Los Angeles, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Yes, from Department of Animal Services before keeping any wild/exotic/dangerous animal
- Wild animal permit fee
- $290/year
- Zoo permit fee
- $220/year
- Filming with animals permit
- $680
- Circus/performing shows
- Prohibited: no permit available (§ 53.50(a)(3))
- Off-site exhibition
- Permitted only for filming or conservation/educational presentations under § 53.39.1
Summary
Keeping any wild, exotic, dangerous, or non-domestic animal or reptile in Los Angeles requires a permit from the Department of Animal Services; circus or performing-animal shows using such animals are entirely prohibited.
No person shall have, keep or maintain any wild, exotic, dangerous or non-domestic animal or reptile without first applying to and receiving from the Department a permit so to do. Provided, however, that the keeping or maintenance of such animals shall conform to the zoning regulations set forth in Article 2, Chapter 1 of this Code.
The Department is hereby invested with the authority to issue permits to any person for the keeping or maintaining of any wild, exotic, dangerous or non-domestic animal or reptile when, in the opinion of the General Manager, any such animal or reptile may be kept or maintained without menacing the safety of any person or property; provided, however, that the Department may require any such animal or reptile to be properly caged or secured or may make additional rules or regulations regulating the keeping or maintaining of any such animal or reptile, and may revoke any such permit for any violation of any of the provisions of this article or of any of the rules and regulations of the Department, or when, in the opinion of the General Manager, the safety of any person or property is menaced by the keeping of any such animal or reptile.
Full Breakdown
LAMC § 53.38 requires a Department permit before any person keeps or maintains a wild, exotic, dangerous, or non-domestic animal or reptile. The Department may attach conditions requiring proper caging or securing of the animal and may revoke permits if the animal endangers public safety or the permittee violates Article 3 rules. Annual permit fees under § 53.50 include $290 for keeping wild animals, $205 for miscellaneous animal or reptile establishments, and $220 for zoos. Under § 53.50(a)(3), no permit is available for circuses or performing acts using wild, exotic, or dangerous animals: those activities are categorically prohibited in the City.
Violations & Fines
Operating without a required permit or violating permit conditions is a misdemeanor. Permits are revocable for animal cruelty convictions, failure to maintain sanitary conditions, or public-safety violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a pet monkey or tiger in LA?
Are circuses with exotic animals allowed in LA?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Exotic Pets in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle exotic pets.