Merced, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

The City of Merced regulates exotic animals through both its "wild animal" definition and its kennel/cattery/wild-animal permit section. Section 6.04.010AC defines a "wild animal" to include, among others: snakes (Order Ophidia) over eight (8) feet long; alligators, caymans and crocodiles over three feet; certain large lizards over three feet (excepting iguanas); birds of prey and ostrich-type ratites; carnivores other than the domestic dog and cat (such as big cats, wolves, coyotes); marsupials, bats, elephants, and primates (monkeys, chimpanzees, gorillas); any venomous species (except honey-producing bees); and certain wild hybrids. Under Section 6.04.270, no person may keep, harbor or maintain a wild animal within the city without first being appropriately zoned and obtaining an annual wild-animal permit from the animal control manager, who inspects the premises and may impose conditions; bona-fide state-sanctioned rehabilitation/educational keepers are exempt. On top of city rules, California Fish & Game Code Section 2118 and Title 14 CCR Section 671 prohibit importing, transporting or possessing many restricted wild animals statewide (including most non-domestic carnivores, primates, and other species) except under a rarely granted state permit. So a Merced resident wanting an exotic must satisfy both the city permit/zoning requirements and California's statewide restricted-species law.