Columbia Sale of reptiles ordinance (§ 5-11)
Chapter 5: Animals and Fowl · Article I. In General
In short: Reptiles can't be sold to anyone under 18 unless a parent or legal guardian is with them. Pet stores must give buyers the director's written health and safety risk information, get a signed acknowledgment, and keep it at least one year from the sale date.
Our plain-English summary, not the official text or legal advice. The ordinance below is what counts.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to sell a reptile to any person under the age of eighteen (18) unless the purchaser is accompanied by a parent or legal guardian of the purchaser.
(b) It shall be unlawful for any pet store owner or employee to sell a reptile unless the seller gives the purchaser written information provided by the director describing the human health and safety risks associated with reptile ownership. The seller shall require the purchaser to sign a statement acknowledging receipt of such information. The seller shall retain the statement for at least one (1) year from the date of sale.
Official source: City of Columbia official Code of Ordinances (online): look up Sec. 5-11
Text from Supplement 139 (September 3, 2026).
Last checked November 1, 2026. The city's official copy controls; this page is a reading copy, not legal advice.