When you think of owning a pet, the first animals that come to mind are probably dogs, cats, birds, and fish.
But when it comes to the animals you can actually keep as pets in Louisiana, the realm of possibilities is pretty amazing.
Pets you can legally own in Louisiana
People enjoy owning pets for a variety of reasons, but the benefits of owning a pet can be both physical and mental.
Pets provide companionship and emotional support. They are often considered loyal friends who provide unconditional love and affection.
Interacting with pets has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety. The presence of a pet has a calming effect on owners.
Having a pet is associated with an increased sense of psychological well-being and purpose. Pet owners often report feeling happier and less lonely.
But for people who march to the beat of their own drum, dogs and cats may not be what they're looking for when it comes to pets.
There are certainly some ready-to-use pet options in Louisiana that you may not be aware are legal in Louisiana.
The group at az-animals.com has compiled a list of pets that are actually legal to own in Louisiana, and here are some highlights.
From az-animals.com –
“Have you ever wondered what kind of pets you can keep in Louisiana? Local ordinances often prohibit keeping wild or exotic animals such as alligators, tigers, and bears as pets. Yes, but there are also some mysterious pets that are legal to keep in Louisiana.
Check local laws to find out what regulations and rules are in your specific area. ”
Without further ado, let's take a look at some of the amazing animals you can legally own in Louisiana.
Again, pet ownership laws vary from city to city and parish to parish, so check your local laws.
wolfdogs
Wolfdogs are basically a mix between a domestic dog and a gray wolf. Depending on how many wolf ancestors you have, you can have different wolf-like traits and behaviors. Some dogs look and act like traditional dogs, while others exhibit more wild characteristics.
It is important to know that caring for wolfdogs can be very difficult.
venomous or constrictor snake
From az-animals.com –
“If you live in Louisiana, you can keep a venomous or constrictor snake over 8 feet long as a pet if you have a permit. You must obtain a permit from the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries or it is a violation. It could become.”
Depending on where in Louisiana you live, some of the venomous or constrictor snakes you can keep as pets include:
cobra
burmese python
reticulated python
anaconda
Viper
sea snake
american doe monster
With a permit, it is legal to keep a dog bear as a pet in Louisiana.
Due to the poisonous nature of American monsters, it is strongly recommended that only those with experience with reptiles keep them.
chinchilla
Is it a rabbit? Is it a squirrel?
It's neither, but it's kind of.
Chinchillas are not considered wild or exotic animals, so they are legal to keep in Louisiana.
Amazingly, chinchillas can live up to 20 years.
hedgehog
Like chinchillas, hedgehogs are not considered wild or exotic animals, so they are legal to keep in Louisiana.
Genet
From az-animals.com –
“Although most large carnivores are prohibited in Louisiana, the Viverridae family is not on that list, making it legal to own a genet if you live in the state.
Junets are small mammals, so they may be allowed, albeit opportunistic. ”
bengal cat
Bengal cats are illegal in many states, but they are legal in Louisiana depending on where you live, so be sure to check your local pet laws if you're considering getting one.
For more information, visit az-animals.com.
Take a look: 20 of the world's largest insects
Gallery credit: Andrea Vale