Is it legal to have a pet raccoon in Mexico?

Only if it comes from an authorized breeder, with proof of origin, and you register it with Semarnat. Capturing one from the wild is illegal.

Can I have a capuchin monkey?

Since the July 2025 reform no primate can be taken from the wild to be sold. A monkey offered as a pet almost always comes from illegal trafficking.

What happens if I release my exotic pet?

It's banned: it can become an invasive species and harm Mexican wildlife. If you can no longer care for it, look for a rescue or ask Semarnat.

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Which pets are legal in Mexico?

Dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, fish and non-native birds need no special paperwork. Wild animals like raccoons or foxes need a legal origin and a Semarnat registration, and some can't be bought at all. This guide is not legal advice.

A rabbit, a cat and a small dog rest together in a bright living room with plants, next to an aquarium with colorful fish

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Pets that need no federal paperwork

Dogs and cats.
Rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, gerbils and other small domestic pets.
Aquarium fish.
Non-native birds bred in captivity, such as budgies, cockatiels, lovebirds and canaries.

In Mexico City, dogs and cats must be registered in the free RUAC.

Mexican wild animals: legal origin and registration

A raccoon, a fox, an opossum or any native wild animal can only be kept if it comes from an authorized breeder (UMA or PIMVS) with proof of origin. Those kept at home are registered with Semarnat through the pet registry (SEMARNAT-08-032).

Taking one from the wild without a permit is illegal, and for protected species it can be a crime (Article 420 of the Federal Criminal Code). Even when legal, many wild animals don't adapt well to life in a home.

Exotic animals (from other countries)

To keep a wild animal from another country as a pet, Semarnat requires its authorization for exotic pets (SEMARNAT-08-056): it's free, done in person, and asks for proof of legal origin, veterinary records and a signed commitment letter. They can never be released: many become invasive species.

Animals you can't buy

Parrots, amazons and macaws native to Mexico: capturing and selling them is banned since 2008 (Article 60 Bis 2 of the General Wildlife Law).
Primates: since July 2025 no primate of any species can be taken from the wild to be sold or for subsistence (Article 60 Bis).
Any wild animal taken from its habitat without authorization.

Frequently asked questions

Is it legal to have a pet raccoon in Mexico?: Only if it comes from an authorized breeder, with proof of origin, and you register it with Semarnat. Capturing one from the wild is illegal.
Can I have a capuchin monkey?: Since the July 2025 reform no primate can be taken from the wild to be sold. A monkey offered as a pet almost always comes from illegal trafficking.
What happens if I release my exotic pet?: It's banned: it can become an invasive species and harm Mexican wildlife. If you can no longer care for it, look for a rescue or ask Semarnat.

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Works in the browser on your phone or computer. The app is in Spanish for now.

Sources

Laws and procedures checked in November 2026. This guide is not legal advice: for a specific question, ask the authority.