Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

Redlands, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
Redlands City Code § 6.16.010
Prohibited animals
Lions, tigers, bears, wolves, cougars, snakes
Exemptions
Zoos, vet care, research, § 6.24.010 permit
Impound hold
3 working days
Removal window after revocation
14 days

Summary

Redlands bans keeping lions, tigers, bears, wolves, cougars, ocelots, wildcats, skunks, and venomous or dangerous snakes as pets citywide, with narrow exceptions for licensed zoos, veterinary treatment, research institutions, and animal-services permits.

No person shall offer for sale, give away, bring into or maintain within an area coming within the jurisdiction of this chapter, any lion, tiger, bear, wolf, wolf hybrids, cougar, ocelot, wildcat, skunk, venomous or dangerous snake or other such wild animals (ferae naturae), irrespective of their actual or asserted state of docility, tameness, or domesticity.

Full Breakdown

" The animal control bureau may seize and impound a violating animal, holding it three working days to let the owner pursue a legal restraining action before it is placed with a suitable agency or humanely destroyed. 010. 020). 040).

Violations & Fines

Keeping a prohibited wild animal without qualifying for an exemption exposes the animal to seizure and impoundment by the animal control bureau under § 6.16.010, with a three-working-day hold before placement or humane destruction; a revoked § 6.24.010 permit gives the owner only fourteen days to remove the animal before the city removes it at the owner's cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I legally own a pet wolf or big cat in Redlands?
No. Redlands City Code § 6.16.010 bans bringing into or maintaining lions, tigers, bears, wolves, wolf hybrids, cougars, ocelots, wildcats, skunks, and venomous or dangerous snakes anywhere in the city regardless of how tame the animal is claimed to be.
Are there any exceptions to the wild-animal ban?
Yes. Section 6.16.020 exempts licensed zoos, circuses and shows (absent a health-hazard finding), animals under veterinary treatment, research or educational animals, and animals covered by a nondomestic-animal permit issued under § 6.24.010.
What happens if the city finds a prohibited wild animal?
The animal control bureau can impound it under § 6.16.010 and hold it three working days to let the owner pursue legal action before placing it with a suitable agency or humanely destroying it.
How do I get a permit to keep an otherwise-nondomestic animal?
Apply through the animal services division under § 6.24.010; § 6.24.020 requires the division to confirm the use is not zoned out, will not threaten public health or safety, and that the applicant has adequate land, plus conditions on enclosures, setbacks, shade, water and sanitation.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Redlands

All Redlands rules

California rules heatmap·Compare Redlands to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview

Get notified when Exotic Pets in Redlands, CA changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Exotic Pets in Nearby Cities

How other cities in San Bernardino County handle exotic pets.

Fontana, CA
Some Restrictions
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Some Restrictions
Hesperia, CA
Significant Restrictions
Victorville, CA
Significant Restrictions
Chino, CA
Significant Restrictions
San Bernardino, CA
Heavy Restrictions