Visalia, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Wild animals as pets
- Prohibited outright
- Exotic animals for display
- Prohibited without zoo/circus/commercial exception
- Definition of 'exotic animal'
- Any animal by nature or origin from another part of the world (§ 6.04.010)
- Definition of 'wild animal'
- Any nondomesticated animal living in a feral state (§ 6.04.010)
- Permitted exceptions
- Zoos, licensed circuses, commercial animal establishments, theatrical exhibits
Summary
Keeping wild or exotic animals as pets or for display is prohibited in Visalia. The only exceptions are licensed zoos, circuses, commercial animal establishments, and theatrical exhibits.
"Exotic animal" means any animal, either wild or domesticated belonging by nature or origin to another part of the world. "Wild animal" means any nondomesticated animal living in a feral state. [§ 6.04.010]
No persons shall keep or permit to be kept on their premises any wild, exotic, or vicious animal for display or for exhibition purposes, whether gratuitously or for a fee. This section shall not be construed so as to apply to a zoological garden, commercial animal establishment, theatrical exhibit or circus as defined in Section 6.04.010, except that no theatrical exhibit or act shall be held in which animals are encouraged to perform through the use of chemical, electrical, or mechanical devices.
No person shall keep or permit to be kept any wild animal as a pet. [§ 6.08.020(H)(I)]
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-50: Municipal Code contains Supplement, current through Ordinance 2025-15, passed 12-15-2025).
Full Breakdown
Section 6.08.020(H) bans keeping any wild, exotic, or vicious animal on any premises for display or exhibition purposes, whether free or for a fee. Section 6.08.020(I) adds a flat ban on keeping any wild animal as a pet. 'Exotic animal' is defined in § 6.04.010 as 'any animal, either wild or domesticated belonging by nature or origin to another part of the world.' Even permitted theatrical exhibits may not use chemical, electrical, or mechanical devices to make animals perform. 'Wild animal' means any nondomesticated animal living in a feral state.
Violations & Fines
Violations are infractions subject to penalties under § 1.12.010, or the city may pursue administrative code enforcement under Chapter 1.13. Wild or exotic animals held in violation may be impounded by the animal control officer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a pet iguana or parrot?
Can I exhibit exotic animals at a private event for a fee?
What happens if I'm found with a prohibited animal?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Visalia
California rules heatmap·Compare Visalia to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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