Dublin, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

The City of Dublin's Residential Restrictions page states that 'Certain exotic pets are prohibited.' Dublin Municipal Code Chapter 5.36 includes provisions intended to protect public health, safety, and welfare by regulating and controlling exotic animals not otherwise regulated by federal, state, or local law. It defines a 'wild animal' as any animal not ordinarily and customarily domesticated, including but not limited to skunk, raccoon, opossum, squirrel, and fox, but under human control. The chapter specifically addresses members of the Class Reptilia, such as snakes of the order Ophidia (for example racers, boas, water snakes, and pythons) over six feet in length, and crocodilians of the order Loricata (alligators, caimans, and crocodiles). The Director may adopt rules and require compliance as a condition of any permit issued under the article. Layered on top of the City's rules is California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 671, which makes it unlawful to import, transport, or possess listed restricted live animals without a permit from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. That state list includes all primates, most ferrets and other mustelids, large cats, and venomous reptiles, among hundreds of species, and permits are generally not issued for keeping them as personal pets. A prospective exotic-pet owner in Dublin must satisfy both state law and the City's exotic-animal provisions.