Oregon Regulations on Wild and Exotic Felines

Department of Fish and Wildlife
P.O. Box 59
Portland, OR 97207 503-872-5260

State Web Site: http://www.state.or.us/
Department Web Site: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/

Short Summary: Neither bobcat or lynx can be bartered, sold or purchased in the state of Oregon. Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife issues holding permit for bobcat, but it is not legal for Oregon residents to sell bobcats. Dept of F & W issue commercial wildlife propagators license for cougars.

The State Department of Agriculture regulates exotic animal permits. Cats are divided into Class I, II and III. Applications require contact info, veterinary plans, escape plans, a site inspection and annual renewal. Caging construction and minimum cage sizes are established by the Agriculture Dept. Applications are sent to Animal Health Division of the Department at its address of Agriculture Building, 635 Capitol Street N.E., Salem, OR 97301, accompanied by a permit fee.  USDA licensed persons are exmept from the permit requirement.

***SB 391 signed into law June 26, 2009 ends the Department of Agriculature permit system for large exotic pets. No new permits will be issued after March 30, 2010.

Exemptions to this legislation include:
• Anyone who can prove that he or she owned a large exotic pet before Jan. 1, 2010; who applies for a permit between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2010; and who meets state requirements for keeping exotic pets also can be issued a permit.
• USDA licensed facilities, non-profit closed to the public sanctuaries, research facilities and veterinary clinics are exempt from the law.
• Someone who holds a USDA license for large exotic pets but chooses to close the facility covered by that license can be issued permits to keep the animals privately, even after March 30, 2010.