Santa Cruz County, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- SCCC § 6.12.150
- Standard
- No wild-species possession without state permit
- Permit route
- CA Fish & Wildlife permit, Fish & Game Code § 2150 et seq.
- Separate ban
- Willfully injuring/killing local wildlife, subsection (C)
- First-offense fine
- Up to $100 (infraction)
Summary
Possessing, keeping, or controlling any wild-species animal anywhere in unincorporated Santa Cruz County is illegal under SCCC § 6.12.150, unless the owner holds a valid California Department of Fish and Wildlife permit for that species. The section also separately bans willfully injuring or killing local wildlife.
Prohibition. No person shall possess, keep, or have care, custody, or control of any animal belonging to a "wild species," as defined in California Fish and Game Code Section 2118, anywhere in the unincorporated area of the County. Exemption. This section shall not apply to persons having a valid, unexpired permit from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife under Fish and Game Code Section 2150 et seq., to possess a wild animal as enumerated in, or designated pursuant to, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 671, on the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 5004302; v11 updated 2026-05-19; through 05-19-2026).
Full Breakdown
150 prohibits any person from possessing, keeping, or having care, custody, or control of any animal belonging to a "wild species," as defined in California Fish and Game Code Section 2118, anywhere in the unincorporated area of the county. to possess a wild animal listed in, or designated under, California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 671, as of the ordinance's effective date. Because state law under Section 2118 defines wild species broadly, a Santa Cruz County resident cannot lawfully keep exotic animals such as large reptiles, primates, or big cats without that state permit in hand, regardless of how the animal was acquired.
Subsection (C) of the same section separately makes it unlawful to willfully injure, kill, capture, or take any wildlife (mammals and birds living in the wild, excluding rodent pests) within the unincorporated county, though it does not apply to County or Animal Shelter employees acting to protect public health and safety, to legal hunting or fishing under a valid state license, or to a livestock or pet owner who shoots a wild animal caught in the act of attacking their animal. 230, additionally requires anyone moving a wild animal through the unincorporated county to take adequate precautions and notify the Sheriff's Office and the Animal Services Department if the animal escapes custody.
Violations & Fines
Possessing a prohibited wild-species animal under § 6.12.150 is not on the misdemeanor list in SCCC § 6.24.080(B), so it is enforced as an infraction under § 6.24.080(A): up to $100 for a first violation, up to $200 for a second violation of the same provision within a year, and up to $500 for each further violation within that year. The Director of Animal Services may capture and impound an unlawfully kept wild animal under the general capture authority in § 6.04.170.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep an exotic pet like a large snake or a monkey in unincorporated Santa Cruz County?
Does the county wild-animal ban apply within city limits like Santa Cruz or Watsonville?
Is it illegal to shoot a coyote attacking my livestock in unincorporated Santa Cruz County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Cruz County
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Cruz County to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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