Solano County, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Solano County Code Chapter 4 closely regulates wild and exotic animals. Section 4-11 defines an 'exotic animal' as any wild animal not customarily kept for domestic or commercial purposes but held as a pet or for display, and gives a detailed 'wild animal' definition covering, for example: snakes (Order Ophidia) over eight feet long; alligators, caimans, and crocodiles (Order Loricata) over three feet; certain lizards (Order Sauria, excluding iguanas) over three feet; hawks, eagles, and vultures not held under permit; large cats such as ocelots, tigers, jaguars, leopards, and cougars; wolves, coyotes, and jackals; primates including monkeys, chimpanzees, and gorillas; elephants; bats; and any species venomous to humans (except honey-producing bees). Article VI requires that no person keep, harbor, or maintain a wild or exotic animal without first being appropriately zoned for it and obtaining an annual license or permit from the Animal Control director (section 4-85). A separate permit is required for each location (section 4-85(e)). Section 4-82 additionally requires that all exotic animals that need a state license be registered with Animal Control, on forms recording the owner's name, address, phone, and a description of the animal. Bona fide wildlife rehabilitation or educational activities sanctioned by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and recognized animal shelters or humane societies, are exempt from the Article VI license requirement (section 4-85(d)).