Memphis City Ordinance: Exotic Animals & Prohibited Species

Public Health and Welfare Tennessee 3 Minutes Read · published February 08, 2026 Flag of Tennessee

Memphis, Tennessee regulates possession and control of exotic and prohibited species through city ordinances and animal services rules. This guide explains where those rules are published, who enforces them, typical sanctions, how to apply for permissions if available, and how to report suspected violations. It summarizes official sources and practical steps for pet owners, landlords, and neighbors in Memphis, and directs readers to the municipal code and Animal Services for authoritative text and contact details. Memphis Code of Ordinances[1]

Overview of the Rules

Memphis treats certain wild, dangerous, or nondomestic species as regulated or prohibited. Definitions, prohibitions, and exceptions are set out in the municipal code and enforced by city animal control or related departments. For full statutory language and any enabling resolutions, consult the city code and Animal Services resources cited below.Animal Services[2]

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is handled by City of Memphis Animal Services and municipal code enforcement units. The municipal code provides the city authority to investigate complaints, order removal or relocation of animals, and seek penalties through administrative or court processes. Where the municipal code or department pages specify dollar fines or civil penalties they are noted below; where not stated, the text indicates that the amount is not specified on the cited page.

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page for exotic/prohibited-species provisions. See municipal code[1]
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offences are handled per ordinance procedures; specific graduated dollar ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal or impoundment of animals, abatement orders, humane disposition, suspension of animal keeping privileges, and referral to criminal or civil court where appropriate.
  • Enforcer and inspection: City of Memphis Animal Services conducts investigations, inspections, seizures, and complaint intake. Contact and complaint pages are listed in Resources below.Animal Services[2]
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes typically follow administrative code or municipal court procedures; specific time limits for appeal are not specified on the cited page.
Enforcement may combine animal control powers with public-health or nuisance procedures.

Applications & Forms

Permit or licensing requirements for certain animals, if any, will be listed in the municipal code and administered by Animal Services or the city licensing office. The official pages do not publish a named universal "exotic animal permit" form on the department landing pages; check the municipal code and contact Animal Services for any specific application forms or local permits.Municipal code[1]

If you are unsure whether a species is allowed, contact Animal Services before acquiring the animal.

Common Violations and Typical Outcomes

  • Keeping a clearly prohibited wild or dangerous species on private property — likely abatement, seizure, and potential civil or criminal charges.
  • Failing to obtain a required permit or license where the code requires it — administrative fines or court referral.
  • Failure to comply with quarantine, vaccination, or public-health orders related to an exotic animal — orders to comply and possible penalties.

Action Steps

  • Verify the species classification in the municipal code and any state rules referenced by the city.
  • Contact City of Memphis Animal Services for permits, complaint intake, and guidance.Animal Services[2]
  • If ordered to remove or surrender an animal, follow written orders and note appeal deadlines in the order; seek municipal-court or administrative appeal if provided.

FAQ

Which animals are considered "exotic" or "prohibited" in Memphis?
Definitions vary by ordinance; consult the municipal code for the precise lists and definitions.Memphis Code[1]
Who enforces exotic-animal rules in Memphis?
City of Memphis Animal Services enforces animal-related ordinances and handles complaints and seizures.Animal Services[2]
Are permits available for possession of certain nonnative species?
The municipal code or department policies would list permit options; no universal permit form is published on the department landing pages, so contact Animal Services to confirm.Municipal code[1]

How-To

  1. Identify the species and check the municipal code definitions and prohibited lists online.Memphis Code[1]
  2. Contact City of Memphis Animal Services to ask about permits, enforcement policy, or to report a violation.Animal Services[2]
  3. If you receive an enforcement order, read it for compliance steps and appeal deadlines, and follow the instructions or submit an appeal in writing as directed.

Key Takeaways

  • Consult the municipal code first to confirm whether a species is regulated or prohibited.
  • Contact Animal Services before acquiring unusual or nondomestic animals.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Memphis Code of Ordinances - library.municode.com
  2. [2] City of Memphis - Animal Services

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