Whittier, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Exotic and wild animals in Whittier are governed by the adopted LA County Code Title 10 (Whittier MC 6.04.020). LA County Code defines a "wild animal" as "a nondomestic, exotic, or dangerous animal, including, but not limited to," wild/domestic hybrids, other mammals, wildfowl, fish, and reptiles. Under LA County Code Chapter 10.28 (Other Licenses), a person who wants to keep a wild animal must apply to the Department of Animal Care and Control, pay the fee, and meet licensing prerequisites; the Director inspects the premises and may deny or condition the license. A wild-animal license will not issue if keeping the animal would violate federal law, state law or county ordinance. LA County Code Chapter 10.40 adds confinement duties: a wild-animal owner must properly confine the animal so it cannot be at large or endanger anyone, with specific enclosure and transportation rules (10.40.070, 10.40.080). Pygmy (potbellied) pigs have their own track: a license is required (10.28.061) and breeding them in residential zones is prohibited (10.28.062). On top of all this, California Fish and Game Code and Title 14 regulations restrict possession of many wild and exotic species statewide regardless of any local license.