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

Unincorporated Yuba County tightly limits exotic and wild animals. Code 8.05.115 ("Wild animal permits") provides that possession of wild animals requires a permit issued by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (formerly Fish and Game). The zoning Development Code reinforces this: Section 11.32.050(4) ("Regulations pertaining to wild animals") limits the keeping of wild animals to wildlife sanctuaries or wildlife-rehabilitation facilities, all of which must obtain an administrative use permit and any required licenses from Yuba County Animal Care Services and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. California's statewide restricted-species law (Fish & Game Code and Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations) bars private ownership of many wild and exotic species - including most non-domestic cats, primates, and many reptiles - without a state permit, and the county's Animal Care Officer has no authority over animals under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Wildlife Services or the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (Code 8.05.070). Common caged household pets are treated differently: under Development Code 11.32.050(5), dogs, cats, guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, domestic or exotic birds (except livestock breeds), non-poisonous reptiles and amphibians, and fish kept indoors as pets are allowed in all applicable zone districts.