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

Exotic and wild animals are tightly controlled in unincorporated Stanislaus County. Under County Code Chapter 7.28 (Dangerous Animals), no person may possess any animal not commonly kept or raised in the county as a domesticated animal, and which is or may be, in the opinion of the animal services executive director, dangerous to the health and safety of any person, without first obtaining a license for the animal (Section 7.28.030). The director may deny or revoke that license when possession would endanger the health and safety of one or more persons. In addition, the Zoning Ordinance requires a use permit for 'the raising or keeping for commercial or noncommercial purposes of fur-bearing animals, zoo-type animals, exotic birds, fish or wildlife regulated by the California Department of Fish and Game or dangerous animals as described in Chapter 7.28 of this code.' This means keeping exotic species generally triggers both an animal-services license and a discretionary land-use permit. Separately, California Fish and Game Code and Title 14 regulations independently restrict possession of many wild and 'restricted' species statewide, often requiring a state permit on top of any local approval. Anyone considering an exotic pet should confirm requirements with both Stanislaus Animal Services and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife before acquiring the animal.