Anaheim, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- License
- County license required
- State Permit
- CDFW for many species
- Enforcement
- OC Animal Care
- Code
- OCCO 4-1-94 / AMC 18.38.030
Summary
Anaheim defers to Orange County and California Department of Fish and Wildlife for exotic pet regulations. Keeping wild, exotic, or dangerous animals requires a county license under OCCO 4-1-94. State permits may also be required.
2118. It is unlawful to import, transport, possess, or release alive into this state, except under a revocable, nontransferable permit as provided in this chapter and the regulations pertaining thereto, any wild animal of the following species: (a) Class Aves: (birds) Family Cuculidae (cuckoos) All Species. Family Alaudidae (larks) Skylark, Alauda arvensis Family Corvidae (crows, jays, magpies) All species. Family Turdidae (thrushes) European blackbird, Turdus merula Missel (or mistle), thrush, Turdus viscivorus Family Sturnidae (starlings and mynas or mynahs) All species of the family, except hill myna (or hill mynah), Gracula religiosa (sometimes referred to as Eulabes religiosa) Family Ploceidae (weavers) The following species: Spanish sparrow, Passer hispaniolensis Italian sparrow, Passer italiae European tree sparrow, Passer montanus Cape sparrow, Passer capensis Madagascar weaver, Foudia madagascariensis Baya weaver, Ploceus baya Hawaiian rice bird, Munia nisoria Red-billed quelea, Quelea quelea Red-headed quelea, Quelea erythrops
Full Breakdown
Orange County Codified Ordinance 4-1-94 prohibits keeping wild, exotic, dangerous, or non-domestic animals without a license from the county. AMC 18.38.030 permits animal keeping for domestic noncommercial use only in residential zones. California Fish and Game Code Section 2118 restricts possession of many exotic species without a state permit. Venomous reptiles, large cats, primates, and other inherently dangerous animals are prohibited under state law. Exotic animal keepers must comply with enclosure requirements and ensure animals do not endanger public safety. Orange County Animal Care investigates exotic animal complaints. Animals creating a nuisance may be subject to impoundment regardless of species.
Violations & Fines
Keeping unpermitted exotic animals: impoundment and citation. County license violation: fine up to $1,000. State permit violations enforced by CDFW.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep an exotic pet in Anaheim?
Who handles exotic animal complaints?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Anaheim
California rules heatmap·Compare Anaheim to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Exotic Pets in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Orange County handle exotic pets.