Indio, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Indio Municipal Code § 92.08
- Rattlesnakes
- Banned outright, no exception
- Other wild animals
- State Fish and Game license required
- Enforcement
- Riverside Co. Dept. of Animal Services
Summary
Indio bans possessing any wild animal or dangerous reptile within city limits unless licensed by state Fish and Game, and rattlesnakes are barred outright even with a state permit.
Wild Animals; Dangerous Reptiles. It shall be unlawful for any person to possess any wild animal or dangerous reptile within the incorporated area unless such area is owned for such use and permission has been granted by the City Council, or such person possesses the animals described herein pursuant to current licenses or permits issued by the State Fish and Game Department ... with the exception that it shall be unlawful for any person to possess and confine rattlesnakes within the incorporated area of the city.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4796010; v13 updated 2026-02-04; through 02-04-2026).
Full Breakdown
Indio amended the Riverside County Animal Control Ordinance it adopts by reference to add its own wild-animal rule at Indio Municipal Code § 92.08. Keeping any wild animal or dangerous reptile inside city limits is unlawful unless the property is owned for that use with City Council permission granted, or the owner holds a current license or permit from the State Fish and Game Department under Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations. The ordinance carves out one absolute line: even a properly licensed keeper may not possess or confine a rattlesnake anywhere within the incorporated city, no exception. It is enforced as part of the Chapter 92 animal-control scheme administered through the County Department of Animal Services.
Violations & Fines
Violating the wild-animal or dangerous-reptile ban is enforced as an infraction or misdemeanor under Indio's Chapter 92 animal-control penalty schedule, with fines escalating for repeat violations within a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a pet snake in Indio?
Does a state exotic-animal permit override Indio's ban?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Indio
California rules heatmap·Compare Indio to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Exotic Pets in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Riverside County handle exotic pets.