Would you ever get one of these?
Wallaby
Credit: Martin Pelanek/Shutterstock
Known as “mini-kangaroos”, wallabies are also commonly found in Australia and New Guinea. Many cities and urban areas won’t allow you to buy one, which actually makes sense, as wallabies need ample outdoor space to roam. Some species of wallabies are endangered so you absolutely want to make sure you buy one from a reputable and responsible breeder.
Serval
Credit: Benny Marty/Shutterstock
Servals make quite interesting house pets. They look like a normal house cat for the most part… except that they can be between 20 and 40 pounds. Native to Africa, servals have a fairly gentle nature and actually make fairly good pets if you’re willing to put in the time. They need a lot of attention, giant litter boxes, and they can’t really go outside becuase they will get frightened and run, but they’re also supposed to be loving, loyal, and a safe exotic pet option.
If that sounds good and you live in Nevada, Idaho, Alabama, Wisconsin, either Carolina, or West Virginia, then you can get a serval any time you want. In Montana, the Dakotas, Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona, Mississippi, Missouri, Indiana, Pennsylvania, or Maine, you’ll need a license.
Sorry residents of the other 32 states, you’re out of luck if you want one of these huge felines.
Big Cats
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You can also own other big cats of varying types in many states around the country. Tigers, leopards, lions, cheetahs, mountain lions, and jaguars (the true big cats) as well as caracals, Asian leopard cats, jungle cats, bobcats, fishing cats, and lynxes (medium cats) can be privately owned to varying degrees without a permit in Indiana, North Carolina, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, North and South Dakota, Texas, and West Virginia… provided that you meet certain caging and insurance requirements.
If you’re interested in owning a big cat, though, don’t assume it’s legal just because you live in these states; there are often variations from county to county.