Alameda County, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- Director of Field Services
- Includes
- Big cats, wolves, primates, venomous species
- Permit length
- 1 year, renewable
- Applies to
- Unincorporated county only
Summary
Unincorporated Alameda County requires a director-issued permit before anyone owns or keeps an exotic animal, a defined list running from big cats and wolves to venomous snakes, primates and birds of prey.
No person shall own or keep any exotic animal without first applying to and receiving from the director a permit to do so.
The application for a permit shall contain the name of the applicant, his address, the address of the proposed location of the exotic animal, if different from the applicant's, and a brief description of the applicant's plan for keeping the exotic animal which shall include the species of animal, the number of individuals of each species and a description of the housing facilities, for the exotic animal.
Fees for keeping of exotic animals shall be established by resolution of the board of supervisors. The initial fee for the issuance of each permit shall be valid for a period of one year from the date of issuance unless revoked or suspended. The fee may cover either one exotic animal or a collection, and the maximum number of specimens permitted to be kept shall be specified in the permit. Whenever a new exotic animal or collection is added so as to exceed the maximum number permitted, a new permit must be secured and a new fee shall be due and payable at the time of issuance of the permit.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 5.28 defines "exotic animal" broadly: large snakes and crocodilians, birds of prey and ratites, nearly all carnivores and primates other than domestic dogs and cats, and any animal venomous to humans. No one may own or keep such an animal in unincorporated Alameda County without first applying to the director of field services, who must find the keeping won't endanger public health or safety and that housing is clean and sanitary before issuing a one-year permit. The rule applies only outside the county's 14 incorporated cities, including Oakland and the City of Alameda.
Violations & Fines
Owning an exotic animal without a permit is enforceable by the director, who may impound the animal; an issued permit can be revoked for unsanitary housing, neglect, or a Penal Code §§ 596-599 cruelty conviction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as an exotic animal here?
Can I keep an exotic pet in Castro Valley without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Alameda County
California rules heatmap·Compare Alameda County to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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