San Jose, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

No person may keep, harbor, maintain, sell, trade, or let for hire a dangerous animal, other than a potentially dangerous, dangerous, or vicious dog which is subject to separate requirements under Chapter 7.30 of this Title 7, without first obtaining a permit from the administrator.B.No permit may be required of any zoo, university, college, governmental research agency, or other bona fide scientific institution, as determined by the administrator, engaging in scientific or public health research.C.For the purpose of this section, a zoo is considered any organization which exhibits animals to the general public at regular specified hours, equaling at least thirty (30) hours a week for thirty-six (36) weeks a year, and whose animals, whether maintained for exhibit purposes or not, are not for sale to private individuals.D.The owner/guardian of a dangerous animal and person with a right to control a dangerous animal must post the entrances to the property where the animal is kept with a sign, of at least twelve (12) inches square, that can be read from a publicly accessible location, warning persons of a dangerous animal. (Ord. 28079.)