Placer County, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Category
- "Zoo" animals: carnivorous, poisonous, non-native
- Permit for carnivorous/poisonous
- Minor use permit required
- Similar exotic animals
- Admin review, case-by-case
- Household carnivorous pets
- Administrative review permit
- Governing section
- § 17.56.050(F)(15)
Summary
Placer County treats carnivorous, poisonous, or non-native 'zoo' animals as a distinct, more heavily regulated category: keeping any such exotic or dangerous animal requires at minimum an administrative review permit, and a minor use permit if it is carnivorous or poisonous, under County Code § 17.56.050(F)(15).
Zoo Animals. The raising or keeping of animals other than those specified in subsections (F)(1) through (F)(14), (F)(16) and (F)(17) of this section that are common to zoos, or are carnivorous, poisonous or are not native to North America, is considered to be a "zoo," and is subject to the following requirements: ... For carnivorous and/or poisonous animals, or animals determined by the planning director to be potentially dangerous to persons living or working in the vicinity of such animals, the keeping and raising of these animals is permitted where allowed by subsection D, and only after a minor use permit is first obtained.
Full Breakdown
050(F)(1) through (F)(14), (F)(16), and (F)(17) that is either common to zoos, carnivorous, poisonous, or not native to North America. 050(D), and only after a minor use permit is first obtained, per subsection (F)(15)(b). For noncarnivorous, nonpoisonous exotic animals, the planning director may, after consulting zoological experts, determine the animal is substantially similar to one already listed in subsections (F)(2) through (F)(14), (F)(16), or (F)(17) and allow it under those existing standards instead, per subsection (F)(15)(a). 050(F)(10) requires an administrative review permit for keeping any carnivorous animal (other than dogs, cats, or nonpoisonous reptiles and amphibians) as a household pet. 050(C)(2).
Violations & Fines
Keeping a carnivorous, poisonous, or otherwise 'zoo'-category exotic animal without the required administrative review or minor use permit is a zoning violation under § 17.56.050. County animal services may also act against any animal, exotic or domestic, that behaves in a way that could be found potentially dangerous or vicious under Code § 6.08.060, which allows prosecution under either the county's dangerous-animal provisions or applicable state law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a big cat or venomous snake in unincorporated Placer County?
Who decides if an unusual pet counts as a 'zoo animal'?
Do I need a permit to keep a carnivorous animal as a household pet?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Placer County
California rules heatmap·Compare Placer County to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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