Santa Monica, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit Required
- Wild animals, reptiles, monkeys
- Banned in Parks
- Snakes, primates, arachnids
- Exemptions
- Events, film permits, wildlife
- Code
- SMMC §4.04.162
Summary
Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 4.04.162 prohibits wild animals, venomous reptiles, and monkeys without a permit from the Animal Control Officer. All snakes, reptiles, non-human primates, arachnids, and birds are banned from City parks, beaches, the Pier, and the Third Street Promenade.
Restricted Species Permits are required for every person who imports, exports, transports, or possesses any restricted animal listed in Section 671(c), Title 14, of the California Code of Regulations (CCR). Restricted Species Permit Application/Amendment New: $155.53; Renewal and Amendment: $80.60 — Required for every new permit, permit renewal or amendment of an existing permit, nonrefundable. Restricted Species Permit Inspection 1-5 Enclosures: $319.50; 6-25 Enclosures: $448.00; 26-50 Enclosures: $730.00; 51-100 Enclosures: $1,147.50; 101-500+ Enclosures: $4,234.50.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 4.04.162 (adopted 2015) prohibits keeping wild animals, venomous or poisonous reptiles, or monkeys, birds, or fowl within the City unless the person first obtains a permit from the Animal Control Officer. Additionally, it is unlawful for any person to bring snakes, other reptiles, non-human primates (chimpanzees, monkeys), arachnids (spiders, scorpions), rodentia (rodents), lagomorpha (rabbits, hares, pikas), or birds to or upon any City park, the beach, Interim Airport Open Space, Ocean Front Walk, the Pier and ramp, Third Street Promenade, Transit Mall, Swim Center, or adjacent public sidewalks and parkways. Exemptions exist for: animals present under a community events permit or film permit, animals naturally inhabiting the areas, and government personnel acting in public health and safety capacities. California law (14 CCR §671) further restricts possession of many exotic species statewide.
Violations & Fines
Keeping prohibited animals without a permit is a violation subject to citation, fines, and animal removal. Bringing restricted animals to prohibited public locations is separately enforceable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep an exotic pet in Santa Monica?
Can I bring my pet snake to the beach in Santa Monica?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Monica
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Monica to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Exotic Pets in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle exotic pets.