Kentucky Regulations on Wild and Exotic Felines

Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources
#1 Game Farm Road
Frankfort, KY 40601
502-564-3400

State Web Site: http://www.kydirect.net/
Department Web Site: http://fw.ky.gov/navigation.asp?cid=200

Policies: Importing and holding exotic wildlife, Importing and holding native wildlife, Pet and Propagation Permits

Short Summary: Requires a permit to transport any wildlife into the state. Transportation permit application requires a bill of sale on the animal and a health certificate.

Possession or Importation of cougar, lion, tiger, leopard, jaguar or cheetah is limited to only AZA accredited zoos, or municipally operated zoos, or scientific or licensed educational institution.

Kentucky issues both Commercial Pet and Propagation Permits and Non-Commercial Pet and Propagation Permits. Application for a either type of pet permit must be made within ten days after taking possession of a pet wildlife species. Wildlife must be acquired only from legal, licensed sources. If acquired from outside the state, a transportation must be obtained prior to importation. If acquired inside Kentucky, there is no import permit requirement.

Confining facilities shall be large enough to allow reasonable space for exercise, shelter, and maintenance of sanitary conditions. The holder of a pet or propagation permit shall allow a conservation officer to inspect the facilities at any reasonable time.