Pico Rivera, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- From the director for listed wild/dangerous animals
- Covered species
- Lions, tigers, bears, monkeys, wolves, poisonous reptiles
- Appeal window
- 10 days to appeal denial to city council
- Permit term
- Maximum 1 year, renewable 45 days before expiry
- No-permit consequence
- Director may seize the animal under Section 6.32.100
Summary
In the City of Pico Rivera, Municipal Code Section 6.32.010 requires a permit from the director before anyone may keep a wild or dangerous animal listed in Section 6.36.060, such as a lion, tiger, bear, monkey, wolf, or poisonous reptile, on their property. Section 6.32.080 lets a denied applicant appeal to the city council within ten days, and Section 6.32.120 lets the director revoke or suspend the permit for good cause or an immediate safety threat.
No person owning or having charge, custody, control or possession of any animal, reptile or serpent described in Section 6.36.060 of this title shall allow such animal, reptile or serpent within the enclosed premises of such person unless and until he or she has first secured a permit to do so and complies with all terms and conditions of such permit. ... No person owning or having charge, custody, control or possession of any animal or reptile known by such person to be vicious or dangerous, or commonly so known, or owning or having charge, custody, control or possession of any elephant, bear, hippopotamus, rhinoceros, lion, tiger, leopard, wolf, monkey, ape, chimpanzee, bobcat, lynx, wildcat, puma, cheetah, or any animal commonly referred to as a "wild specie," or any poisonous reptile, shall permit or allow the same to be at large upon any highway, street, lane, alley, court or other public place, or upon any private property other than within the enclosed premises of such person.
Full Breakdown
Section 6.32.010 bars anyone from keeping, having charge of, or possessing an animal, reptile, or serpent named in Section 6.36.060 without first securing a permit and complying with all its conditions, and it requires such animals be confined so they cannot endanger anyone lawfully entering the property. Section 6.36.060 names the covered species: any animal or reptile commonly known as vicious or dangerous, plus specifically elephants, bears, hippopotamuses, rhinoceroses, lions, tigers, leopards, wolves, monkeys, apes, chimpanzees, bobcats, lynx, wildcats, pumas, cheetahs, any other wild species, and any poisonous reptile, and it bars letting any of them run at large off the owner's enclosed premises.
Sections 6.32.020 and 6.32.030 exempt animals merely transported through the city with adequate safeguards and law enforcement notice, and animals confined in a public zoo, museum, circus, or exhibition. An applicant must submit a written, verified application under Section 6.32.040 covering the animal's location, housing and safety arrangements, and any history of dangerous incidents, and pay a council-set fee under Section 6.32.050 that is non-refundable regardless of outcome. The director may deny, grant temporary permits pending final action, or revoke a permit for good cause under Sections 6.32.070, 6.32.090, and 6.32.120, and Section 6.32.100 lets the director seize any such animal kept without a valid permit until one is obtained.
Violations & Fines
Keeping a lion, tiger, bear, monkey, wolf, poisonous reptile, or any other animal named in Section 6.36.060 without the Section 6.32.010 permit exposes the owner to seizure of the animal under Section 6.32.100 until a permit is secured. A permit may also be suspended without hearing for up to thirty days under Section 6.32.120 if the director finds an immediate threat to public safety, and any violation independently carries the citywide misdemeanor penalty under Section 1.20.010, up to a one thousand dollar fine or six months in jail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone legally own a tiger or monkey in Pico Rivera?
What happens if a wild animal is kept in Pico Rivera without a permit?
Can a denied wild animal permit be appealed in Pico Rivera?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pico Rivera
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