Vacaville, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Primary State Rule
- Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 14 Sec. 671
- Ferrets
- Illegal statewide
- Big Cats / Primates
- CDFW Restricted Species Permit only
- Local Code
- VMC Ch. 6.04 + 6.16
- Common Reptiles
- Allowed (ball python, corn snake)
- Permits
- CDFW (916-651-5004)
Summary
Vacaville Municipal Code Chapter 6.04 prohibits wild species from running at large or being pastured/staked in the City. Possession of restricted species (large cats, monkeys, venomous snakes, alligators, ferrets) is controlled primarily by California Code of Regulations Title 14 Section 671 and the California Department of Fish & Wildlife, which requires a Restricted Species Permit. VMC Chapter 6.16 (Dangerous Animals) reinforces the prohibition on possessing any animal another jurisdiction has deemed dangerous, vicious, or a threat to safety.
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). ... Animal Care (Detrimental Species) $652.25 — Issued to any resident who has demonstrated the experience and ability to house animals designated as a detrimental species, and who legally possessed the animal in California prior to January 1992. The permittee may only possess and provide care for the animal(s) specifically listed on their Department approved permit inventory. No other activity is authorized except that which is medically necessary for the care of the animal.
Full Breakdown
Vacaville does not maintain a stand-alone exotic-pet inventory in its municipal code. 04 (Animal and Fowl Regulation) prohibits wild species from running at large in the city, being pastured in public places, or being tied or staked in ways that allow trespass on private property. (2) California Code of Regulations Title 14 Section 671 (administered by CDFW) lists species whose importation, transportation, or possession is restricted; this includes all nondomestic cats (lions, tigers, ocelots, servals), nonhuman primates, crocodilians, most native snakes, and many exotic mammals.
Possession in California generally requires a Restricted Species Permit issued by CDFW. Ferrets remain illegal as pets statewide under CCR Section 671. 16 (Dangerous Animals) makes it unlawful to possess any animal another governmental jurisdiction has deemed potentially dangerous, dangerous, vicious, or a threat to public safety. 20.
Violations & Fines
Possessing a CCR Title 14 Section 671 restricted species without a CDFW Restricted Species Permit is a misdemeanor enforceable by CDFW wardens and Humane Animal Services, carrying fines, animal seizure, and possible jail. Allowing a wild animal to run at large in Vacaville violates VMC Chapter 6.04 and is an infraction subject to impound and citation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I own a ferret in Vacaville?
Are pet snakes legal in Vacaville?
What about a serval, monkey, or big cat?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Vacaville
California rules heatmap·Compare Vacaville to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Exotic Pets in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Solano County handle exotic pets.