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

Unincorporated Shasta County does not have a stand-alone exotic-pet ordinance. The County animal code (Title 6, Ch. 6.04) regulates 'animals' broadly - the definition in 6.04.020 covers 'any living creature, except humans' - and applies its general rules (no straying, sanitary premises, no attacks, rabies and licensing for dogs/cats) to whatever is lawfully kept. But the County Code does not establish its own list of prohibited or permitted exotic species, so California's restricted-species framework governs. Under Fish and Game Code section 2118, it is unlawful to import, transport, possess, or release alive in California any 'restricted' wild animal except under a revocable, nontransferable permit. The implementing regulation, Title 14 California Code of Regulations section 671, lists restricted species (commonly including ferrets, hedgehogs, monkeys and other primates, large cats, certain venomous and constrictor reptiles, and various others). Per 14 CCR 671.1, the Department of Fish and Wildlife issues permits only for limited purposes such as research, exhibition, education, or qualifying animal care - not for keeping restricted animals as household pets. Because the County defers to land-use and state law, residents wanting an unusual animal should verify both the CDFW restricted-species status and any zoning limits under County Code Title 17. Standard pets that are not restricted by the state are not separately capped by the County beyond the general nuisance and sanitation rules.