Palm Desert, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Rule
- Any animal other than a common household pet is prohibited
- Named household pets
- A dog or cat, given as examples
- Skunks
- No capture, captivity or pet keeping under rabies quarantine
- Household cap
- Four animals of any combination on residential premises
- Fines
- Up to $50, $100, then $200 within one year
- Abatement
- Summary abatement, including euthanasia or conditions
Summary
In the City of Palm Desert, § 6.28.110 states that keeping any animal other than a common household pet, such as a dog or cat, is prohibited. Skunks are separately barred from capture, captivity and pet keeping under a rabies quarantine in § 6.16.010.G. Violations of Chapter 6.28 are infractions with fines capped at $50, $100 and $200.
The keeping of any animal other than a common household pet, such as a dog or cat, is prohibited.
Full Breakdown
The second sentence of § 6.28.110 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code is the exotic pet rule for the City of Palm Desert: the keeping of any animal other than a common household pet, such as a dog or cat, is prohibited. The section does not define common household pet beyond naming a dog or cat as examples, and it prints no permit path or exception for other species. A resident who wants to keep any other kind of animal should ask Development Services or the Riverside County Department of Animal Services before acquiring it, because the section states a prohibition and not a permit process.
Skunks get a separate rule. Section 6.16.010.G imposes an indefinite rabies quarantine, until released by the health officer, under which it is prohibited to trap or capture skunks for pets, to trap, capture or hold skunks in captivity for any reason, or to transport skunks from or into the city except under a permit issued by the California Department of Public Health Services under Title 17, California Administrative Code, Section 2606.8.
Other provisions in Title 6 apply to animals of any species. Article 6.18 defines dangerous and potentially dangerous animal by conduct and applies to any animal, with a county restraint order, a secure enclosure and, for a dangerous animal, possible impoundment or destruction. Section 6.28.110 also bans livestock and fowl, and § 6.28.070 caps households at four animals of any combination on residential premises. Section 6.28.100 prohibits owning or harboring a dog for dog fighting.
Enforcement comes through § 6.28.150, which declares the keeping of any animal in contravention of Title 6 a public nuisance. The city manager or designee, the animal control officer, the county health officer and peace officers can summarily abate it independently of any criminal prosecution, including by euthanasia of the animal or by imposing specific reasonable conditions and restrictions, and the owner reimburses the city's verification and enforcement costs.
Violations & Fines
A violation of Chapter 6.28, which includes § 6.28.110, is an infraction under § 6.28.160: a fine not exceeding $50 for the first violation, $100 for the second violation within one year, and $200 for each additional violation within one year. Under § 6.28.150 the animal can be summarily abated and the owner must reimburse the city's costs, and noncompliance with imposed conditions is an infraction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep an exotic pet in the City of Palm Desert?
Is it legal to keep a skunk as a pet in Palm Desert?
What is the penalty for keeping a prohibited animal?
Who decides whether an animal counts as a common household pet?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Palm Desert
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Exotic Pets in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Riverside County handle exotic pets.