Yes — it is legal to own a possum (opossum) in Texas, but only if it is legally obtained and not taken from the wild without permits. Texas does not prohibit private ownership of possums as pets, but state wildlife laws strictly regulate how you may capture, acquire, transport, or sell them. The safest way to own a possum legally is to acquire one from a licensed breeder or rehabilitation facility and avoid taking wildlife from nature.
In other words: Owning a possum is legal. Taking one from the wild is not.
How Possums Are Classified in Texas
Possums are native wild animals and are classified under Texas law as fur-bearing animals, not exotic pets. This classification leads to confusion because:
- Texas does not ban having a possum as a pet
- Texas does regulate how possums are captured, sold, transported, or bred
- Texas does not require a “dangerous wild animal” permit for possums
- Texas does prohibit keeping wild-caught possums without a permit
Unlike bobcats, cougars, lions, or bears, possums are not legally categorized as “dangerous wild animals.” Therefore, they do not require a Certificate of Registration (COR) or $100,000 liability insurance. However, they still fall under fur-bearer regulations and wildlife capture laws.
Do You Need a Permit to Own a Possum?
No permit required if:
- The possum was captive-bred and purchased legally
- You are keeping it only as a pet
- You are not selling, breeding, or propagating possums
- You are not capturing wildlife yourself
A permit IS required if:
- You capture a possum from the wild
- You breed, sell, or trade possums commercially
- You transport possums commercially or across state lines
Permit Types That May Apply
| Situation | Required Permit |
| Keeping an injured possum to rehabilitate | Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit |
| Trapping/capturing a possum | TPWD Nongame Wildlife Permit |
| Breeding/selling a possum | Fur-Bearing Propagation Permit |
| Transporting across state lines | Possible USDA & TPWD requirements |
Key Nuance (The “Pet vs. Propagation” Rule)
Texas Parks & Wildlife states that the Fur-Bearing Propagation Permit is not a pet permit. It only applies if you plan to sell, breed, or commercially handle possums. This is why the easiest legal possession is:
Buy a human-raised possum from a licensed breeder and keep it only as a pet.
When It Is Illegal to Own a Possum
It is illegal in Texas to:
- Trap a possum from the wild and keep it without a permit
- “Rescue” an injured or abandoned possum without a rehab license
- Relocate a wild possum on your own
- Buy or sell wild-caught possums
- Release captively raised possums into the wild without TPWD authorization
Even well-meaning “saving a baby possum” is illegal if you keep it.
City and County Restrictions
Even though Texas allows possum ownership, cities may regulate or ban wild animal pets. Some cities require wildlife permits or prohibit any native wild animal kept as a pet.
Urban areas like San Antonio, Fort Worth, and some HOAs have stricter rules than the state. Rural counties typically allow pet possums without restrictions.
Always check your local animal control ordinance.
Animal Welfare & Cruelty Law
Texas Penal Code §42.092 applies to possums. This means you must provide:
- Safe enclosure
- Proper veterinary care
- Adequate food/water
- Humane treatment
- Prevention of escape and injury
Neglect or inhumane housing can result in misdemeanor or felony animal cruelty charges, even though the animal is legal to own.
Are Possums Good Pets? Practical Reality
Possums can be sweet with humans but:
- They have short lifespans (2–4 years in captivity)
- They require specialized diets (high protein & insects)
- They can bite when stressed
- They can easily escape or injure themselves
- Few veterinarians in Texas treat wildlife pets
They are legal — but they are not beginner pets.
Final Note
Yes, possums are legal to own in Texas, but only if they are legally acquired, captive-bred, and kept in compliance with local ordinances and humane care laws. Capturing wildlife from nature, selling possums, or breeding them without a permit is illegal.
