Riverside, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- RMC § 8.04.110
- Named species
- Lion, tiger, bear, wolf, cougar, fox, more
- Permit issuer
- Animal Control Director or designee
- Applies to
- Residentially-zoned property only
- Appeal window
- 10 days to City Council
Summary
Riverside bars keeping a lion, tiger, bear, chimpanzee, gorilla, cougar, wolf, coyote, fox, lynx, poisonous reptile, or other dangerous or carnivorous wild animal on residentially zoned property. RMC § 8.04.110 allows it only with a permit from the Animal Control Director, who must find adequate safeguards exist and that the animal won't become a nuisance to neighbors.
8.04.110 - Wild animals and reptiles. No person shall have, keep or maintain, or have in his possession or under his control on any residentially-zoned property any lion, tiger, bear, chimpanzee, gorilla, cougar, mountain lion, badger, wolf, coyote, fox, lynx or any poisonous reptile or any other dangerous or carnivorous wild animal or reptile; provided, however, such animals may be permitted on such residentially-zoned lots on the condition that a permit is obtained from the Animal Control Director or his/her designee.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 33).
Full Breakdown
' The list names specific big cats, canids, a primate species, and any poisonous reptile, then sweeps in any other 'dangerous or carnivorous wild animal or reptile', the ban isn't limited to the named species. ' The Animal Control Director must deny a permit in writing with stated grounds, and an applicant denied a permit has ten days to appeal to the City Council. The section applies only to residentially-zoned property; it does not by its terms reach animals kept on land zoned for agricultural, commercial, or industrial use, though other zoning and state fish-and-wildlife permitting rules can still apply there.
Violations & Fines
Keeping a prohibited wild or dangerous animal on residential property without a permit is a Code violation under RMC § 1.01.110, chargeable as a misdemeanor with up to a $1,000 fine and six months in jail, or as an infraction up to $250, and can also draw a Chapter 1.17 administrative citation starting at $100 and rising to $1,000 for repeat offenses. Each day of unpermitted possession is a separate violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a pet wolf or fox in Riverside?
Are all reptiles restricted under Riverside's exotic animal rule?
What happens if my permit application to keep a wild animal is denied?
Does this rule apply if my property isn't zoned residential?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Riverside
California rules heatmap·Compare Riverside 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.