Dublin, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- DMC § 5.36.470
- Permit required
- Before owning any exotic animal
- Covered species
- Big cats, primates, venomous animals, large reptiles
- Renewal
- Annual, County Health Officer concurs initially
- Violation
- Misdemeanor under § 5.36.090
Summary
Dublin, California requires a Director-issued permit before anyone owns or keeps a defined "exotic animal," a list covering large snakes and crocodilians, hawks and other raptors, non-domestic big cats, primates, and any animal venomous to humans other than honeybees.
No person shall own or keep any exotic animal without first applying to and receiving from the Director a permit to do so.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2-26, passed March 3, 2026).
Full Breakdown
460 defines "exotic animal" to include boas and pythons over six feet, alligators and crocodiles over two feet, hawks, eagles, vultures and other birds of prey along with ratites like ostriches, rheas, and emus, non-domestic carnivores such as ocelots, tigers, jaguars, wolves, coyotes and jackals, primates, marsupials, sloths, armadillos, and elephants, and any species venomous to people whether by bite, sting, or touch, expressly exempting honey-producing bees. 490, with the Director also confirming the keeping is lawful, sanitary, free of cruelty, non-nuisance, and safe for the surrounding neighborhood.
520, with a fee the City Council sets by resolution and a ninety-day delinquency window before an additional late fee applies. 550 exempts licensed veterinarians, accredited research and teaching institutions, and agricultural operations keeping beasts of burden or raising farm animals under the zoning ordinance.
Violations & Fines
Keeping an exotic animal without a permit is a misdemeanor under Section 5.36.090. The Director can revoke a permit for unsanitary conditions, animal neglect, or nuisance complaints under Section 5.36.530, and can inspect the premises at any reasonable hour and impound the animal on denial, revocation, or suspension of a permit under Section 5.36.540.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as an 'exotic animal' under Dublin's code?
How do I get a permit to keep an exotic animal in Dublin?
How long does an exotic animal permit last?
What happens if I keep an exotic animal without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dublin
California rules heatmap·Compare Dublin to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Exotic Pets in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Alameda County handle exotic pets.