Palm Springs, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Authorization required from
- Animal Control Officer
- Fee species examples
- Primates, reptiles, non-domestic cats, birds of prey
- Authorization term
- Expires end of fiscal year
- Transferable
- No, not by person or location
Summary
Owning a wild or exotic animal in Palm Springs requires special written authorization from the Animal Control Officer before the animal ever comes onto the property, plus an annual registration fee for species such as primates, non-domestic cats, reptiles and carnivorous aquatic animals. Keeping a wild animal without that authorization violates Title 10.
This prohibition shall not apply to animals that are permitted under Section 10.24.015 of this code ("Wild animals—Authorization required") or otherwise expressly authorized by the city council. ... No person shall have, keep, harbor or maintain any wild animal within the city without first applying to and receiving special authorization from the animal control officer of the city. ... Any person owning or keeping a privately owned wild animal, including but not limited to birds (predators and scavengers), primates, cats (other than house cats), reptiles, aquatic animals (carnivore), and varmints, shall pay an annual registration fee in such amount as shall be set by resolution of the city council, payable in advance at the time of filing an application for authorization to keep such animal.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4923139; v14 updated 2026-06-24).
Full Breakdown
015. That section requires anyone wanting to have, keep, harbor or maintain a wild animal within the city to first apply for and receive special authorization from the Animal Control Officer, and requires that the keeping also conform to the zoning ordinance and to any applicable state or federal law. 016 lets the officer grant that authorization in the officer's sound discretion when the animal can be kept without endangering people, property, other animals, or creating a nuisance, and lets the officer impose caging, tethering or other conditions.
Species named for the required annual registration fee include birds that are predators or scavengers, primates, cats other than house cats, reptiles, carnivorous aquatic animals, and varmints, with the fee amount set by council resolution and paid in advance with the application. 020 separately requires every wild animal kept under proper confinement so it cannot run at large or endanger anyone lawfully on the premises.
Violations & Fines
Keeping a wild or exotic animal without the Section 10.24.015 authorization violates Chapter 10.24, and the Animal Control Officer may deny, condition, or revoke an existing authorization under Section 10.24.017 whenever prescribed conditions are not met, in addition to general Title 10 impoundment and enforcement remedies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a pet snake or reptile in Palm Springs?
What happens if my wild animal authorization is revoked?
Can I transfer my wild animal permit to a new address?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Palm Springs
California rules heatmap·Compare Palm Springs to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Exotic Pets in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Riverside County handle exotic pets.