic animal possession permit. Anything not domestic, not native and not on the § 3.17 list needs a permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§§ 3.7(A), 3.9(B)

no permits shall be granted by the Department to a private person authorizing the import, and/or possession of any exotic wild animals of the order Carnivora, or hybrids thereof, for which there is no USDA conditionally licensed or unconditionally licensed rabies vaccine

There is no USDA licensed rabies vaccine for tigers, the serval's position, so the permit route is closed to private owners. § 3.7(A) restricts possession to researchers, short-term USDA exhibitors and AZA facilities. Federally, the Big Cat Public Safety Act of 2022 (16 U.S.C. § 3372(e)) bars any person outside a licensed exhibitor, sanctuary or state institution from breeding or possessing a tiger unless the animal was born before December 20, 2022, and registered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service within 180 days, so no new pet is lawful anywhere in the country whatever the state rule says.

How this rule works: One of the most species-specific schemes in the country. § 3.6 defines domestic animals, § 3.7 sets general prohibitions, § 3.9 governs permits, and § 3.17 is the long exempt list of animals that need no exotic animal possession permit. Anything not domestic, not native and not on the § 3.17 list needs a permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§ 3.17 native mammal list; § 3.7(C)

The possession of native mammals is restricted to those institutions identified within § 3.7(C) of this Part, and as exempted per § 3.8 of this Part. Terrestrial mammals considered native either currently or historically to Rhode Island and which possession as pets is prohibited include the following: ... (42) Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana),

Named on the native mammal list, and the native definition applies regardless of where the animal originated, so a captive-bred opossum is no different.

How this rule works: One of the most species-specific schemes in the country. § 3.6 defines domestic animals, § 3.7 sets general prohibitions, § 3.9 governs permits, and § 3.17 is the long exempt list of animals that need no exotic animal possession permit. Anything not domestic, not native and not on the § 3.17 list needs a permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§ 3.7(A); § 3.9(B)

All exotic and native wild animals and hybrids of the order Carnivora for which there is no USDA conditionally licensed or unconditionally licensed rabies vaccine are expressly prohibited from importation or possession without the issuance of a valid permit by the Department. Possession is restricted to bona fide researchers, USDA licensed exhibitors authorized to possess animals of this order for short-term exhibition purposes, and Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) certified facilities.

The coati is a carnivore with no USDA licensed rabies vaccine. § 3.9(B) adds that no permit shall be granted to a private person for an exotic carnivore without a licensed rabies vaccine.

How this rule works: One of the most species-specific schemes in the country. § 3.6 defines domestic animals, § 3.7 sets general prohibitions, § 3.9 governs permits, and § 3.17 is the long exempt list of animals that need no exotic animal possession permit. Anything not domestic, not native and not on the § 3.17 list needs a permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§ 3.17 native mammal list and (A)(6)(b); § 3.7(C)

The possession of native mammals is restricted to those institutions identified within § 3.7(C) of this Part, and as exempted per § 3.8 of this Part. Terrestrial mammals considered native either currently or historically to Rhode Island and which possession as pets is prohibited include the following: ... (45) White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus),

Named on the native mammal list, which § 3.7(C) restricts to the Department, researchers, AZA zoos and short-term USDA exhibitors. § 3.17(A)(6)(b) adds that importing or possessing any native or exotic cervid needs a permit under the separate cervid rule, Part 60-00-2, which was not read here and does not open the native list.

How this rule works: One of the most species-specific schemes in the country. § 3.6 defines domestic animals, § 3.7 sets general prohibitions, § 3.9 governs permits, and § 3.17 is the long exempt list of animals that need no exotic animal possession permit. Anything not domestic, not native and not on the § 3.17 list needs a permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§ 3.17(A)(4)(c)(1)

Possession of the Gila Monster, Beaded Lizard (Heloderatidae), and all Monitors (Varanidae) requires an exotic animal possession permit.

All monitors (Varanidae) require an exotic animal possession permit, so a keeper must obtain one before getting the Ackie monitor.

How this rule works: One of the most species-specific schemes in the country. § 3.6 defines domestic animals, § 3.7 sets general prohibitions, § 3.9 governs permits, and § 3.17 is the long exempt list of animals that need no exotic animal possession permit. Anything not domestic, not native and not on the § 3.17 list needs a permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§ 3.6(A)(9); § 3.9(A)-(C); § 3.17

9. "Exotic animal" or "Exotic wild animal" means any vertebrate or invertebrate other than those defined as domestic animals, native wildlife, or exempt exotic animals.

The reptile list in § 3.17 exempts turtles, some snakes and many lizards but no crocodilian, so the American alligator is an exotic animal that needs an exotic animal possession permit from the Division of Agriculture. § 3.9(A) makes that permit available to private persons for animals § 3.7 does not expressly prohibit, and § 3.7 does not name it.

How this rule works: One of the most species-specific schemes in the country. § 3.6 defines domestic animals, § 3.7 sets general prohibitions, § 3.9 governs permits, and § 3.17 is the long exempt list of animals that need no exotic animal possession permit. Anything not domestic, not native and not on the § 3.17 list needs a permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§ 3.6(A)(9); § 3.9(A)-(C); § 3.17

9. "Exotic animal" or "Exotic wild animal" means any vertebrate or invertebrate other than those defined as domestic animals, native wildlife, or exempt exotic animals.

The mammal exemption in § 3.17(A)(6)(a) clears only the sugar glider among marsupials, so the wallaby is an exotic animal that needs an exotic animal possession permit from the Division of Agriculture. § 3.9(A) makes that permit available to private persons for animals § 3.7 does not expressly prohibit, and § 3.7 does not name it.

How this rule works: One of the most species-specific schemes in the country. § 3.6 defines domestic animals, § 3.7 sets general prohibitions, § 3.9 governs permits, and § 3.17 is the long exempt list of animals that need no exotic animal possession permit. Anything not domestic, not native and not on the § 3.17 list needs a permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§ 3.9(B)

no person shall be allowed to import, or possess any animals defined as exotic wild animals or native wild animals without first obtaining a permit from the Department

Not domestic, not native, and not on the § 3.17 exempt list, so the general permit requirement applies. Private ownership permits are available for animals outside the order Carnivora.

How this rule works: One of the most species-specific schemes in the country. § 3.6 defines domestic animals, § 3.7 sets general prohibitions, § 3.9 governs permits, and § 3.17 is the long exempt list of animals that need no exotic animal possession permit. Anything not domestic, not native and not on the § 3.17 list needs a permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§ 3.17(A)(4)(b)(1); § 3.9(A), (C)

(1) All venomous snakes require an exotic animal possession permit.

A cobra needs an exotic animal possession permit from the Division of Agriculture, which § 3.9(A) makes available to private persons for animals § 3.7 does not expressly prohibit, and § 3.7 does not name venomous snakes. The king cobra and the Asian Naja species are on CITES Appendix II, which governs import and export, not keeping.

How this rule works: One of the most species-specific schemes in the country. § 3.6 defines domestic animals, § 3.7 sets general prohibitions, § 3.9 governs permits, and § 3.17 is the long exempt list of animals that need no exotic animal possession permit. Anything not domestic, not native and not on the § 3.17 list needs a permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§ 3.8(G)

Nothing in this Part shall prohibit any person from possession of exotic animals or native animals of the class Insecta unless the animals of that class appear on the list of prohibited insects

Same gap as the tarantula. Scorpions are arachnids, not insects.

How this rule works: One of the most species-specific schemes in the country. § 3.6 defines domestic animals, § 3.7 sets general prohibitions, § 3.9 governs permits, and § 3.17 is the long exempt list of animals that need no exotic animal possession permit. Anything not domestic, not native and not on the § 3.17 list needs a permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§ 3.17(A)(6)(a)(11)

Ferret (Mustela putorius). Note: Possession of a ferret does not require obtaining an exotic animal possession permit. Possession of a ferret does require a ferret possession permit issued through the Division of Fish & Wildlife.

Rhode Island is the state that most people miss on ferrets: they are not banned, but they carry their own dedicated permit.

How this rule works: One of the most species-specific schemes in the country. § 3.6 defines domestic animals, § 3.7 sets general prohibitions, § 3.9 governs permits, and § 3.17 is the long exempt list of animals that need no exotic animal possession permit. Anything not domestic, not native and not on the § 3.17 list needs a permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§ 3.8(G)

Nothing in this Part shall prohibit any person from possession of exotic animals or native animals of the class Insecta unless the animals of that class appear on the list of prohibited insects

The blanket invertebrate exemption is written for the class Insecta. A millipede is a myriapod, so on the literal wording it stays inside the definition of exotic animal and needs a permit, exactly like the tarantula and the scorpion.

How this rule works: One of the most species-specific schemes in the country. § 3.6 defines domestic animals, § 3.7 sets general prohibitions, § 3.9 governs permits, and § 3.17 is the long exempt list of animals that need no exotic animal possession permit. Anything not domestic, not native and not on the § 3.17 list needs a permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§ 3.17(A)(4)(b)(2)(A); § 3.9(A), (C)

(A) All species of boas and pythons (family Boidae), may be kept without an exotic animal possession permit except those species that are endangered, and except the Emerald Tree Boa (Corallus caninus), Green Tree Python (Chondropython spp.), African Rock Python (Python sebae), Reticulated Python (Python reticulatus) and all species of Anaconda (Eunectes spp.).

The boa and python exemption excepts "all species of Anaconda", so a green anaconda needs an exotic animal possession permit, which § 3.9(A) makes available to private persons. Federally, the green anaconda has been injurious wildlife under the Lacey Act since 2015 (50 CFR 16.15(a)), which bars importing one into the country or shipping one to Hawaii or a territory; USARK v. Zinke (D.C. Cir. 2017) held it does not bar shipment between the continental states.

How this rule works: One of the most species-specific schemes in the country. § 3.6 defines domestic animals, § 3.7 sets general prohibitions, § 3.9 governs permits, and § 3.17 is the long exempt list of animals that need no exotic animal possession permit. Anything not domestic, not native and not on the § 3.17 list needs a permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§ 3.17(A)(4)(c)(1)

Possession of the Gila Monster, Beaded Lizard (Heloderatidae), and all Monitors (Varanidae) requires an exotic animal possession permit.

All monitors (Varanidae) require an exotic animal possession permit, so a keeper must obtain one before getting the Nile monitor.

How this rule works: One of the most species-specific schemes in the country. § 3.6 defines domestic animals, § 3.7 sets general prohibitions, § 3.9 governs permits, and § 3.17 is the long exempt list of animals that need no exotic animal possession permit. Anything not domestic, not native and not on the § 3.17 list needs a permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§ 3.9(B)

no person shall be allowed to import, or possess any animals defined as exotic wild animals or native wild animals without first obtaining a permit from the Department

Absent from the § 3.17 exempt mammal list.

How this rule works: One of the most species-specific schemes in the country. § 3.6 defines domestic animals, § 3.7 sets general prohibitions, § 3.9 governs permits, and § 3.17 is the long exempt list of animals that need no exotic animal possession permit. Anything not domestic, not native and not on the § 3.17 list needs a permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§ 3.17(A)(5)(b)(9)

Psittacidae (Parrots and their allies) except for Myiopsitta monachus (Monk Parakeet), which requires a permit,

Rhode Island exempts the parrot family from the exotic animal possession permit but names the monk parakeet as the exception, so a Quaker needs a personal permit first.

How this rule works: One of the most species-specific schemes in the country. § 3.6 defines domestic animals, § 3.7 sets general prohibitions, § 3.9 governs permits, and § 3.17 is the long exempt list of animals that need no exotic animal possession permit. Anything not domestic, not native and not on the § 3.17 list needs a permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§ 3.17(A)(4)(b)(1), (3)(M); §§ 3.7(C), 3.9(A)

(1) All venomous snakes require an exotic animal possession permit.

An exotic rattlesnake needs an exotic animal possession permit from the Division of Agriculture, which § 3.9(A) makes available to private persons for animals § 3.7 does not expressly prohibit. The timber rattlesnake is different: it is on the native snake list, and § 3.7(C) restricts native wildlife to the Department, researchers, AZA zoos and short-term USDA exhibitors.

How this rule works: One of the most species-specific schemes in the country. § 3.6 defines domestic animals, § 3.7 sets general prohibitions, § 3.9 governs permits, and § 3.17 is the long exempt list of animals that need no exotic animal possession permit. Anything not domestic, not native and not on the § 3.17 list needs a permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§ 3.17(A)(4)(b)(2)(A); § 3.9(A), (C)

(A) All species of boas and pythons (family Boidae), may be kept without an exotic animal possession permit except those species that are endangered, and except the Emerald Tree Boa (Corallus caninus), Green Tree Python (Chondropython spp.), African Rock Python (Python sebae), Reticulated Python (Python reticulatus) and all species of Anaconda (Eunectes spp.).

The boa and python exemption names the reticulated python as an exception, so it needs an exotic animal possession permit, which § 3.9(A) makes available to private persons. The Burmese python, not named, stays permit free. Federally, the reticulated python has been injurious wildlife under the Lacey Act since 2015 (50 CFR 16.15(a)), which bars importing one into the country or shipping one to Hawaii or a territory; USARK v. Zinke (D.C. Cir. 2017) held it does not bar shipment between the continental states.

How this rule works: One of the most species-specific schemes in the country. § 3.6 defines domestic animals, § 3.7 sets general prohibitions, § 3.9 governs permits, and § 3.17 is the long exempt list of animals that need no exotic animal possession permit. Anything not domestic, not native and not on the § 3.17 list needs a permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§ 3.17(A)(4)(c)(1)

Possession of the Gila Monster, Beaded Lizard (Heloderatidae), and all Monitors (Varanidae) requires an exotic animal possession permit.

All monitors (Varanidae) require an exotic animal possession permit, so a keeper must obtain one before getting the Savannah monitor.

How this rule works: One of the most species-specific schemes in the country. § 3.6 defines domestic animals, § 3.7 sets general prohibitions, § 3.9 governs permits, and § 3.17 is the long exempt list of animals that need no exotic animal possession permit. Anything not domestic, not native and not on the § 3.17 list needs a permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§ 3.6(A)(9); § 3.9(A)-(C); § 3.17

9. "Exotic animal" or "Exotic wild animal" means any vertebrate or invertebrate other than those defined as domestic animals, native wildlife, or exempt exotic animals.

The reptile list in § 3.17 exempts turtles, some snakes and many lizards but no crocodilian, so the spectacled caiman is an exotic animal that needs an exotic animal possession permit from the Division of Agriculture. § 3.9(A) makes that permit available to private persons for animals § 3.7 does not expressly prohibit, and § 3.7 does not name it.

How this rule works: One of the most species-specific schemes in the country. § 3.6 defines domestic animals, § 3.7 sets general prohibitions, § 3.9 governs permits, and § 3.17 is the long exempt list of animals that need no exotic animal possession permit. Anything not domestic, not native and not on the § 3.17 list needs a permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§ 3.8(G)

Nothing in this Part shall prohibit any person from possession of exotic animals or native animals of the class Insecta unless the animals of that class appear on the list of prohibited insects

The blanket invertebrate exemption is written for the class Insecta. Spiders are Arachnida, so on the literal wording they stay inside the definition of exotic animal at § 3.6(A)(9), which covers any invertebrate that is not domestic, native or exempt.

How this rule works: One of the most species-specific schemes in the country. § 3.6 defines domestic animals, § 3.7 sets general prohibitions, § 3.9 governs permits, and § 3.17 is the long exempt list of animals that need no exotic animal possession permit. Anything not domestic, not native and not on the § 3.17 list needs a permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§ 3.6(A)(9); § 3.9(A)-(C); § 3.17

9. "Exotic animal" or "Exotic wild animal" means any vertebrate or invertebrate other than those defined as domestic animals, native wildlife, or exempt exotic animals.

The mammal exemption in § 3.17(A)(6)(a) has no sloth, so the two-toed sloth is an exotic animal that needs an exotic animal possession permit from the Division of Agriculture. § 3.9(A) makes that permit available to private persons for animals § 3.7 does not expressly prohibit, and § 3.7 does not name it.

How this rule works: One of the most species-specific schemes in the country. § 3.6 defines domestic animals, § 3.7 sets general prohibitions, § 3.9 governs permits, and § 3.17 is the long exempt list of animals that need no exotic animal possession permit. Anything not domestic, not native and not on the § 3.17 list needs a permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§ 3.7(H)

All persons other than a bona fide researcher, or a licensed pet shop and their transportation agents are prohibited from possessing any species of exotic amphibians unless they are kept indoors as pets in a manner that will prevent their escape or liberation into the wild.

Treated as an exotic amphibian: indoors only, and importation limited to pet shops and researchers.

How this rule works: One of the most species-specific schemes in the country. § 3.6 defines domestic animals, § 3.7 sets general prohibitions, § 3.9 governs permits, and § 3.17 is the long exempt list of animals that need no exotic animal possession permit. Anything not domestic, not native and not on the § 3.17 list needs a permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§ 3.7(D)

All persons other than a bona fide researcher, or a licensed pet shops and their transportation agents are prohibited from possessing Red Eared Slider turtles unless they are kept indoors as pets in a manner that will prevent their escape or liberation into the wild. Keeping of these animals in any type of outdoor enclosure is prohibited.

Keepable indoors only, and only a pet shop or a researcher may import one. Pet shops must tell buyers about the indoor requirement at the point of sale.

How this rule works: One of the most species-specific schemes in the country. § 3.6 defines domestic animals, § 3.7 sets general prohibitions, § 3.9 governs permits, and § 3.17 is the long exempt list of animals that need no exotic animal possession permit. Anything not domestic, not native and not on the § 3.17 list needs a permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§ 3.7(H)

All persons other than a bona fide researcher, or a licensed pet shops and their transportation agents are prohibited from possessing any species of exotic amphibians unless they are kept indoors as pets in a manner that will prevent their escape or liberation into the wild. Keeping of these animals in any type of outdoor enclosure is prohibited.

Rhode Island's native amphibian list does not include the tiger salamander, so it is an exotic amphibian: keepable, but indoors only, and only a pet shop or researcher may import one.

How this rule works: One of the most species-specific schemes in the country. § 3.6 defines domestic animals, § 3.7 sets general prohibitions, § 3.9 governs permits, and § 3.17 is the long exempt list of animals that need no exotic animal possession permit. Anything not domestic, not native and not on the § 3.17 list needs a permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§ 3.6(A)(5)(e)

Domestic Cat (Felis catus) excluding hybrids with wild felines,

An F1 cross is plainly excluded from the domestic animal list and then caught by the § 3.9(B) bar on permits for Carnivora hybrids. A late generation Bengal is the offspring of two domestic cats, so on the § 3.6(A)(13) definition of hybrid it arguably is not one. The regulation sets no filial generation cut off the way Iowa and New York do. Ask the Division of Agriculture before buying.

How this rule works: One of the most species-specific schemes in the country. § 3.6 defines domestic animals, § 3.7 sets general prohibitions, § 3.9 governs permits, and § 3.17 is the long exempt list of animals that need no exotic animal possession permit. Anything not domestic, not native and not on the § 3.17 list needs a permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§ 3.6(A)(5)(e); § 3.6(A)(13); § 3.7(A)

Domestic Cat (Felis catus) excluding hybrids with wild felines,

The Bengal's position exactly. The domestic animal list takes the domestic cat "excluding hybrids with wild felines", and § 3.7(A) bars importing or possessing exotic wild animals "and hybrids of the order Carnivora" with no USDA licensed rabies vaccine, restricting them to researchers, USDA licensed exhibitors and AZA facilities. An F1 Savannah is plainly caught. But § 3.6(A)(13) defines a hybrid as an animal that "is a result of the cross breeding of a domestic and wild animal", and an F2 or later is the offspring of a Savannah and a domestic cat, so on the definition it is arguably not a hybrid at all. Nothing in the regulation counts filial generations to settle it. Ask the Division of Agriculture before buying.

How this rule works: One of the most species-specific schemes in the country. § 3.6 defines domestic animals, § 3.7 sets general prohibitions, § 3.9 governs permits, and § 3.17 is the long exempt list of animals that need no exotic animal possession permit. Anything not domestic, not native and not on the § 3.17 list needs a permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§ 3.6(A)(5)(h), (A)(13); § 3.7(A)

h. Domestic Dog (Canis familiaris) excluding hybrids with wild canids,

The Savannah cat's position. The domestic dog entry excludes "hybrids with wild canids", and § 3.7(A) restricts carnivore hybrids without a licensed rabies vaccine to researchers, USDA exhibitors and AZA facilities, so a first-generation wolf by dog cross is plainly barred. But § 3.6(A)(13) defines a hybrid as "the cross breeding of a domestic and wild animal", and a later-generation wolfdog is the offspring of a wolfdog, so it is arguably not a hybrid at all. Nothing counts generations to settle it. The wolf itself is on the native mammal list.

How this rule works: One of the most species-specific schemes in the country. § 3.6 defines domestic animals, § 3.7 sets general prohibitions, § 3.9 governs permits, and § 3.17 is the long exempt list of animals that need no exotic animal possession permit. Anything not domestic, not native and not on the § 3.17 list needs a permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.