Yes, you can own a boa constrictor in Arkansas, and the process is far less complicated than owning many other exotic pets in this state. Arkansas treats boas differently than the giant pythons and anacondas that dominate headlines about invasive snakes, which means most keepers can buy, house, and keep one without the heavy permitting that applies to large carnivores or venomous reptiles.
That said, “legal” doesn’t mean “unregulated.” Between federal wildlife rules, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) codes, and whatever ordinance your specific city or county has on the books, there are still boxes to check before you bring a boa constrictor home. Here’s what actually applies, section by section.
Is It Legal to Own a Boa Constrictor in Arkansas
The boa constrictor (Boa constrictor) is one of the most widely kept large snakes in the United States, prized for its manageable adult size compared to giant pythons and its generally calm temperament. Arkansas law reflects that popularity. According to the United States Association of Reptile Keepers (USARK), Arkansas places no numeric cap on how many boas a household can keep, though the snakes must be kept in proper housing.
That’s a meaningful distinction. Arkansas generally caps captive-born native wildlife species kept as personal pets, allowing individuals to purchase and own up to six per household of captive-born, commercially obtained native wildlife, and it takes an even harder line with dangerous non-native predators. The FindLaw exotic animal guide notes that in Arkansas, you can own bobcats, but no more than six at a time, which shows how differently the state treats various species. Boas simply don’t fall into either of those restrictive buckets…