Wisconsin's Exotic Pet Loophole: Wallabies, Monkeys, and More Allowed

According to the article, as of October 2025, Wisconsin does not have a statewide ban on exotic pets, making it one of the most permissive states in the country. This means residents can legally own a wide range of wild animals, from wallabies to monkeys, as long as they follow federal, state, and local requirements.

However, the article highlights that local governments can still impose their own restrictions on exotic pets. For example, a woman in Cudahy recently had to move her pet wallaby out of the city after learning that her local ordinances did not allow it, even though it was legal under state law.

The article also examines the regulations in other Wisconsin cities, such as Milwaukee, which generally prohibits the keeping of wild or exotic animals unless specifically authorized by the city. Anyone hoping to bring a wild animal into Milwaukee for a private event must first submit a request to the Department of Neighborhood Services. The city can order the removal of an animal if it has been deemed dangerous or caused harm.

Overall, while Wisconsin may not have a statewide ban on exotic pets, the article makes it clear that the situation remains complex, with local governments able to set their own rules and restrictions to address public safety concerns.