The Legal Issues Around Keeping Reptiles, Amphibians and Arachnids

Any person within the state of Vermont interested in purchasing, importing, or possessing a pet or animal (except fish) must determine whether that pet or animal species first requires an Importation and Possession Permit from the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department.

Many wildlife species are designated as Unrestricted Reptiles & Amphibians. Descriptions and lists of species are provided below. Species’ designations are generally based upon the following criteria as to whether the species is:

-Capable of competing with native wildlife species

-A risk of transmitting diseases to native wildlife species

-A threat to human health and safety

-Threatened in other regions by collecting for the pet trade