California generally prohibits possession of wild and exotic animals such as large cats, primates, ferrets, venomous reptiles, and many parrots without a CDFW permit. Galt defers to state law and does not issue local exotic animal permits.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) maintains one of the most restrictive exotic pet regimes in the United States under California Code of Regulations Title 14 Section 671. Restricted species include, without limitation, large cats (lions, tigers, ocelots), bears, non-human primates, wolves and wolf hybrids (in most cases), ferrets, many turtles (including red-eared sliders in some contexts), Quaker parrots, venomous reptiles, and many amphibians. Possession generally requires a CDFW permit tied to a qualifying purpose (research, exhibition, education), which is rarely issued to hobbyists. The City of Galt defers to state law and does not maintain a separate local exotic pet permit. Common domestic pets (dogs, cats, rabbits, domestic rodents, most cage birds such as parakeets and cockatiels) are allowed subject to general animal rules. Agricultural livestock (cattle, sheep, goats, horses, pigs, poultry) are allowed on properly zoned parcels, which is common around Galt given the surrounding agricultural land uses. Illegal exotic pets can be seized by CDFW or Galt Police Animal Services and the owner fined.
CDFW fines can exceed 1,000 dollars per violation plus confiscation of the animal. Additional misdemeanor prosecution is possible under California Fish and Game Code 2118.
See how other cities in Sacramento County handle exotic pets.
See how Galt's exotic pets rules stack up against other locations.
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