Union City, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Covered species
- Big cats, wolves, primates, venomous animals
- Reptile threshold
- Snakes over six feet
- Permit
- City Manager permit mandatory
- Renewal
- Annual fee required
- Revocation
- Nuisance or unsanitary care voids it
Summary
Union City requires a City Manager permit before owning big cats, wolves, primates, venomous animals, large reptiles, or birds of prey and other species listed as "exotic animals" under Chapter 8.20.
"Exotic animal" means any of the following: ... Order Carnivora, expressly excepting the domestic dog, (canis familaris) and the domestic cat (felis catus) but including, but not limited to, the Family Felidae (such as ocelots, margays, tigers, jaguars, leopards, and cougars)... Order Primata (including, but not limited to, monkeys, chimpanzees and gorillas)... No person shall own or keep any exotic animal without first applying to and receiving from the City Manager a permit to do so.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4940544; v16 updated 2026-06-23).
Full Breakdown
Section 8.20.010 defines "exotic animal" to include snakes over six feet, crocodilians over two feet, raptors and ratites not under a state or federal permit, non-domestic carnivores such as wolves and big cats, marsupials, bats, elephants, primates, hoofed animals, and anything venomous to humans. Section 8.20.020 bars owning or keeping any of them without first applying for and receiving a City Manager permit, renewed annually, and the City can revoke a permit for unsanitary conditions, animal cruelty convictions, or nuisance findings under Section 8.20.110.
Violations & Fines
Owning or keeping an exotic animal without a valid City Manager permit violates Chapter 8.20; the City can impound the animal and revoke the permit for unsanitary conditions or nuisance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I own a python or alligator in Union City?
What happens if my exotic-animal permit is revoked?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Union City
California rules heatmap·Compare Union City to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Exotic Pets in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Alameda County handle exotic pets.