Colusa County, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Colusa County Code Chapter 3 (Animals and Fowl) addresses dogs, livestock, and fowl but does not contain a dedicated exotic-pet permitting scheme; the county defines "dog" to include domesticated coyotes and wolves but does not authorize keeping wild species as household pets. Because the county has no local exotic-animal ordinance, California state law controls. California Fish and Game Code Section 2118 makes it unlawful to import, transport, or possess live animals restricted by the Fish and Game Commission except under a permit issued by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The implementing regulation, Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations Section 671, lists the restricted species (such as many nondomestic cats, primates, and certain reptiles) and Section 671.1 governs permits, which the department issues only for limited purposes such as research, public exhibition, education, or shelter, and not to import or possess a wild animal for pet purposes. Within the unincorporated county, keeping any animal must also conform to the applicable Zoning Code provisions in Chapter 44. Residents considering an unusual animal should confirm whether it is a restricted species with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife before acquiring it.