⚖️ Where Are Newts And Salamanders Legal? A State-by-State Guide

Newts and salamanders are amazing pets — but they're not legal everywhere. Here's where newts and 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.

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.

Newts And Salamanders by US state

Find your state below. "No statewide ban" is not the same as "allowed where you live" — cities, counties, landlords and HOAs add their own rules on top of state law, and those are what catch most families out. Where a state is restricted, the reason is in the list above.

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. In January 2025 the Service widened the rule to cover every species in 36 salamander groups — about 426 species, axolotls included. 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, newts and 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

1. Check your state or province first — that's the list above. Laws change, so confirm with the official wildlife or agriculture department.
2. Then check your city or county. Local governments often add their own pet rules on top of state law, even where newts and salamanders are legal statewide.
3. Ask about permits. Some places allow newts and salamanders only with a permit or license — a quick call to local animal control will tell you.
4. 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