3 pets banned in Iowa (and 3 that surprisingly aren’t)

Iowans know that their state is home to beautiful natural surroundings and an abundance of wildlife. But what about wildlife at home? Which are the pets banned in Iowa?

While many in the Hawkeye State have a furry, feathery, or scaly friend in their household, some people dream of pets that are, let’s say, a little different. Forget about cats and dogs (as much as we love them); we’re talking about the strange and unusual.

So, which exotic pets can you think about adopting in Iowa? The answers to which critters are and aren’t allowed might surprise you. Let’s have a look:

Three banned pets in Iowa:

Raccoons

While animals acquired prior to September of 2007 can be “grandfathered in,” Iowa has strict laws about transporting, purchasing, breeding, or owning what they consider “dangerous wild animals.” These banned pets include canines, which is interpreted broadly enough to include all canidae, including foxes, jackals, and, yes, raccoons.

Of course, domestic canines (i.e., dogs) are thankfully exempt as domestic animals.

Rhinoceros

You’d think it would go without saying, wouldn’t you? Where would you even put one? Well, you’ll never have to answer that question, even if you wanted to.

The “dangerous wild animals” regulations in Iowa place a specific ban on owning, breeding, or transporting a rhinoceros as a private person. The law also singles out elephants, lest you were looking for a loophole.

Photo courtesy of David Cashbaugh via Unsplash.

Monkeys

While some Iowans under the age of ten may be prone to “monkeying around,” and all of us are members of the primate family, we’re talking about monkeys in the literal sense.

All nonhuman primates fall under the “dangerous wild animals” ban, and that includes apes like chimpanzees and gorillas, as well as smaller monkeys like tamarins. Sorry to any fans of “Curious George” out there, but it’s likely for the best!

Three pets you’re allowed to have:

Chinchillas

You want the floof? You can handle the floof? Well, luckily, these exceptionally fluffy creatures are legal to own as pets in Iowa.

Chinchillas are gentle, bright and can make great pets with life spans well over a decade, but be sure to be aware of what they need. For instance, did you know chinchillas clean themselves in sand? Water would get stuck for too long in their fur!

Falcons

Taking the “Hawkeye State” nickname a little bit literally? If you love hawks and other falcons, you can potentially own one in Iowa—with a few caveats. You’ll need a valid falconry license from the state, and to abide by all its regulations. 

Remember, it’s important to be licensed before you acquire your bird, otherwise your feathered friend is illegal. There are three classes of falconry license in Iowa, and the more experienced you are, the more birds you can keep!

Photo courtesy of Rúben Marques via Unsplash.

Wolfdogs

Is it the full moon? No, it’s a wolfdog! These creatures are hybrids—part dog, part wolf—all begging for scraps at the dinner table and getting hair on the couch.

While wolfdogs are typically not the best pet for inexperienced dog owners, or those without practice in owning large dogs, many people keep them as pets, and they can be friendly, intelligent, and great companions for the right owner. And they’re legal in Iowa—can we get a howl for that?

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.