Are Axolotls Legal In Texas? (7 Clear Facts)

Having exotic animals doesn’t mean you can have them as pets everywhere. One exotic animal that has become the target of many aquatic pet lovers is the axolotl. The decreasing population of axolotls makes many people want to keep them as pets before the critically endangered animal becomes extinct. Having axolotls as pets must be legal in your place of residence.

Are axolotls legal in Texas? Axolotls are protected animals. You can own an axolotl as long as you comply with the laws and regulations in Texas. You may not import or export axolotl without the appropriate permits. It is illegal to obtain or ship from the US to or from any country that conforms to the CITES regulations.

We know about axolotls as unique creatures, but we also have to know the rules for having them as pets. Let’s learn how Texas regulates axolotl property rights in this article.

Is Owning An Axolotl Illegal?

Yes, the axolotl is legal in every state except California, Maine, New Jersey, and Virginia. The axolotl is not on the list of prohibited animals in Texas, but there are some restrictions on how you have an axolotl. You can’t get axolotls from another country into Texas, nor can you get axolotls from their natural environment. You must legally obtain an axolotl from a pet store or breeder.

Are salamanders illegal in Texas? Many salamanders in Texas are federally listed as endangered because their environment has been exposed to water pollution and overuse. Get a permit to own salamanders as pets or get them legally at a pet store.

Can You Own An Axolotl In Texas?

You can own an axolotl from a breeder or pet store. You can keep them and must comply with the state’s laws and regulations. Having axolotls as pets contributes to preserving axolotls, and they don’t become extinct.

What pets are illegal in Texas? Cheetahs, Utah bears, lions, kangaroos, monkeys, lemurs, gorillas, and wolves are some of the illegal animals as pets. Although axolotls are exotic animals, owning an axolotl in Texas is still allowed.

Can I Own An Axolotl In Texas?

Yes, you can get it from the breeder or pet store. You cannot catch axolotls in the wild or trade axolotls without a permit. You need to learn when owning an axolotl, such as care requirements like clean water, hiding places, and a proper diet.

Are axolotls illegal in Texas? No, you can own an axolotl in Texas, and it does not include prohibited animals.

Why Are Axolotls Illegal In Texas?

Aquatic pet owners often ask if axolotls are legal in Texas because certain states such as California and New Jersey prohibit anyone who wants to care for axolotls as pets.

There’s no clear explanation for why axolotls are legal as pets in Texas, but you must adhere to laws and regulations if you want to care for axolotls.

Are axolotls legal in Texas? Yes, and you must know some conditions to keep axolotls healthy. For instance, the axolotl must continue to be in the aquarium with clean water and get a proper diet of live foods, such as worms, insects, and small fish.

How To Own Axolotl In Texas?

You can find axolotls at private breeders, pet stores, and axolotl enthusiasts. You’ll find lots of axolotls at reptile shows and expos. Try to find a licensed axolotl that is raised in a healthy and high-quality way.

Looking directly to a pet store will be safer to have an axolotl than ordering online and will pose a big risk to the axolotl during the shipping process.

Why are axolotls banned in Texas? No news or regulation says axolotls are banned in Texas. You can legally own an axolotl if you buy it at a pet store or breeder without a permit.

What Happens If You Get Caught With An Axolotl In Texas?

The axolotl permit in Texas is obtained from a pet store or licensed breeders. If you are caught looking for an axolotl in the wild, you could be subject to the appropriate laws in Texas. You are doing something illegal if you import or export axolotl out of state.

Axolotls can’t stay out of water for long because their bodies have to stay wet. Their slime coat may dry and suffocate if their body dries because their lungs must still get oxygen from the water.

What Is The Penalty For Owning An Axolotl In Texas?

Many are looking for references about ‘what is the penalty for owning an axolotl in Texas‘ because they want to know how the law in Texas to deal with axolotls is, is it the same as the law in California about axolotls is forbidden.

There is no penalty for owning an axolotl in Texas because Texas does not include axolotl in the prohibited list.

It is in contrast to several states which forbid having axolotls as pets. If you insist on caring for an axolotl even though the axolotl is banned in that state, you can be considered against the law and will be punished according to the rules in the state you live in.

How Much Does An Axolotl Cost In Texas?

Look for axolotl Texas at a pet store or licensed breeder. The axolotl in Texas is not priced differently from other states, with costs between $30-$75 for the basic morph.

If you’re looking for uncommon morphs, you’ll get around $100 or more per healthy axolotl.

The table below is some axolotl prices based on morph and color 

The more unique the color and morph of the axolotl, the more expensive the price you get. Don’t forget to estimate the price of other necessities such as the aquarium, food, filter, and other axolotl requirements.

Can Axolotls Kill You?

Axolotls are not a threat to humans, and they cannot hurt you in any way. Axolotls do not have strong teeth or sharp claws that can injure their owners. The axolotl’s way of eating is to grasp and swallow food whole.

Even if you are bitten by an axolotl when you think your hand is food, it will not cause serious injury.

Where Are Axolotls Not Illegal?

Most US states legalize owning axolotls obtained from pet stores or breeders, except for California, Virginia, New Jersey, and Maine.

The reason some states make it illegal to own axolotls is that axolotls are an endangered species that must be protected, and pet axolotls can pose harm to the natural environment if released into the wild because they are genetically different from wild axolotls.

Are axolotls legal in Texas? Many think the axolotl is illegal in Texas. The axolotl is illegal in Texas if you get it by importing or exporting it from or to another country. You can get the axolotl permit in Texas from a pet store or breeder.

What Pets Are Illegal In Texas?

Several endangered species may not be owned as pets in Texas, such as shellfish, wolves, indigenous birds, diamondback terrapins, and bats. Although the axolotl is an endangered species, the axolotl is not included in the prohibited list.

How to own an axolotl in Texas? Look for axolotls in pet stores or at a licensed breeder. If you buy it legally, you already have a license to care for axolotls as pets. Do not forget to learn what needs to be prepared to maintain axolotl health.

Final Verdict – Are Axolotls Legal In Texas

Axolotl is a critically endangered animal whose population continues to decrease in the wild. Owning an axolotl can be a problem in certain states, as these animals are protected.

If you are in Texas, you can own an axolotl by buying it at a licensed breeder or pet store. You may not get axolotls by trading, importing, or exporting from or outside the country.

As a pet lover, make sure to learn about pet more and give your pet axolotl a good and comfortable life!

Rajkumar Ravichandran

Welcome to Learn About Pet. My name is Rajkumar Ravichandran and I love all pets, travel, and amazing food. I write about my passion and personal experience caring for multiple pets in this blog! ❤️