You cannot give away a rat, snake, or lizard as a promotional prize.

The Law

While giving away goldfish at the county fair is a time-honored tradition, Illinois law draws the line at reptiles and rodents. The Humane Care for Animals Act specifically prevents carnivals or businesses from handing out rats, snakes, or iguanas as a novelty prize. This law exists purely to protect these specific animals from being neglected by unprepared winners.