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

Solano County Code Sec. 4-85(a) provides that no person shall keep, harbor, or maintain a wild or exotic animal within the county without first being appropriately zoned for the activity and second applying to and receiving from the animal control director an annual license or permit. Sec. 4-11(mm) defines "wild animal" to include specific reptiles over set lengths (snakes over 8 feet, crocodilians over 3 feet, most lizards over 3 feet), non-permitted raptors, ratites like ostriches, most carnivores other than domestic dogs and cats, marsupials, bats, sloths and anteaters, elephants, primates, most hoofed wild species, any non-domestic species kept in numbers or a manner constituting a danger, any species venomous to humans except honey bees, and rabies-capable hybrids.

"Exotic animal" under Sec. 4-11(q) means any wild animal not customarily confined or cultivated for domestic or commercial purposes but kept as a pet or for display. Sec. 4-82 separately requires that all exotic animals required to have a state license be registered with animal control on forms giving the owner's name, address and phone number and a description of the animal, with a registration fee set by board resolution. Sec. 4-85(d) exempts people keeping wild or exotic animals solely as part of a state Department of Fish and Game-sanctioned rehabilitation or education activity, and nonprofit shelters or humane societies. A separate permit is required for each address where wild or exotic animals are kept under Sec. 4-85(e).