Merced County, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

010 defines 'wild animal' broadly: snakes over eight feet, alligators and caymans over three feet, most large lizards, birds of prey not held under a state or federal permit, nearly every order of the class Mammalia except domestic dogs and cats (so cougars, wolves, primates, elephants, and kangaroos all qualify), any venomous species, and any hybrid capable of carrying rabies. 270 requires anyone keeping such an animal to first be zoned for the activity, obtain a conditional use permit from the planning department if required, and secure an annual administrative wild-animal permit from the animal control manager; the manager investigates the applicant's background, criminal history, and any prior permit revocations before issuing a permit within 90 days.

Exemptions exist only for state-sanctioned wildlife rehabilitation or education activities and for licensed nonprofit shelters. 275 makes it 'unlawful to operate a kennel, cattery, or possess a wild animal within Merced County without a valid permit,' and a violation is a misdemeanor, with each day of continued violation after written notice treated as a separate offense. A revoked or denied permit bars keeping the animal anywhere in the unincorporated county, and the former holder has only 14 days to remove or dispose of the animal before animal control can seize it.