DC Code

DC Code § 8-1808(j) (code.dccouncil.us/dc/council/code/sections/8-1808.html) reads that:

• (j)(1)Except as provided in this subsection, a person shall not import into the District, possess, display, offer for sale, trade, barter, exchange, or adoption, or give as a household pet, any living member of the animal kingdom, including those born or raised in captivity, except the following:
• (A) Domestic dogs, excluding hybrids with wolves, coyotes, or jackals;
• (B) Domestic cats, excluding hybrids with ocelots or margays;
• (C) Domesticated rodents and rabbits;
• (D) Captive-bred species of common cage birds, including chickens;
• (E) Non-venomous snakes, fish, and turtles, traditionally kept in the home for pleasure rather than for commercial purposes;
• (F) Ferrets; and
• (G) Racing pigeons, when kept in compliance with permit requirements.
• (2) A person may offer any of the species enumerated in paragraph (1) of this subsection to a public zoo, park, or museum for exhibition purposes.
• (3) This section shall not apply to federally licensed animal exhibitors; provided, that the Mayor shall retain the authority to restrict the movement of any prohibited animal into the District and the conditions under which those movements are made.
• (4) The Mayor may allow a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, licensed veterinarian, or licensed animal shelter to maintain an animal prohibited in this subsection for treatment or pending appropriate disposition.

A person shall not display, exhibit, or otherwise move animals in the District as part of a circus, carnival, or other special performance or event, without first obtaining a permit, issued by the Mayor, that governs the care and management of the animals.

Exceptions to this law apply for special events and educational purposes: Special Event Permit State Guidelines  

Prohibited Animals

To apply to bring an otherwise illegal animal into the District of Columbia, please complete the application: Prohibited Animals Special Event Permit Online Application. If you require further assistance call (202) 535-2323.

Applications for the special event permit must be submitted with all supporting documents 30 days before the event date. Applications submitted after the 30-day time window will be automatically denied and the fee will not be refunded.