Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My family may be relocating to South Dakota, and we are looking for any information on South Dakota's laws on exotic animals. Was wondering if anyone could help?

You have to look at the local laws as it depends on what type of exotic you are planning on bringing. Some municipalities are very lax and others are not - I would contact the State Veterinarian as you will likely need to have a health certificate when bringing animals into SD.

Cheers!
T-
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It's what you learn AFTER you know it all that counts!

Terry Phillip
Curator of Reptiles
Black Hills Reptile Gardens
Rapid City, SD.

www.reptilegardens.com

Thank you very much for response. We're looking to relocate to Aberdeen (possibly). I've read on their website in regards to keeping exotics. At this time, I'm only talking about snakes, with no venomous and no large constrictors. I've contacted Aberdeen's animal licensing department with more detailed questions.

On a side note, when this adventure started to become a possible reality, he began his research on reptiles in Aberdeen and found Reptile Gardens. And he has already decided, if we move to Aberdeen, our first weekend excursion is to the Reptile Gardens. So I find it wonderful that I received a response from an employee there.

Thank you again.

Anytime! Let me know if you guys are gonna make it this way

Cheers!
T-
-----
It's what you learn AFTER you know it all that counts!

Terry Phillip
Curator of Reptiles
Black Hills Reptile Gardens
Rapid City, SD.

www.reptilegardens.com

Thanks both of you. At this time, we've decided for my husband to not take the job in South Dakota and we'll be staying in the south. So lots of questions for nothing. (But it's better to be prepared right?)

On a side note, I received an email from animal control in Aberdeen and was quite shocked at their response. (No, this isn't why we decided for him to turn down the job, lol). In Aberdeen, they told me that there is a 4 animal limit; our snakes would be included in that 4 animal limit. So we would have had to find homes for a lot of our animals (we have three dogs, three cats, eight snakes and four tarantulas).

Thanks again for the information, both of you.

i know it's not much help, but...

when i got stationed at Ellsworth AFB SD i went to the base vet and ask about my snakes, was told they didn't know and to try calling local law enforcement. so i called the cops and the convo went like this "are any of your snakes venoumous, sir?", "no, all are harmless", "okay, then we really don't care, but i'll advise you to keep them inside so no neighbors complain."

i have kings, corns, rats, milks, dumerils, and argentine boas.

also, Reptile Gardens is absolutely amazing. i've been about 7 times and love every second of every trip.