The Feline Conservation Federation is the nation’s leading organization for the private conservationist.  Whether you wish to exhibit felid species in a zoo, purchase felines for educational outreach, start a feline breeding center, open a sanctuary, or purchase an exotic cat for personal reasons, there are laws and regulations in place that govern these activities. Legislation varies from state-to-state, so you must research before you act.

For large felines (tiger, lion, leopard, jaguar, cheetah, snow leopard, cougar) the Captive Wildlife Safety Act amendment to the Lacey Act requires proper permits for any interstate transport.

For all endangered species and sub-species of felines, the Endangered Species Act administered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service requires proper permits for interstate commerce of these felines.

Click on your state below to find links to the appropriate state agencies that regulate wild feline possession as well as a brief summary of the current state laws. We make every effort to keep summaries current, however, we strongly advise that you verify by reading the state’s department of wildlife, department of natural resource, department of game and fish or department of agriculture’s regulatory code.

Additionally there may be city or county regulations that also govern possession of wild and exotic felines. County regulations are not provided with the table information below. You need to research this before acquiring an exotic feline.