Geckos are allowed in Topeka; ostriches aren’t. Rules of exotic pets.

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When exotic pets enter the conversation, people probably think of Joe Exotic. However, exotic pet ownership is a lot more complicated than a famous guy owning tigers.

Exotic pet ownership can be found in most cities, including Topeka. Before giving exotic pets a try, owners need to consider how the city regulates ownership and what is permitted.

Seven-year-old Brody Seel, left, looks at gargoyle geckos with his 1-year-old sister, Maliyah Seel, at Petland on Friday morning.  Before purchasing an exotic pet, residents of Topeka should know how the city regulates the various types of animals allowed.

What is an exotic pet?

Topeka senior animal control officer Jessica Bowers said the city ordinances give a broad definition of exotic pets, so it can include animals not yet considered when the code was written.

For clarity in this article, exotic pets will be referred to as pets that aren’t cats or dogs.

Miniature pot-bellied pigs are permitted as pets in Topeka city limits, provided certain conditions are met.  Shown here is Lucy who was attending a fair in Florida in 2022.

What exotic pets are allowed?

Miniature pot-belly pigs are permitted within city limits. Owners are required to have a fence that goes two feet underground, the pig must be microchipped and needs a clear health certificate from a veterinarian and the pig needs to be tagged.

Snakes are also permitted if they are nonvenomous and smaller than eight feet.