⚖️ Where Are Newt & Salamanders Legal? A State-by-State Guide
Newt & Salamanders 
are amazing pets — but they're not legal everywhere. Here's where newt & salamanders are banned or restricted in the US, Canada, and around the world. Laws change and cities add their own rules, so always confirm with your state, province, and city before bringing one home.
Quick answer: Pet newts and salamanders are legal to keep in most US states, but a federal rule to stop a deadly fungus (Bsal) bans importing 200+ salamander species into the US and shipping them to or from Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Washington, D.C., and the US territories. Norway bans keeping amphibians entirely. Buy captive-bred, and check your own state's rules before buying across state lines.
Other countries with bans or restrictions
- Norway — Banned. Norway prohibits keeping amphibians as pets — its exotic-pet rules exempt only certain reptile species, with no amphibians allowed. See the Norwegian Food Safety Authority.
The US salamander import rule (Bsal)
In 2016 the US Fish & Wildlife Service listed 200+ salamander species (newts count — a newt is a salamander) as "injurious wildlife" to keep out Bsal, a fungus that's deadly to salamanders. What it means today: you generally can't import these animals into the US, and you can't ship them to or from Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Washington, D.C., or the territories. A 2017 court ruling means the rule no longer bans moving them between the mainland states — but your own state may, so check before buying across state lines. See the US Fish & Wildlife Service.
A note on wild newts
Native newts and salamanders are often protected, and some (like the Pacific newt) carry natural toxins in their skin. Don't collect them from the wild — buy captive-bred from a legal source instead.
Everywhere else
In places not listed above, newt & salamanders are generally legal to keep as pets — but counties and cities sometimes add their own restrictions, and a few places require permits. A quick call to local animal control (or a search for "newt & salamander laws" plus your city) is always worth it before you fall in love with one.
How to check the rules where you live
- Check your state or province first — that's the list above. Laws change, so confirm with the official wildlife or agriculture department.
- Then check your city or county. Local governments often add their own pet rules on top of state law, even where newt & salamanders are legal statewide.
- Ask about permits. Some places allow newt & salamanders only with a permit or license — a quick call to local animal control will tell you.
- Renters and HOAs: your lease or homeowners' association can restrict pets that your state actually allows.
When in doubt, confirm before you bring one home — it's far easier than having to rehome a pet later.
❓ Common questions about newt & salamander laws
Can you buy pet newts in the US?
Yes, in most states you can keep captive-bred newts and salamanders. But a federal rule bans importing 200+ salamander species into the country and shipping them to or from Hawaii, Puerto Rico, D.C., and the territories, so buy from a legal domestic source.
What is the salamander (Bsal) rule?
It's a US Fish & Wildlife Service rule from 2016 that lists 200+ salamander species as "injurious wildlife" to keep out Bsal, a fungus deadly to salamanders. It blocks importing them and shipping them to or from Hawaii, Puerto Rico, D.C., and the territories.
Can I ship a newt across state lines?
Federal law no longer bans moving these salamanders between the 49 mainland states (a 2017 court ruling changed that) — but individual states can have their own rules, so always check your state's law before buying across state lines.
Are newts legal to keep in Norway?
No. Norway prohibits keeping amphibians, including newts and salamanders, as pets.
Can I take a wild newt home as a pet?
It's best not to. Native newts and salamanders are often protected, and some have toxins in their skin. Buy a captive-bred pet from a legal source instead.