10 Exotic Pets That Are Shockingly Legal to Own in Colorado
Most people assume exotic pets are off-limits without a private zoo and a dozen permits. But Colorado is surprisingly chill. While the state protects its wildlife and livestock carefully, it also allows some unexpected animals to become legal household companions. This article lists a few animals you’d never guess are actually legal pets in the Centennial State.
Camels
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Yes, camels. The kind you picture in deserts or biblical stories. These big guys aren’t exactly low-maintenance, though. You’ll need space, money for feed, and a strong fence. But if you’ve ever dreamed of waving to your neighbors while riding a camel down the driveway, it’s not off the table.
Red Kangaroos
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You don’t need to move to Australia to hang out with a kangaroo. Colorado allows red kangaroos, as long as you can provide proper care. They’re strong, fast, and definitely not house pets. A large, secure outdoor space is essential—these guys can pack a punch and leap like pros.
African Pygmy Hedgehogs
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African pygmy hedgehogs have become Instagram-famous. They don’t need much room and aren’t too high-maintenance, but they do need warmth and gentle handling. Just don’t expect them to be cuddly; they’re more “look but don’t touch” type pets.
Bison
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Owning a bison is a tradition in some parts of Colorado. Farmers and ranchers raise them for meat, but a few residents keep them more as pets. They are wild-spirited animals, but yes, in Colorado, you can technically have one standing in your pasture staring through the window.
Emus
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Standing around six feet tall, emus are flightless birds with a strong sense of curiosity and zero sense of boundaries. While they’ve got a reputation for being unpredictable, they’re legal to own if you’re in Colorado. Just be prepared for it to outrun you, and maybe chase the mail truck.
Short-Tailed Opossums
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They’re not exactly the big-eyed Disney version, but short-tailed opossums have grown on exotic pet lovers. They’re small marsupials that don’t glide like sugar gliders but make up for it with low-maintenance charm. They require very specific temperatures, but with the proper habitat setup, they’re allowed.
Reindeer
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Santa’s fleet isn’t exclusive to the North Pole. Reindeer (also called caribou) are often kept on farms or by hobbyist breeders and may even appear in seasonal holiday events. While they do better in colder climates and herd settings, reindeer ownership is legal under the right circumstances.
Bullsnakes
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These snakes are native to the region and are often mistaken for rattlesnakes because of their size, appearance, and bluffing behavior. They’re non-venomous and typically calm when handled. However, since bullsnakes are native wildlife in Colorado, owning one legally requires a special permit from Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Without it, possession is prohibited—even if they help with pest control.
Wallabies
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Wallabies, essentially mini-kangaroos, are legal to own in Colorado if they’re one of the permitted species, such as Bennett’s, swamp, or dama wallabies. They require a large, secure outdoor enclosure with high fencing—at least six feet—to prevent escapes, since these agile marsupials can leap great distances. Wallabies are herbivores, feeding on grasses, hay, and specialized pellets, and they thrive best with a companion of their kind.
Pigeons
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Once used as messengers and companions, pigeons are still legal pets. They’re often overlooked, but these birds are intelligent and easily trainable. Some people raise them for racing, others for show, and some just enjoy their calm demeanor.
Zebus
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Miniature cattle like zebus are growing in popularity. These humped, tropical cattle are used for milk and companionship, especially on hobby farms. Because of their size and docile nature, they’re more manageable than traditional cattle.
Tarantulas
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They’re not for the faint of heart, but tarantulas are entirely legal to keep. These furry spiders come in many species, colors, and sizes. While they’re mostly hands-off pets, they require specific heat and humidity. Still, for anyone with a fascination for arachnids, Colorado says yes.
Sugar Gliders
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These pocket-sized marsupials are known for their ability to glide between surfaces. They’re cute and energetic, but demand a lot of attention and care. Sugar gliders do best with a buddy and lots of vertical space, so a cage alone won’t cut it—they need interaction and enrichment.
Axolotls
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These are smiling aquatic salamanders that never grow up—literally. Axolotls stay in their larval stage for life. They live in water tanks, prefer cooler temps, and have a loyal fan base thanks to their goofy charm and low-key care needs.
Koi Fish
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Koi might not seem exotic, but they’re highly prized in some cultures and can cost thousands of dollars. Koi are legal in Colorado, but with rules. You can’t use them as bait or let them loose in natural waters. Keep them in ornamental ponds or private aquariums, and you’re good to go.