Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Wildlife Diversity Permits
4200 Smith School Road
Austin, TX 78744
Wildlife Diversity Permits: Zoological Permits
Application packets must be obtained from TPWD, completed, and returned along with two letters of recommendation from individuals in an appropriate biological or professional field. If you wish to collect or hold an endangered species you must provide written justification explaining how the species will benefit from the proposed activity. These permits do not allow the sale of animals. Permits are issued for three years, and a report is required each year in order to maintain the permit.
Persons representing grade schools or certain governmental organizations are exempt from the permit fee. Facilities for housing live animals must meet minimum requirements specified by regulation.
Zoological Permits are issued to agents of facilities accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) or to agents of facilities that meet the standards established by Parks & Wildlife regulation (�69.305) and whose letters of recommendation are from current zoological permit holders or from representatives of AZA accredited zoos. Native wildlife can be held under this permit to further scientific understanding of protected wildlife, encourage management and conservation of protected wildlife, or further awareness and understanding of the biology of protected wildlife.
- Application for Zoological Permit | Word
- Notice regarding access to Zoological Permit customer information | PDF
- Receipt for donation of fish or wildlife specimens | Word
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Code, Chapter 43, Subchapter C
- Texas Administrative Code Regulations for Zoological Permits
- Zoological Permit activities annual report | Word
Bird Permits: Migratory Birds
If you plan to apply for a permit that includes the authority to handle migratory birds (rehabilitation, educational display of birds, or scientific collecting of migratory bird species), you will also be required to apply for a federal permit. Applications and further information can be found at U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Permits.