Vacaville, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Vacaville does not maintain a stand-alone exotic-pet inventory in its municipal code. Instead, three layers control: (1) VMC Chapter 6.04 (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. (3) VMC Chapter 6.16 (Dangerous Animals) makes it unlawful to possess any animal another governmental jurisdiction has deemed potentially dangerous, dangerous, vicious, or a threat to public safety. Common pet reptiles (most lizards, ball pythons, corn snakes), rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, and parrots are not restricted and are legal in Vacaville subject to general animal-nuisance rules under Chapter 6.20.