Kentucky Allows Ownership of Certain Exotic Animals, Even the World’s Largest Rodent

I don't judge people, but I do question certain choices. For example, I had a friend years ago who owned a python. For the life of me, I'll never understand why anyone would want to own a python. My reasons should be obvious.

Exotic Pet Ownership

I always wondered why she was able to own one, but a search for laws pertaining to her ownership of a constrictor came up empty. I did find a list of prohibited exotic animals, but the only snakes on the list were venomous ones. There was no mention of pythons. (Despite that, I doubt you'd have an easy time getting approval for a nine-foot long Burmese python. And why would you want it?)

Exotic Pets You Can't Own in Kentucky

But enough about snakes. Let's talk about exotic animals that can be your pet in the Commonwealth if you want them. I found this nearly comprehensive overview about what exotic animals you can and cannot have as a pet in Kentucky. That first list of animals you may not possess is fairly obvious, to say the least.

The one creature I was looking for in this presentation was not there, but that doesn't mean you can't have one if you want one.

The Capybara

The capybara is a native of South America and is the largest species of rodent in the world. They can weigh more than 100 pounds. I've seen them at the Louisville Zoo and the Cleveland Zoo. And I'm quite happy I found a video that lets you hear how they sound.

They bark like a dog and even seem to move their head like a dog when it barks. Can you imagine inviting people over and this walks down the hall? And it could in Kentucky because it's not a prohibited pet prospect. You'd have to fill out the proper permits and prove you'd be a responsible, but, yes, you can own one.

Understand this, though...you'll need a lot of space and an aquatic area. Plus, and this might be a dealbreaker, you'll need to get at least two of them. They need companionship to maintain their physical and mental health which I find fascinating. The fact that they are expensive might also be a deterrent.

But if you have all that covered and you really want one (or two), stock up on fresh grass, hay, and veggies and happy capybara shopping.