Ownership laws
Can you own a capybara? Laws in all 50 states
Capybaras are regulated as exotic animals, and the rules change from state to state. Find yours below, then read the full guide.
- Legal, no permit
- Permit or license
- Not allowed
| State | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Legal, no permit | |
| Alaska | Not allowed | |
| Arizona | Permit or license needed | |
| Arkansas | Not allowed | Banned since 2020 (grandfathered owners only) |
| California | Not allowed | |
| Colorado | Not allowed | |
| Connecticut | Not allowed | |
| Delaware | Permit or license needed | |
| Florida | Permit or license needed | |
| Georgia | Permit or license needed | |
| Hawaii | Not allowed | |
| Idaho | Permit or license needed | |
| Illinois | Permit or license needed | |
| Indiana | Legal, no permit | |
| Iowa | Not allowed | Likely prohibited; confirm with DNR |
| Kansas | Permit or license needed | |
| Kentucky | Permit or license needed | |
| Louisiana | Legal, no permit | Banned in New Orleans and some cities |
| Maine | Permit or license needed | |
| Maryland | Permit or license needed | |
| Massachusetts | Not allowed | |
| Michigan | Legal, no permit | Check local rules |
| Minnesota | Not allowed | |
| Mississippi | Permit or license needed | |
| Missouri | Permit or license needed | |
| Montana | Permit or license needed | |
| Nebraska | Permit or license needed | |
| Nevada | Permit or license needed | |
| New Hampshire | Permit or license needed | |
| New Jersey | Permit or license needed | |
| New Mexico | Permit or license needed | |
| New York | Permit or license needed | Banned in NYC; permit elsewhere |
| North Carolina | Permit or license needed | |
| North Dakota | Permit or license needed | |
| Ohio | Not allowed | No new permits since 2012 |
| Oklahoma | Legal, no permit | |
| Oregon | Not allowed | |
| Rhode Island | Permit or license needed | |
| South Carolina | Legal, no permit | |
| South Dakota | Permit or license needed | |
| Tennessee | Permit or license needed | |
| Texas | Legal, no permit | |
| Utah | Not allowed | |
| Vermont | Not allowed | |
| Virginia | Permit or license needed | |
| Washington | Permit or license needed | |
| West Virginia | Legal, no permit | |
| Wisconsin | Legal, no permit | |
| Wyoming | Permit or license needed |
Before you buy
State law is only the first check. Counties and cities can ban exotic animals even where the state allows them, and some states require a permit, inspection or proof of a licensed breeder. Always confirm with your state wildlife agency and your local council before bringing a capybara home.
