Alaska has strict laws and regulations regarding what animals can be kept as pets in the state. These laws are in place to protect Alaska’s valuable wildlife populations from various negative effects that can result from contact of native species with non-native species.
For your convenience, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game has listed animals that are legal to own by category on its website. If a species does not appear on the list, then it may not be legal to own as a pet in Alaska. If you have questions, you can contact the Department at dfg.dwc.permits@alaska.gov or (907) 465-4148. The following ten species are legal to own in Alaska:
1. African pygmy hedgehog
- Price: $100 to $300
- Lifespan in captivity: 6 to 8 years
It's legal to keep an African pygmy hedgehog as an exotic pet in Alaska. Also known as four-toed hedgehogs, African pygmy hedgehogs are the most popular hedgehog species kept as pets. However, due to their prickly spines, four-toed hedgehogs may not be the best choice of pet for young kids. Being active mostly at night, four-toed hedgehogs require a moderate amount of care. Their nocturnal and solitary nature make them a good pet for someone who has a 9-to-5 job.
2. Llama
- Price: Between $1000 and $5,000
- Lifespan in captivity: Up to 23 years
You can legally own a pet Llama in Alaska. Llamas are domesticated South American camelids often kept for their meat. Llamas are related to camels but unlike camels, they have no humps. Llamas aren't generally considered attack animals, although they are capable of kicking. In fact, Llamas are known to develop Berserk Llama Syndrome (BLS), a behavioral disorder that many Llama owners fear. This aberrant behavior syndrome can cause a Llama to exhibit dangerously aggressive behavior toward humans. Berserk Llama Syndrome, according to Taylorsville Veterinary Clinic, is often caused by improper handling and training. Otherwise, Llamas generally make good pets.
3. Alpaca
- Price: Between $3,000 and $10,000
- Lifespan in captivity: Up to 20 years
Alpacas can be legally kept as pets in Alaska. Alpacas and llamas are often confused with one another. However, these two domesticated camelids have several key differences. For starters, alpacas are smaller in comparison. Alpacas are characterized by small, blunt faces with short ears. Llamas, on the other hand, have long faces with banana-shaped ears.
Unlike the Llama, which has been traditionally considered a double-coat species, the Alpaca is a single-coated animal. What's more, Alpacas are usually shy and polite. Llamas, on the other hand, are more independent and can be assertive and rude. Alpacas can be fun and unique pets if properly trained. The Berserk Llama Syndrome is also found in Alpacas.
Alpacas and llamas are considered domesticated livestock or farm animals in many states, including Alaska. As such, their ownership may be restricted in some residential zones.
4. One-humped Camel
- Price: $1,000 to $20,000
- Lifespan in captivity: Up to 40 years
It is legal to keep a one-humped camel as a personal pet in Alaska. Also known as the dromedary camel or Arabian camel, the one-humped camel is a large camel with one hump on its back. Domesticated for around 3,500 years, the one-humped camel is valued for its strength and docility. They require a large fenced-in yard with some form of shelter. As a potential owner, you should possess a good knowledge of husbandry and handling of this species of camel.
5. Miniature Pig
- Price: $200 to $500 (Vietnamese pot-bellied)
- Lifespan in captivity: Up to 20 years (Vietnamese pot-bellied)
Miniature pigs, also called mini pigs, are legal to own as pets in Alaska. The most popular mini pig species kept as pets in the U.S. is the Vietnamese pot-bellied. That said, this mini pig species requires a significant amount of time, energy, money, and space. Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs are very smart animals that can learn simple tricks and make their feelings known. They can understand human communication and can be trained like dogs. However, they can easily become overweight. Like Alpacas and llamas, pigs are considered livestock or farm animals and therefore may be restricted in some residential zones.
6. European Rabbit
- Price: $20 to $100
- Lifespan in captivity: Up to 9 years
The European rabbit is a species of rabbit native to southwestern Europe. It's legal to keep as a pet in Alaska. By all accounts, European rabbits make good pets, but they require a lot of care and attention. Like all species of rabbits, European rabbits are very social and active animals, so they need the company of other rabbits and lots of space to run around. Their diet consists of grass hay-based pellets, fresh vegetables, and leafy greens.
7. Mice
- Price: $10 to $20
- Lifespan in captivity: Up to 2 years
Alaska allows five species of mice to be kept as pets. These include White, Waltzing, Singing, Shaker, and Piebald mice. Mice are social animals that live in groups, so it's not so kind to keep a pet mouse. They are friendly and curious. However, mice aren't known for enjoying physical contact with humans. Plus, they are very fast and can bite if scared or handled roughly. Mice are very smart rodents that enjoy running on exercise wheels. To keep their teeth from growing too long, mice need to chew on things, so you need to provide them with non-toxic chew toys. Mice are nocturnal creatures, meaning they usually sleep during the day and are active at night.
8. Bison
- Price: $2,500 to $5,000
- Lifespan in captivity: Up to 25 years
Bison (except feral and wild bison) are legal to own as pets in Alaska. Bison, by all accounts, tend to make poor pets. Although Bison can be tamed, they're wild animals that retain many of their instincts. They require a lot of space, food, and different handling than other livestock. Because of their size and strength, Bison aren't typically kept as pets.
9. Peafowl
- Price: $300 to $1000
- Lifespan in captivity: Up to 30 years (Indian Peafowl)
You can legally keep any species of Peafowl as a pet in Alaska. Peafowl are among the most colorful birds in the world. Male peafowl are called Peacocks while the females are called Peahens. The most popular species of peafowl are blue, or Indian peafowl. Also known as the common peafowl, the Indian peafowl are creatures of habit. According to the SF Zoo, Indian peafowl can be found in the same general location for their entire lives. They are diurnal, meaning they're most active during the daytime. Peafowl generally make great pets. However, they are not well suited to residential areas because they can be very loud.
10. Snake
- Price: $300 to $500 (ball python)
- Lifespan in captivity: Up to 30 years (ball python)
You can legally keep any nonvenomous snake as a pet in Alaska. Some of the best nonvenomous pet snakes include corn snakes, rosy boas, milk snakes, and ball pythons.
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