Can You Own a Kangaroo in Washington State? What the Law Actually Says

Kangaroos are striking animals — powerful, curious, and unlike anything most people have ever kept on their property. It is no surprise that some Washington residents find themselves wondering whether owning one is even possible.

The answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no. Washington State’s laws around exotic pets are “exclusionary,” meaning the law spells out what animals are not allowed, without specifying permissible animals. That structure creates real gray areas, and kangaroos sit squarely in one of them. Before you make any decisions, you need to understand what state statutes, federal regulations, and local ordinances actually require — because getting it wrong carries serious consequences.

Is It Legal to Own a Kangaroo in Washington

The short answer is that kangaroo ownership is not outright banned under Washington’s primary dangerous wild animal statute, but that does not mean it is straightforward. In Illinois, Idaho, Maine, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin it is legal to keep a kangaroo as a pet, while in the rest of the US it is completely illegal.

A very small number of these states allow kangaroos to be kept without permits. However, it sometimes depends on when and where the kangaroo was purchased. Despite this, most of the states listed require a permit to keep a kangaroo as a pet. Washington falls into the permit-required category, and the permitting landscape involves multiple agencies and layers of law.

You should also understand that Washington’s legal framework is built around what is prohibited, not what is approved. There are four categories of animals prohibited: animals that can carry or infect others with rabies; wild animals including native species; animals that can cause harm to the local environment or that may be invasive; and animals that are considered dangerous to humans, livestock, or pets. Kangaroos are not listed under the primary dangerous wild animal ban, which is why ownership remains a possibility — but other rules still apply.

Key Insight: Washington’s exotic pet laws use an exclusionary model. If an animal is not explicitly banned, it may be legal to own — but you still need to check permit requirements, import rules, and local ordinances before acquiring one.

If you are curious about how kangaroo ownership compares to other exotic animals in the state, the kangaroo overview at Animal of Things offers helpful background on the species itself.

What Federal Law Says About Kangaroo Ownership

Federal law does not ban private kangaroo ownership outright, but it does regulate how kangaroos enter the country and move between states. Federal laws usually are not the main block for owning a kangaroo unless the species is endangered, or you are importing them, or crossing state lines. Most regulation is at the state or local level.

The two primary federal frameworks you need to understand are the Lacey Act and the Endangered Species Act. The Lacey Act, enforced by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, makes it illegal to import, export, sell, acquire, or purchase wildlife that was taken, possessed, transported, or sold in violation of any U.S. or foreign law. If a kangaroo was obtained illegally at any point in its chain of custody, federal liability can attach to you as the current owner.

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) adds another layer. While common kangaroo species such as the red kangaroo and eastern grey kangaroo are not currently listed as endangered, some smaller macropod species are protected. Capturing wild kangaroos is harmful and often illegal. Reputable captive-bred animals from licensed breeders or sanctuaries are the only ethical source where ownership is lawful.

The sale and possession of exotic animals in the United States is regulated by a patchwork of federal, state, and local laws that generally vary by community and by animal. That patchwork means you cannot rely on federal silence to assume state or local permission. Always verify each layer independently.

For anyone planning to import a kangaroo from another country, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service import permits are required, and the animal must meet health certification standards set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Transporting a kangaroo across state lines also triggers federal oversight, so even moving an animal you already legally own requires advance planning.

Important Note: Federal law does not authorize kangaroo ownership — it simply does not prohibit it in most cases. You are still fully subject to Washington State law, local ordinances, and any import or transport regulations that apply to your specific situation.

Reading up on an Exotic Animal Care and Management Book can help you understand the broader regulatory and husbandry landscape before you commit to ownership.

Washington’s Laws on Owning a Kangaroo

Washington regulates exotic animals through several overlapping statutes, and understanding each one is essential if you are seriously considering kangaroo ownership.

RCW 16.30, the Dangerous Wild Animals Act, was passed in 2007 and regulates the keeping of dangerous wild animals. By definition, a potentially dangerous wild animal includes, among others, lions, tigers, captive-bred cougars, jaguars, cheetahs, leopards, wolves (excluding wolf-hybrids), bears, hyenas, non-human primates, elephants, rhinoceroses, certain reptiles, and venomous snakes. Kangaroos are not named in this list, which is why they are not outright banned under RCW 16.30.

However, three other regulatory frameworks still apply:

• Deleterious Exotic Wildlife Rules (WAC 232-12-017): Under Washington’s deleterious animal laws, species that pose a threat to native wildlife, agriculture, or ecosystems are prohibited. Kangaroos are not currently listed as deleterious exotic wildlife, but you should confirm this with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) before proceeding.
• Native Species Protections (Title 77 RCW): It is illegal to possess any wild animal that naturally lives in Washington State — such as squirrels or crows — unless you are transporting the animal to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Kangaroos are not native to Washington, so this provision does not apply directly.
• Public Health Import Rules (WAC 246-100-197): Individuals are generally prohibited from acquiring or importing animals known to carry rabies, such as skunks, foxes, raccoons, coyotes, and bats. Kangaroos are not on the rabies-vector list, but you will still need health documentation when importing one.

Many animals are illegal to own, transport, and import into Washington State. There are several state agencies that regulate animal ownership. For kangaroos specifically, the Washington Department of Agriculture (WSDA) and the WDFW both play a role, depending on how the animal is classified and how it enters the state.

One important point: out-of-state permits carry no legal weight in Washington. If you are relocating from another state where you had a valid kangaroo permit, that permit does not transfer. You must comply with Washington’s rules from the moment the animal enters the state.

You can explore how Washington approaches other unusual animals by reading about raccoon ownership laws in Washington, which illustrates how the state’s exclusionary model plays out in practice.

Permits and Requirements for Kangaroo Ownership in Washington

Because kangaroos are not explicitly banned under RCW 16.30, they fall into the category of animals that may be kept with proper documentation and compliance. That said, the permit and requirements process is not a simple one-step application.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) oversees exotic animal regulations, particularly for species classified as wildlife. Individuals seeking to keep certain non-native animals must apply for a special permit detailing the animal’s enclosure, diet, and veterinary care. Applicants must demonstrate expertise and resources to house the animal safely.

At the state level, the key requirements you should expect to address include:

1. WDFW Permit Application: Submit a permit application that includes species information, enclosure specifications, and a care plan. A facility may be inspected for safety and health compliance.
2. Veterinary Health Certificate: A health certificate from an accredited veterinarian is required under Washington State Department of Agriculture rules when importing an animal into the state.
3. Import Documentation: Negative test results are required before the entry of many species of exotic and wild animals.
4. Enclosure Standards: Pet kangaroos need good fencing to keep them in. Enclosures must be secure, appropriately sized, and designed to prevent escape. Kangaroos are wild animals and need a lot of land to roam around. They are used to traveling for many miles every day in search of food.
5. Permit Renewal: Fees vary with species and need to be renewed from time to time.

For enclosure construction, a durable option like Heavy Duty Chain Link Fencing Wire Roll is commonly used for large exotic animal enclosures, providing the height and strength needed to safely contain an animal as athletic as a kangaroo.

You should also plan for ongoing veterinary care from a provider experienced with exotic species. As kangaroos are wild animals, they require specialized care. If they become sick or injured, they need a vet who has some experience of wild animals and an understanding of kangaroos. Kangaroos are easily susceptible to stress-related illnesses, so their care and well-being are not necessarily straightforward.

Pro Tip: Contact the WDFW directly before purchasing a kangaroo. Permit requirements can change, and confirming current rules with the agency saves you from acquiring an animal you may not be legally allowed to keep.

Liability insurance is another practical consideration. Carrying liability insurance is a good idea for owners in case such animals injure others. Some local jurisdictions in Washington may require it as a condition of any exotic animal permit.

The wallaby and kangaroo comparison guide at Animal of Things is worth reviewing if you are considering a wallaby as a smaller alternative, since wallabies fall under similar but sometimes distinct rules.

Local Laws That May Apply in Washington

State law sets the baseline for exotic animal ownership in Washington, but it does not prevent cities and counties from going further. State law sets the floor for exotic pet regulations in Washington, but it does not set the ceiling.

Under RCW 16.30, a city or county may adopt an ordinance governing potentially dangerous wild animals that is more restrictive than this chapter. This means that even if you obtain a valid state-level permit, your city or county could still prohibit kangaroo ownership entirely.

Local ordinances vary significantly across Washington. Some municipalities have adopted comprehensive exotic animal codes that go well beyond state minimums. Others rely primarily on state law with minimal local additions. Here is what to check at the local level:

• City or county animal control ordinances: Contact your local animal control authority to ask specifically about macropods or exotic marsupials.
• Zoning restrictions: Agricultural or rural zoning may allow large exotic animals, while residential zones often do not. The enclosure size required for a kangaroo may not be compatible with your property’s zoning classification.
• HOA rules: If you live in a community with a homeowners association, exotic animals may be restricted by your CC&Rs entirely independent of government law.
• Local permit requirements: Some jurisdictions require their own separate exotic animal permits in addition to any state-level documentation. A permit to have a wild or exotic animal not statutorily defined as a potentially dangerous animal under RCW 16.30.010 shall be issued by the animal control authority only upon receiving sufficient evidence that there is a secure enclosure to confine the wild or exotic animal that will safely confine it during any absence of the owner or keeper.

Some local codes also require liability bonds. A surety bond or a policy of liability insurance in the amount of at least fifty thousand dollars, which specifically provides coverage for any and all personal injuries inflicted by the wild or exotic animal, may be required.

While your state may allow you to keep certain animals as pets, local laws can restrict ownership. Additionally, state laws are frequently changing in response to concerns for public safety and animal well-being. You should always double-check for any new or proposed state or local legislation.

Washington is home to a wide range of wildlife that residents interact with regularly. Exploring resources like the guide to venomous animals in Washington State can give you a broader sense of the state’s approach to wildlife regulation and public safety.

Common Mistake: Assuming that because kangaroos are not on Washington’s banned list, no further approval is needed. Local ordinances, zoning laws, and import rules can all independently prohibit ownership even when state law does not.

For supplemental fencing within your enclosure setup, Welded Wire Fence Hardware Cloth is a practical option for reinforcing interior barriers and preventing escape through gaps in larger fencing structures.

Penalties for Illegally Owning a Kangaroo in Washington

If you own a kangaroo without meeting the applicable legal requirements in Washington, the consequences can be significant — and they fall on both you and the animal.

Violations can result in confiscation of the animal, significant fines, and in serious cases, criminal charges. The specific penalties depend on which statute is violated, but the range of consequences is broad.

Under RCW 16.30, the confiscation process is clearly defined. An animal control authority or law enforcement officer may act when they have probable cause to believe that the animal was acquired in violation of RCW 16.30.030, the animal poses a public safety or health risk, the animal is in poor health and condition as a result of the possessor, or the animal is being held in contravention of the act.

What happens to a confiscated animal is not guaranteed to be a positive outcome. If a potentially dangerous wild animal confiscated under this section is not returned to the possessor, the animal control authority or law enforcement officer may release the animal to a facility such as a wildlife sanctuary. If the authority is unable to relocate the animal within a reasonable period of time, it may euthanize the animal. An animal control authority or law enforcement officer may euthanize a potentially dangerous wild animal only if all known reasonable placement options, including relocation to a wildlife sanctuary, are unavailable.

Beyond confiscation, additional penalties may include:

• Civil fines: Violations of exotic animal laws can result in substantial fines issued by local animal control or the WDFW.
• Criminal charges: Under RCW 16.52.205, first-degree animal cruelty is a Class C felony and applies when someone intentionally inflicts substantial pain, causes death, or forces an animal into sexual conduct. Inadequate care of a confiscated exotic animal could trigger additional charges.
• Cost recovery: Washington law allows authorities to recover the costs of housing, feeding, and caring for a confiscated animal from the former owner.
• Permit revocation: If you hold any other animal-related permits, a violation involving an illegally kept kangaroo could affect those as well.

Washington’s banned animal list is one of the more extensive in the western United States. The prohibitions span multiple statutes and cover animals that many other states allow with or without a permit. Enforcement is real, and the state takes exotic animal violations seriously.

It is also worth noting the grandfather clause limitation. A grandfather clause exists for individuals who owned a prohibited animal before the current law went into effect. If you legally possessed a potentially dangerous wild animal before July 22, 2007, you may be allowed to keep that specific animal for the rest of its life. You must be able to provide documentation, such as veterinary records or acquisition papers, that proves you owned the animal before that date. This clause applies only to animals covered under RCW 16.30 and only to the specific individual animal — it does not extend to new animals acquired after that date.

If you are navigating Washington’s wildlife regulations more broadly, the kangaroo tag archive at Animal of Things covers related topics that may be useful in your research.

Important Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws governing exotic animal ownership change over time and vary by jurisdiction. Consult with a licensed attorney and contact the WDFW and your local animal control authority before acquiring a kangaroo or any exotic animal in Washington State.

If you are committed to responsible ownership and want to be thoroughly prepared, the Exotic Animal Medicine Quick Reference Guide is a practical resource that many exotic animal owners and their veterinarians keep on hand for day-to-day care guidance.

Owning a kangaroo in Washington is not impossible, but it demands careful legal preparation, genuine commitment to the animal’s welfare, and ongoing compliance with rules that span multiple agencies and levels of government. Taking the time to understand every layer of the law before you act is the only responsible path forward.