Sonoma, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

040 defines an "exotic animal" as any wild animal the California Fish and Game Commission has declared a prohibited wild animal, one whose importation, transportation, or possession is unlawful except under a revocable permit from the state. 120 makes it unlawful for an owner to maintain an exotic animal in the City of Sonoma without proof of the proper federal and state permits, inspections, and other required approvals. The rule does not create a separate city licensing scheme for exotic animals; instead it makes compliance with the state and federal wildlife-permitting system a local requirement, so a resident who cannot produce a current state permit (or equivalent federal authorization) on demand is in violation of the city code even if no separate state charge is filed.

04, including the right to a hearing before an animal hearing officer before any animal is ordered released, forfeited, or turned over to another agency. Because exotic animal status turns on the state's own prohibited-species list, an owner should confirm an animal's status with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife directly rather than relying on local officials alone. This is a City of Sonoma ordinance and applies only inside city limits; Sonoma County enforces its own, separate animal control code in the surrounding unincorporated Sonoma Valley.