Buena Park, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Section 6.22.060 states it is "unlawful for any person to own or have in his or her possession, custody, charge or control any endangered species, exotic animal ... or wild animal ... unless approved by the director of community development, as a live animal event." The definitions reach broadly: § 6.04.110 defines "exotic animal" to include an alligator, crocodile, caiman or other large reptile including snakes, a chimpanzee, monkey or other primate, a lion, tiger, cheetah, ocelot or other large cat, and an ostrich, pea fowl or other large bird; § 6.04.230 defines "wild animal" to include a bear, cougar, wolf, coyote, ferret, opossum, raccoon, skunk, squirrel or weasel and birds of prey such as an eagle, hawk or falcon. Section 6.22.090 separately bars importing, exporting, taking, possessing, purchasing or selling any species the California Department of Fish and Game has determined to be endangered.

The only path to lawfully keep such an animal is director of community development approval as part of a live animal event, a use that requires an animal control officer inspection before the event begins and allows follow-up, unannounced inspections afterward. Anyone who does keep an approved exotic or wild animal must post a warning sign at least fifteen inches square at every entrance to the property, in both written and pictorial form, and attach a similar warning to any transport cage or container (§ 6.22.070). Letting such an animal run loose or go unrestrained off the owner's premises is a separate violation under § 6.22.080.