Can You Own a Bobcat in Pennsylvania? What the Law Actually Says
June 1, 2026
Bobcats are striking animals — compact, powerful, and undeniably wild. If you have ever watched one move and wondered whether you could legally keep one at home in Pennsylvania, you are not alone. The question comes up more often than you might expect, and the answer is more layered than a simple yes or no.
Pennsylvania does not make it easy to own a bobcat, but it does not make it entirely impossible either. What stands between you and legal ownership is a permit system with real requirements, real costs, and real consequences if you ignore it. Understanding exactly where the law draws the line is the first step before you go any further.
Is It Legal to Own a Bobcat in Pennsylvania?
The short answer is yes — but only with a valid permit. Pennsylvania does not ban bobcat ownership outright for private individuals, but it places the animal firmly within the state’s exotic wildlife framework, which means you cannot simply acquire one and bring it home.
According to a 2026 review of pet bobcat laws by state, Pennsylvania is among the states where bobcat ownership is allowed at the state level, subject to permit requirements. Even in states where pet bobcats are allowed, ownership is subject to strict regulations, which often include requirements for secure enclosures, proper handling, and compliance with wildlife laws.
It is also worth understanding what “legal” means in practical terms here. Laws regarding exotic pets may change with little notice, and even in states where pet bobcats are legal at the state level, they may be further regulated at the county, municipal, or local levels. State-level permission is only one piece of the picture.
Important Note: Always contact the Pennsylvania Game Commission directly before acquiring a bobcat. Laws and permit requirements can change, and online information — including this article — may not reflect the most recent updates. Verify current requirements at pgc.pa.gov or call the Special Permits Enforcement Division at 717-783-8164.
Pennsylvania’s Laws on Owning a Bobcat
The primary legal framework governing bobcat ownership in Pennsylvania is found in 58 Pa. Code § 137.1, administered by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Unless otherwise provided in the section or the act, it is unlawful for a person to import, possess, sell, offer for sale, or release within the Commonwealth the following wild animals, including all species and subspecies in the family Felidae, except species which are commonly called house cats.
Bobcats fall squarely within the Felidae family, which means they are restricted by default. This set of administrative regulations prohibits the importation, possession, selling, offering for sale, or release of certain species such as lynx, bobcat, coyote, wolf, bears, raccoons, nutria, skunks, all families of nonhuman primates, certain birds, game taken from the wild, and game or wildlife held in captivity.
There is one narrow exception written into the code that does not apply to private pet ownership. Lawfully acquired bobcats (Lynx rufus) may be imported or possessed by licensed propagators specifically for propagation for fur farming purposes, and importation and transfer permits are not required for bobcats imported under this exception — but bobcats imported under this exception and their progeny may not be sold or transferred for wildlife pet purposes or released into the wild.
For anyone who wants a bobcat as a companion animal rather than for fur farming, the path is different: you need an exotic wildlife possession permit. According to PA code § 2963, the commission may issue permits to persons to possess exotic wildlife, which shall authorize the holder to purchase, receive, or possess exotic wildlife from any lawful source from within or without the Commonwealth.
Pennsylvania also draws a firm line against taking bobcats from the wild. Another section of the code makes it unlawful for a person to possess live wildlife taken from a wild state, subject to certain exceptions. Any bobcat you legally own must come from a lawful source — typically a licensed breeder or dealer — not from the wild. If you are curious about the differences between a bobcat and a lynx, both species are restricted under Pennsylvania’s Felidae rules.
Permits and Requirements for Bobcat Ownership in Pennsylvania
Getting a bobcat legally in Pennsylvania involves more than filling out a form. The state’s exotic wildlife possession permit system comes with documented experience requirements, enclosure standards, and ongoing obligations. Here is what you need to know before you apply.
Who Can Apply
Permits shall be issued only to persons who are residents of the Commonwealth and 18 years of age or older. You must also be able to demonstrate that your housing setup meets the Game Commission’s standards before a permit will be granted.
Experience Requirement
This is where many prospective owners are stopped before they even start. A new applicant for an exotic wildlife possession permit shall provide documentation of at least two years of experience of hands-on work with the designated species, including care, feeding, handling, training, and husbandry — and this experience shall be from a recognized or approved facility, with the owner, manager, or licensee of that facility providing a letter of reference.
In other words, you cannot simply decide today that you want a bobcat and apply tomorrow. You need a verifiable track record with the species first.
Enclosure Standards
It is unlawful to maintain exotic wildlife in confinement in unsanitary or unsafe condition, or in a manner which results in maltreatment, mistreatment, or neglect, and no exotic wildlife may be confined in a pen, cage, or enclosure which does not meet the minimum pen specifications in the subchapter.
For bobcats specifically, Pennsylvania regulations classify them as “lesser cats” with their own cage requirements. Lesser cats — including bobcats, lynx, serval, caracal, ocelots, and the like — require at least two claw logs and a shelf 14 inches wide by 4 feet long and 36 inches off the floor level, along with a den or retreat area. An animal may not be chained or tethered or otherwise impeded from moving freely within a cage or enclosure unless otherwise indicated on the permit.
Pro Tip: Build and have your enclosure inspected before submitting your permit application. The Game Commission must be satisfied that your housing meets standards before issuing a permit — having it ready in advance demonstrates seriousness and avoids delays.
Permit Fee and Per-Animal Structure
A separate exotic wildlife possession permit is required for each animal. Per Pennsylvania’s Game and Wildlife Code, the exotic wildlife possession fee is $50 per animal. If you intend to keep more than one bobcat, each one requires its own permit at that cost.
If you are bringing a bobcat into Pennsylvania from another state, an additional importation permit is also required. Importation permits are issued for a fee of $50 for each transaction, and a person wishing to import wildlife for exotic wildlife possession purposes shall be in possession of an exotic wildlife possession permit prior to submitting the application for an import permit. See Chapter 147 relating to special permits.
Bill of Sale and Record-Keeping
It is unlawful for a person to possess exotic wildlife, except as provided in the subchapter, without having a bill of sale or other documentary evidence showing the name and address of the supplier of the exotic wildlife. A permit holder shall keep a record of transactions on a form provided by the Commission and shall answer, without evasion, questions that may be asked by a representative or officer of the Commission relative to ownership of a bird or mammal or part thereof found in the permittee’s possession.
How to Apply
To get a permit for an exotic pet in Pennsylvania, you will need to call the Pennsylvania Game Commission Special Permits Enforcement Division at 717-783-8164 for more information. You can also visit the Commission’s official website at pgc.pa.gov to review current application materials and enclosure standards before you begin the process.
Pennsylvania is home to a wide range of native wildlife, from owls and hawks to eagles — all of which are protected under separate wildlife laws. Understanding the broader regulatory landscape in the state can help put bobcat ownership rules in context.
Local Laws That May Apply in Pennsylvania
Holding a valid state permit does not automatically clear you at the local level. While your state may allow you to keep certain animals as pets, local laws can restrict ownership. Pennsylvania municipalities have the authority to pass their own ordinances governing exotic animals, and some have done exactly that.
Ridley Township, for example, explicitly lists bobcats among the prohibited exotic animals within its municipal code. Felidae — including lions, tigers, bobcats, cougars, leopards, jaguars, mountain lions, and nondomesticated cats — are listed as restricted exotic animals under the township’s ordinance.
Pleasant Hills Borough takes a similar approach. It is unlawful for the owner, possessor, or any other person in control of a lot, tract, or parcel of land within the Borough limits or any residence or business premises situated thereon to knowingly permit any other person to be in possession of an exotic animal upon the property, residence, or premises.
In permit-required states, owners may also be subject to inspections and ongoing oversight, and local laws can impose additional restrictions or outright bans even in states that allow ownership at the state level. Before you invest time and money in a permit application, check your county and municipal codes — or contact your local zoning office directly.
Key Insight: A state exotic wildlife possession permit does not override local ordinances. If your municipality bans bobcats, the state permit offers no protection at the local level. Always verify with your borough, township, or city government before proceeding.
Pennsylvania residents interested in the state’s wildlife may also want to explore resources on black snakes in Pennsylvania, woodpeckers in Pennsylvania, and hummingbirds in Pennsylvania — all of which are governed by their own distinct legal frameworks.
Penalties for Illegally Owning a Bobcat in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania takes unpermitted exotic animal ownership seriously. The penalty structure is designed to escalate with the nature of the violation, and the daily accumulation of offenses means that the financial consequences of non-compliance can grow quickly.
A violation of the section relating to permits is a summary offense of the third degree. Any other violation of the section is a summary offense of the fifth degree. Each day of violation shall constitute a separate offense, but under no circumstances shall the accumulated penalty for purposes of a field receipt exceed $300 — though there shall be no limit on any accumulated penalty a court may assess.
That last point is significant. While field citations are capped at $300 in accumulated penalties, a court is not bound by that ceiling. A sustained violation over days or weeks could result in a substantially larger penalty once the matter reaches a judge.
Beyond fines, illegal possession can also result in the seizure of the animal. Any person who keeps a wild or exotic animal in contravention of a local article shall dispose of the animal by removal of the animal from the jurisdiction. At the state level, the Game Commission has authority to confiscate animals held without proper permits.
There are also conduct-based violations separate from the permit requirement itself. It is unlawful to release any exotic wildlife into the wild, fail to exercise due care in safeguarding the public, or recklessly engage in conduct that places another person in danger of attack from exotic wildlife. These violations carry their own penalties independent of whether you hold a permit.
| Violation Type | Classification | Field Receipt Cap | Court Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permit-related violation | Summary offense, 3rd degree | Up to $300 accumulated | No statutory cap |
| Other possession violations | Summary offense, 5th degree | Up to $300 accumulated | No statutory cap |
| Each day of ongoing violation | Separate offense | Counted toward $300 cap | Assessed independently |
| Endangering public safety | Separate conduct violation | Varies | Separate from permit penalties |
If you are a Pennsylvania resident with a broader interest in the state’s wildlife, you may find it useful to explore guides on spiders in Pennsylvania, birds with red heads in Pennsylvania, and pet-friendly activities in Pennsylvania — all of which reflect the state’s rich natural environment and its layered approach to wildlife regulation.
Owning a bobcat in Pennsylvania is not impossible, but it demands genuine preparation. You need documented experience, a compliant enclosure, a valid permit for each animal, and confirmation that your local municipality does not impose stricter rules than the state. Skipping any of those steps does not just put your permit at risk — it puts the animal at risk too. If you are serious about the process, the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Special Permits Enforcement Division is the right starting point.