Can You Own a Kangaroo in New Mexico? What the Law Actually Says

If you have ever watched a kangaroo and thought it would make a fascinating companion, you are far from alone. These powerful marsupials draw curiosity from exotic animal enthusiasts across the country. But before you start researching breeders or building an enclosure, you need to understand exactly where New Mexico law stands — and the answer is clear-cut.

Owning a kangaroo in New Mexico is illegal for private residents under state wildlife regulations. The state places kangaroos in its most restricted animal category, and violating that rule carries real criminal consequences. This guide walks you through what federal law says, how New Mexico’s classification system works, what local ordinances may add on top of state rules, and what happens if you are caught with one of these animals.

Is It Legal to Own a Kangaroo in New Mexico?

The short answer is no. Kangaroos are classified as Group IV animals in New Mexico, placing them alongside elephants, zebras, monkeys, and rhinoceroses on the state’s prohibited list. That single classification is enough to make private ownership off-limits for the general public in the state.

New Mexico is not unusual in this regard. For the vast majority of the United States, keeping a kangaroo as a pet is completely illegal, stemming from concerns about public safety — kangaroos are powerful wild animals that possess sharp claws and strong hind legs capable of inflicting serious injuries.

It is worth noting that the legal landscape does vary across the country. States like Illinois, Idaho, Maine, New Jersey, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Washington allow ownership, typically requiring a permit or license. New Mexico is not among them. If you are curious about kangaroos as animals more broadly, understanding the legal framework in your specific state is always the essential first step.

Important Note: Even if you find a breeder willing to sell you a kangaroo, that transaction does not make ownership legal in New Mexico. The responsibility to know and follow state law rests entirely with you.

What Federal Law Says About Kangaroo Ownership

At the federal level, there is no single blanket law that prohibits or permits private kangaroo ownership across all states. There is not a single federal law that says yes or no to owning a kangaroo nationwide — instead, you are looking at a patchwork of regulations that can vary dramatically from one state to the next.

That said, federal agencies do play a role in specific circumstances. In the United States, the ownership of kangaroos is regulated at both the federal and state levels, with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service overseeing importation and interstate transportation of kangaroos, while individual states have their own laws for private ownership.

Federal legislation related to kangaroos has also been introduced in recent years. The Kangaroo Protection Act of 2025, introduced in the 119th Congress, would prohibit bringing kangaroos into the United States for commercial purposes, possessing them with intent to sell, or distributing kangaroo products in interstate commerce — with violations subject to fines of up to $10,000 or imprisonment of up to one year. As of the publication of this article, that bill has not been signed into law, so it does not yet affect private ownership. However, it signals a growing federal interest in kangaroo-related regulations.

For anyone considering importing a kangaroo from another country, federal oversight from USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) would also come into play, adding another layer of requirements on top of state-level prohibitions. You can read more about wallabies and kangaroos and how their classification affects ownership rules.

Key Insight: Federal law does not override state prohibitions. Even if a federal rule does not explicitly ban kangaroo ownership in your state, New Mexico’s own classification system still applies and controls what you can legally keep.

New Mexico’s Laws on Owning a Kangaroo

New Mexico’s exotic animal regulations are administered by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. The department maintains a species list that places animals into one of four importation groups: Group I for semi-domesticated animals not requiring a permit; Group II for live non-domesticated animals not known to be invasive or dangerous; Group III for animals presenting minimal or manageable concerns that require specific provisions before an importation permit is issued; and Group IV for live non-domesticated animals considered dangerous, invasive, undesirable, or state or federally listed as threatened or endangered.

Kangaroos fall squarely into Group IV, the most restrictive category. This classification means no importation permit is available to a private individual, and possession is prohibited. The regulation governing this system is found under NM ADC 19.35.7, the state’s rules on importation of live non-domesticated animals, birds, and fish.

The stated objective of New Mexico’s importation regulation is to provide consistent criteria for bringing live non-domesticated animals into New Mexico and to protect native wildlife against the introduction of contagious or infectious diseases, undesirable species, and to address human health and safety issues.

It is also worth knowing that the Group IV designation is not limited to species already on the list. Any species of live non-domesticated animal not currently on the species importation list will be designated Group IV until another determination is made by the director. This means that even exotic marsupials not explicitly named — such as tree kangaroos — would be treated the same way by default.

New Mexico also prohibits kangaroos under its broader wildlife statutes. It is against the law in New Mexico to own felines, crocodiles, wolves, alligators, and primates, and kangaroos are similarly restricted through the Group IV classification system. If you are interested in what animals are native to the region, you might find it helpful to explore types of snakes in New Mexico or types of owls in New Mexico as a starting point for understanding local wildlife.

The Manual of Exotic Pet Practice is a well-regarded veterinary reference that covers the care requirements and biological needs of exotic species, including marsupials — useful reading even if ownership in your state is not currently permitted.

Permits and Requirements for Kangaroo Ownership in New Mexico

Because kangaroos are Group IV animals in New Mexico, there is no standard importation or possession permit available to private residents. Group IV is the end of the road — the classification exists precisely to prevent these animals from entering private ownership.

This stands in contrast to Group II and Group III animals, where permits can be obtained under the right conditions. Group III animals present minimal or manageable concerns and require specific provisions to be met before an importation permit is issued. Kangaroos do not qualify for that pathway.

There are limited institutional exceptions. Laws may exempt people and organizations that possess exotic animals for exhibition at zoos or circuses, and there are also exemptions for scientific or educational purposes. If you operate a licensed zoo, accredited sanctuary, or research facility, you may be able to seek a special authorization — but this is a narrow pathway that does not apply to private pet ownership.

Even if you were in an exempt category, the practical requirements would be substantial. The average home environment is not suited for the complex needs of a kangaroo — they require large, specialized enclosures and specific diets. Proper containment would mean investing in heavy duty farm fencing capable of containing an animal that can clear significant heights, along with species-appropriate feeding setups such as a wall mount hay rack livestock feeder for their grazing needs.

Pro Tip: If you are genuinely passionate about kangaroos and marsupials, consider volunteering with or donating to an accredited wildlife sanctuary. These organizations often welcome support and offer educational opportunities that private ownership cannot legally provide in New Mexico.

Finding a veterinarian qualified to treat a kangaroo in New Mexico would also be a serious challenge. These animals require specialized food, habitats, and veterinary care, and most people do not have the resources to adequately care for them outside of a zoo facility. You can browse the broader kangaroo topic archive for more context on their biology and care requirements.

Local Laws That May Apply in New Mexico

State law sets the floor for exotic animal regulations in New Mexico, but local governments can — and do — go further. While your state may allow you to keep certain animals as pets, local laws can restrict ownership. In New Mexico’s case, where kangaroos are already prohibited at the state level, local ordinances typically reinforce and expand upon that prohibition.

The Town of Bernalillo provides a clear example of how local codes approach marsupials. The town’s ordinance explicitly prohibits keeping animals of the Order Marsupialia — which includes kangaroos and common opossums — as exotic animals within town limits. The ordinance lists this prohibition alongside big cats, bears, primates, elephants, and other dangerous species.

Bernalillo’s code does carve out a narrow exception. Upon application to the Mayor or Animal Control Officer, keeping these prohibited animals may be permitted for educational or scientific purposes, provided there is no conflict with state or federal regulations, and a special animal permit must be obtained in accordance with local requirements.

Other New Mexico cities and counties are likely to have similar or even stricter ordinances. Many New Mexico cities have much more stringent exotic pet laws than at the state level. Before assuming that state law is the only consideration, you should contact your city or county animal control office directly. This is especially important if you live in a larger metro area like Albuquerque or Santa Fe, where municipal codes may have their own detailed provisions.

Homeowners associations and landlords may also impose additional restrictions through private agreements, independent of what government law permits. Local and county laws are often more restrictive, and if you live in an apartment or an area governed by a homeowners association, you may face even more regulations.

New Mexico’s wildlife rules extend beyond just kangaroos. If you are curious about other regulated animals in the region, the site covers topics like types of rattlesnakes in New Mexico, types of bats in New Mexico, and types of hawks in New Mexico — all species subject to their own state and federal protections.

Penalties for Illegally Owning a Kangaroo in New Mexico

The consequences of possessing a kangaroo in New Mexico without authorization are not trivial. In New Mexico, if you are caught possessing a Group IV illegal animal, you will be charged with a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum penalty of up to 364 days in jail and up to a $1,000 fine.

This penalty applies per offense. A person violating any of the provisions of Chapter 17 NMSA 1978, or any rules adopted by the state game commission that relate to the possession of game animals, birds, or fish, is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be sentenced pursuant to Section 31-19-1 NMSA 1978. Repeat violations escalate the consequences further.

Common Mistake: Some people assume that because a breeder sold them an animal, ownership must be legal. It is not. The sale of a kangaroo does not confer any legal right to possess one in New Mexico, and both the buyer and seller may face legal exposure.

Beyond criminal penalties, there are civil and practical consequences to consider as well. There is also liability or legal responsibility if the animal escapes or injures someone — laws often hold owners responsible. A kangaroo that escapes and injures a neighbor or damages property could expose you to a civil lawsuit on top of criminal charges.

Animal seizure is another likely outcome. If authorities discover you have a Group IV animal, they have the authority to confiscate it. Depending on the animal’s condition and available facilities, placement may be difficult, and the process is stressful for both the animal and the owner.

Escaped kangaroos could also potentially disrupt local ecosystems and introduce new diseases — a concern that New Mexico wildlife regulators take seriously given the state’s diverse native wildlife. You can get a sense of the ecological richness at stake by reading about types of moths in New Mexico, types of doves in New Mexico, or types of caterpillars in New Mexico — all part of the native ecosystem that state regulations are designed to protect.

If you are ever uncertain about whether a specific animal is legal to own, the safest step is to consult directly with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish and speak with a licensed attorney familiar with state wildlife law before acquiring any exotic animal. State laws are frequently changing in response to concerns for public safety and animal well-being, so you should always double-check for any new or proposed state or local legislation.