Westminster, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- General rule
- Wild animals unlawful without exception
- Reptile size exception
- Non-venomous, under 6 feet
- Permit reviewer
- Animal control department
- Appeal window
- 10 days after denial notice
- Permit standard
- No adverse effect on public safety
Summary
Westminster bans keeping any wild animal in the city outright. The only exceptions are zoos, licensed veterinary hospitals, a short list of small pets like hamsters and non-venomous reptiles under six feet, and animals covered by a city-issued permit.
It is unlawful for any person to keep or maintain any wild animal within the city. This section shall not prohibit the keeping of: 1. Wild animals in a bona fide zoo; 2. Wild animals in a bona fide, licensed veterinary hospital for treatment; 3. Any hamster, guinea pig, white rat and/or mouse, turtle, salamander, newt, chameleon or kangaroo rat, any non-venomous reptile (not exceeding six feet in length), any non-venomous toad, lizard or spider; 4. Any animal for which a permit has been obtained as provided in this chapter.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4982734; v10 updated 2026-06-10).
Full Breakdown
" The section then carves out narrow exceptions: wild animals in a bona fide zoo, wild animals in a bona fide licensed veterinary hospital for treatment, and a named list of small creatures that don't count as "wild animals" for this purpose, including hamsters, guinea pigs, white rats and mice, turtles, salamanders, newts, chameleons, kangaroo rats, non-venomous reptiles not exceeding six feet in length, and non-venomous toads, lizards or spiders. 090. 080(D) sets the approval standard for wild animal permits: animal control may issue one only if it finds the animal will not adversely affect public health, safety or welfare, that adequate restraint and control provisions exist, and that adequate caging and sanitation will be provided. 050.
Violations & Fines
Keeping a wild animal without a qualifying exception or permit violates Section 6.12.010 and is enforceable under the general Title 6 penalty framework, which the code treats as an infraction unless charged otherwise; animal control can deny or revoke a permit application, and a denial may be appealed to a hearing officer within ten days of receiving notice under Section 6.12.090.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep an exotic pet like a snake in Westminster?
What small pets are allowed without a permit in Westminster?
What happens if my wild animal permit is denied in Westminster?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Westminster
California rules heatmap·Compare Westminster to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Exotic Pets in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Orange County handle exotic pets.