Milpitas, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

The Milpitas animal code defines a dangerous animal broadly at Milpitas Municipal Code § V-210-2.07 as any animal which, because of its size, disposition or other characteristics, would constitute a danger to humans, a category that expressly includes, but is not limited to, dogs classified at Levels 3 through 5 of potential dangerousness. Under § V-210-10.01, no person may keep, have, maintain, sell, trade, or let for hire such an animal, including an exotic or wild animal that fits that definition, without a dangerous animal permit first.

The application, inspection, denial, revocation, and appeal procedures track the animal-facility permit process in § V-210-11. Permits are nontransferable (§ V-210-10.03), and the nonrefundable application fee is $150 per animal for a twelve-month term, after which the permit expires or must be renewed (§ V-210-10.04). The Administrator, who presides over administrative hearings, may deny or revoke a permit whenever keeping the animal would endanger any person or property, create a public nuisance, or subject the animal to suffering, neglect, cruelty, or abuse (§ V-210-10.05). Where a permit is granted, § V-210-10.06 lets the City impose conditions requiring the owner to cage, tether, or restrain the animal in zoo-type facilities that meet or exceed state and federal guidelines.

Section V-210-10.02 makes clear this permit process does not override separate zoning or state-law prohibitions on keeping dangerous or wild animals, so a Milpitas property owner in a district where zoning bars such keeping cannot rely on a City permit to allow it.