Aliso Viejo, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Wild and exotic pets in the City of Aliso Viejo run through Article X of AVMC Chapter 6.04, not through a flat ban. The old section on wild, exotic, dangerous and nondomestic animals, AVMC 6.04.230, now reads "Repealed by Ord. 2012-145." What the code prints instead is a license. Under AVMC 6.04.460 it is unlawful to maintain additional or unusual animals, as specified in Article X, without first obtaining a license, and AVMC 6.04.595 states that the license exists to permit keeping any number of wild or exotic animals as a pet or for the personal use of family members living on the premises, so long as the animals will not jeopardize, endanger or menace public health, safety or general welfare.

The definitions set the scope. AVMC 6.02.010 defines an exotic animal as one native to a foreign country, of foreign origin or character, not native to the United States, or introduced from abroad, and it names lions, tigers, leopards, elephants, camels, antelope, anteaters, kangaroos, water buffalo and foreign domestic cattle such as Ankole, Gayal and Yak. A dangerous animal is any animal of a species which presents a threat to the safety of persons or property, as determined by the director.

The director of animal services grants the license only when three criteria are met under AVMC 6.04.610: no menace to public health, safety or general welfare at the proposed location; a site adequate in size and shape to hold the animals without material detriment to the use, enjoyment or valuation of neighboring property; and compliance with other applicable laws, including zoning. The director must deny the application if the submitted information fails to substantiate those criteria. The license names the number and types of animals, carries any conditions the director imposes, cannot be transferred and must be renewed annually.

Enforcement reaches the animal itself. Under AVMC 6.04.250 the director can take into custody any animal kept contrary to the code, and any wild animal found at large on public property, or on private property at the request of the owner or tenant. Wild animals impounded as found at large can be summarily destroyed.