Perris, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- PMC § 8.01.270
- Covers
- Exotic, venomous, dangerous wild animals
- Exception
- Zoning allowance or state permit
- Enforcement
- Impound, 3-day hold, humane disposal
Summary
Perris bans keeping exotic animals, venomous or dangerous reptiles and arachnids, and other dangerous or carnivorous wild animals anywhere in the city unless zoning or a state agency specifically allows it.
Unless zoning specifically allows otherwise or unless permitted by a state agency, no person shall have, keep or maintain, or have in his possession or under his control on any property within the city any exotic animal, any venomous or otherwise dangerous reptile or arachnid, or other dangerous or carnivorous wild animal, irrespective of its actual or asserted state of docility, tameness or domesticity. The senior animal control officer may impound any such animal and dispose of it in a humane manner after three working days to allow for legal restraining action by the owner. (Ord. No. 1380, § 2, 5-14-2019)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 13).
Full Breakdown
Perris Municipal Code § 8.01.270 makes it unlawful for anyone to have, keep, maintain, or possess any exotic animal, venomous or otherwise dangerous reptile or arachnid, or other dangerous or carnivorous wild animal on any property in the city, regardless of how tame or domesticated the individual animal actually is, unless zoning specifically allows it or a state agency has issued a permit. The senior animal control officer may impound a violating animal and, after three working days to allow the owner to seek legal restraining action, dispose of it humanely.
Violations & Fines
The senior animal control officer may impound a prohibited animal immediately and dispose of it humanely after three working days if the owner takes no restraining action; owners also face the city's general misdemeanor/infraction penalty under PMC § 1.16.010.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep an exotic pet in Perris?
What happens if animal control finds a prohibited exotic animal?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Perris
California rules heatmap·Compare Perris 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.