San Diego County, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

In the unincorporated County, the keeping of exotic or wild animals is controlled by the Zoning Ordinance Animal Regulations and by California law. The County Code (section 62.602(mm)) defines a 'wild animal' as any animal in the classes listed in Fish and Game Code section 2116 et seq. and supplemented by 14 CCR sections 671 et seq., that is not normally domesticated or not allowed in California. Under the Animal Schedule at Section 3100, Note 3, one wild or undomesticated animal kept in conformance with State and local requirements is an accessory use (subject to the Accessory Use Regulations at Section 6150) and is not counted against the Animal Schedule. Keeping more than one wild or undomesticated animal falls under 'Specialty Animal Raising: Wild or Undomesticated' (Section 3100(f)), which generally requires a Minor Use Permit (ZAP). Crucially, local zoning does not override State law: California Fish and Game Code section 2116 et seq. and 14 CCR section 671 classify many species as restricted or prohibited and require a permit from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Common 'exotic' mammals such as ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, and many reptiles and birds are governed by these State lists, and some are flatly banned statewide. Anyone considering an exotic pet should confirm both the parcel's Animal Designator and zoning, and whether the species is restricted or prohibited under State law, before acquiring the animal.