Thousand Oaks, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issued by
- City Manager
- Excluded from 'wild animal'
- Birds, small rodents, small nonpoisonous reptiles
- Permit expiration
- Max 1 year unless otherwise specified
- Escape duty
- Immediately notify Animal Control
- Animal at large threatening people/property
- May be summarily destroyed
Summary
Anyone wanting to keep a wild animal in Thousand Oaks must first get a permit from the City Manager. The code defines 'wild animal' as anything wild by nature and not customarily domesticated, but specifically excludes common pets like birds, small rodents, and small nonpoisonous reptiles.
No person shall have, keep, or maintain any wild animal without first obtaining a permit so to do from the City Manager. (§ 4481, T.O.O.C., as added by Ord. 69, as amended by § 1, Ord. 489-NS, eff. August 22, 1974, as renumbered by § 25, Ord. 1374-NS, eft. April 26, 2001)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-78: 2026 S-78 Supplement contains: Current city legislation passed through March 31, 2026).
Full Breakdown
TOMC § 6-1.202 flatly bars keeping, having, or maintaining a wild animal without a City Manager permit. Under § 6-1.203, the City Manager can only issue that permit if adequate provisions are made for safe confinement and humane, sanitary conditions. Per § 6-1.204, the written permit must state the applicant's name and address, the specific animal and location, required safety conditions, and an expiration date of no more than one year unless otherwise specified. Owners must notify Animal Control immediately if the animal escapes (§ 6-1.206), and a wild animal found at large that injures or threatens people or property can be declared a public nuisance and summarily destroyed without city liability (§ 6-1.208).
Violations & Fines
Any person failing to comply with any provision of this article, any condition of the permit provided for in this article, or any rule or regulation of the Department of Animal Control or the Health Officer within ten (10) days after notice shall be deemed guilty of a violation of this Code pursuant to Section 1-2.01 of Chapter 2 of Title 1 of this Code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to keep an exotic pet in Thousand Oaks?
Are pet birds, hamsters, or small lizards covered by this permit requirement?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Thousand Oaks
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