Perris, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Perris takes a restrictive stance on exotic and wild animals. Section 8.01.270 (Exotic animals and reptiles) makes it unlawful to keep, maintain or possess any exotic animal, any venomous or otherwise dangerous reptile or arachnid, or any other dangerous or carnivorous wild animal anywhere in the city, 'irrespective of its actual or asserted state of docility, tameness or domesticity,' unless the zoning specifically allows it or a state agency has issued a permit. Section 8.01.010 defines 'exotic animal' broadly to include lions, tigers, bears, nonhuman primates (monkeys, chimpanzees), wolves, coyotes, foxes, opossums, raccoons, ferrets, weasels, cougars, badgers, lynx, bobcats, ocelots, wildcats, skunks, emus, leopards, panthers, hybrid animals and venomous snakes. The senior animal control officer may impound any such animal and, after three working days to allow the owner to take legal restraining action, dispose of it in a humane manner. Section 8.01.090(c)(2) separately bars keeping an elephant (along with horses and large livestock) except on RA or A1 zoned property. By contrast, ordinary 'domesticated animals' as defined in Section 8.01.010 — cats, dogs, rabbits, mice, turtles, fish, parrot-family birds and caged reptiles maintained inside a residence — are allowed. California also independently bans many of these species as restricted wildlife under Fish and Game Code Section 2118 and Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations.