Serval Cats Legal States 2026

States Where Serval Cats Are Legal

A small number of states allow serval cats to be owned without a permit at the state level, meaning private ownership is generally allowed without formal approval. Some restrictions may still apply.

States in this category include Alabama, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Michigan, Montana, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia. Even in these states, local rules may still apply, and some restrictions—such as limits on sale or breeding—may be in place.

States Where Serval Cats Require an Import Permit

Some states allow serval cats but require an import permit, typically regulating how the animal is brought into the state and ensuring it comes from approved sources.

States in this category include Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin. In these states, ownership is generally allowed, but only if the animal is obtained and transported in compliance with state requirements.

States Where Serval Cats Require an Ownership Permit

Many states allow serval cats only with an ownership permit, which typically involves meeting specific standards for housing, experience, and animal care.

States in this category include Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Maine, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Wyoming. In these states, ownership is allowed, but only after obtaining approval and meeting state requirements.

States Where Serval Cats Require Both Ownership and Import Permits

A small number of states require both an ownership permit and an import permit, meaning owners must meet multiple layers of regulation before acquiring and keeping a serval cat.

States in this category include Nevada and South Dakota. In these states, ownership is allowed only after securing all required approvals and complying with both possession and import rules.

States Where Serval Cats Are Illegal

In many states, serval cats are illegal to own as pets, typically classified as prohibited exotic wildlife. These bans are generally based on concerns about public safety, animal welfare, and the challenges of keeping wild species in a domestic setting.

States in this category include Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, and Virginia.