Tustin, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Tustin Municipal Code Sec. 4223 defines a "wild animal" as any animal, reptile, fowl or fish that "is not naturally tame or gentle but is of a wild nature or disposition or which is known to be vicious and or dangerous," and which must be kept confined to be controlled. It is "unlawful for any person to keep and maintain any wild animal within the City," with limited exceptions: bona fide zoos; licensed veterinary hospitals for treatment; entertainment establishments operating under a conditional use permit; and bona fide educational institutions where animals are securely confined. The code expressly permits certain small, tame species without treating them as prohibited wild animals: "any hamster, guinea pig, white rat and or mouse, turtle, salamander, newt, chameleon, kangaroo rat; any nonpoisonous reptile (not exceeding six (6) feet in length or three (3) in number); and nonpoisonous toad, lizard or spider." Poisonous snakes are not on the permitted list and fall under the general ten-small-animal cap and wild-animal ban. Beyond the City code, California Fish and Game Code and Title 14 regulations independently prohibit private possession of many exotic species (such as most primates, large cats, alligators, and certain reptiles) and require permits for others. Anyone considering an unusual pet should verify both the Tustin code and California Department of Fish and Wildlife restrictions before acquiring the animal.