Santa Ana, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Municipal Code Section 5-1(s) defines 'exotic animal' to include nonhuman primates and prosimians, non-domesticated felids, ursids (bears), elephants, crocodilians such as alligators and crocodiles, ungulates like hippos, rhinos, giraffes, and zebras, and camels: expressly excluding domesticated species such as horses, cows, sheep, or llamas. Section 5-8 makes it unlawful to keep or maintain a wild animal 'without first, applying for and receiving a permit from the animal control officer,' though the code exempts chinchillas, chipmunks, guinea pigs, hamsters, turtles, tropical fish (except caribee), nonpoisonous snakes where state and federal law allow them, and white mice and rats.

Section 5-9 sets the permit standard: before issuing one, the animal control officer must find the animal is securely confined and will not endanger the public, that the keeper carries at least $100,000 in liability insurance or a bond, that the applicant holds any required state or federal permit for the species, and that Planning and Building has inspected and approved the property; a nonrefundable fee set by council resolution also applies. No permit may issue for more than two wild animals over two months old at a single location.

5 separately bars displaying a wild or exotic animal at a circus, carnival, or similar temporary event, with an exception for zoos and museums. Permits can be revoked under Section 5-11 for false statements, code violations, or grounds that would have justified denial, and a denied or revoked applicant may appeal to the city council under Chapter 3.