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

Trinity County's animal code (Title 6, Chapter 6.04) focuses on dogs, dangerous animals, rabies, and general animal regulations, and does not establish a separate list of prohibited exotic pets. For exotic and wild animals, California state law controls statewide, including in unincorporated Trinity County. California Fish and Game Code Section 2118 makes it unlawful to import, transport, possess, or release alive any restricted wild animal except under a revocable, nontransferable permit from the Department of Fish and Wildlife. The implementing regulation, Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations Section 671, lists the restricted species and classifies them as 'detrimental' (a threat to native wildlife, agriculture, or public health and safety) or 'welfare' animals. Permits under these rules are issued for limited purposes such as research, exhibition, or shelter, and the Department generally does not issue permits to keep restricted species as ordinary exotic pets. This means many animals commonly thought of as exotic pets, including many primates, large cats, and certain reptiles, cannot legally be kept by private individuals in Trinity County. Anyone wishing to keep an unusual animal should verify its status with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife before acquiring it; the County's potentially dangerous animal and nuisance rules may also apply.