Galt, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

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.