Pets and Livestock
Legal Pets

Perhaps you are thinking of importing an exotic animal into Alaska as a pet for your kids, or to sell in pet stores. Maybe you’re planning to bring your own unusual pet with you when you move. Or maybe you are interested in keeping a wild animal such as a porcupine as a pet in Alaska. Alaska has strict statutes and regulations regarding pets and what animals can be held as pets including holding wild animals as pets.

What Pets Can I Own?

Mammals, birds, and reptiles
All mammal, bird, and reptile species that have been specifically approved for entry or possession in Alaska appear on the "Clean List" (5 AAC 92.029). For your convenience, we have listed the approved animals by category in the links below. If a particular mammal, bird, or reptile species does not appear on this list, it may not be imported into Alaska or possessed as a pet or livestock in Alaska, and the Department of Fish and Game cannot issue a permit allowing its importation or possession.

  • Birds
  • Mammals
  • Reptiles

Fish, shellfish and amphibians
Only ornamental species are allowed.

It is Illegal to Hold Wild Species as Pets

The native (indigenous) fish and wildlife of Alaska are a public resource. You may not cage or fence in a wild creature and try to make it your pet, even if you think it is a juvenile that has been abandoned. It is illegal for citizens to possess or export native Alaska species as pets. However, some other forms of wildlife or fish possession are allowed with the necessary permit.

Who to Contact

  • Mammals, birds, or reptiles
    For questions on transport or possession of mammals, birds, or reptiles, contact the department’s Wildlife Permits Section at dfg.dwc.permits@alaska.gov or (907) 465-4148.
  • Fish, shellfish or amphibians
    Information on importing fish, shellfish or amphibians is found at Fish, Amphibian, and Aquatic Plant Permits.
  • Importing species of fish, crustaceans, or mollusks
    If you have questions about importing species of fish, crustaceans, or mollusks that are not native to Alaska and have been identified as invasive elsewhere in the United States, or you think might pose a potential risk of harm to Alaska’s aquatic ecosystems, please contact ADF&G's Invasive Species Coordinator at tammy.davis@alaska.gov or 907-465-6183.