5 Popular Animals That Are Illegal as Pets in Pennsylvania

April 17, 2025 | Pennsylvania Law

5 Popular Animals That Are Illegal as Pets in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, the ownership of dogs, cats, turtles, goldfish, and other common pets is not prohibited, although certain legal restrictions exist. Restrictions on non-traditional pets, however, are extensive and wide-ranging. The Pennsylvania Game Commission and the Fish and Boat Commission regulate the possession of most Pennsylvania non-traditional pets. 

Examples of Illegal Pets

Following is a list of five pets that you cannot legally own in Pennsylvania. There are many, many more. When in doubt as to a particular animal, assume it is illegal to keep or own it until you confirm otherwise.

Chimpanzees

Chimpanzees do not make good pets. They may seem quite docile for years, only to explode in violence due to a minor provocation. A chimpanzee’s physical strength, agility, sharp teeth, and aggressive nature make it extremely dangerous in a confrontation with a human. Chimpanzee attacks on humans have occurred on several occasions and have resulted in horrific injuries. 

Quaker Parrots

Parrots are popular pets because they can talk, and because they are surprisingly intelligent. Quaker parrots are native to South America. Pennsylvania regulates them in large part because escaped Quaker parrots live in various urban areas, where they compete with local bird species for food and nesting sites. In the countryside, they pose the risk of damage to agricultural crops. 

Chipmunks

Chipmunks are some of the cutest mammals around, but you can’t keep one as a pet in Pennsylvania. They are considered a “protected mammal” in the state, so it’s best to leave them on their way if you happen to see one. 

Squirrels

Although it is fine to have squirrels running around your backyard, you cannot capture one and make a pet out of it. The concern here is the protection of local ecosystems, not public safety. As an interesting footnote, squirrels are so rare in China that they are kept in zoos.

Coyotes

Pennsylvania law considers the coyote to be an exotic animal species. As such, they are illegal to keep or own. These animals are predators and their needs are complex. The purpose of the ban on coyote ownership is to protect both the public and the animals themselves. 

Animal Attacks, Strict Liability, and Punitive Damages

If your neighbor’s dog bites you without provocation, your neighbor is strictly liable for your medical expenses. You don’t have to prove that your neighbor was negligent to win your claim. The logic for strict liability is even more compelling when you suffer an injury from an animal that your neighbor had to break the law to keep in the first place. In addition to medical expenses, you can seek compensation for other losses such as pain and suffering. 

If you can prove that the defendant’s conduct went beyond negligence to the point where it was outrageous or malicious, you might win punitive damages on top of compensatory damages. Allowing a wild animal to roam freely, for example, even in a rural area, might constitute outrageous behavior. Deliberately “siccing” an animal on you would almost certainly justify punitive damages.

Do You Need a Pennsylvania Personal Injury Lawyer?

Have you or your loved one suffered an injury from an animal owned by someone else? If so, do you suspect that they might have been keeping the animal illegally? If so, you might need a Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer to help you demand compensation. Fortunately, most Pennsylvania personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. Since you only pay attorney’s fees if you win, act now to schedule a free initial consultation. 

If you’ve been injured in a personal injury, please contact Marzzacco Niven & Associates at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today:

Harrisburg Law Office
945 East Park Drive, Suite 103 Harrisburg, PA 17111
(717) 231-1640

York Law Office
2550 Kingston Road, Suite 210A York, PA 17401
(717) 995-8998

Wyomissing Law Office
833 N. Park Road, Suite 103, Room A Wyomissing, PA 19610
(717) 388-2325

Chambersburg Law Office
79 St. Paul Drive, Suite 1 Chambersburg, PA 17201
(717) 388-2378

Carlisle Law Office
354 Alexander Springs Road Carlisle, PA 17015
(717) 995-8732

Carbondale Law Office
30 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 101 Carbondale, PA 18407
(717) 995-8810

Lancaster Law Office
2173 Embassy Drive, Ste 123, Lancaster Pa 17603
(717) 616-2954

Lebanon Law Office
937 Willow Street, Suite D Lebanon, PA 17042-1140
(717) 995-8963