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Wildlife Rescue Permits

Animal Ordinances

CDFW and city permits required to rehabilitate injured wildlife, including the Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit program and approved holding facilities.

7% permissive32% moderate(69 locations)

How Wildlife Rescue Permits Rules Differ by Place

69 places covered22 moderate5 permissive

Santa Barbara County, CA: Santa Barbara County Wildlife Rehab Permits

Few Restrictions

Santa Barbara County does not require a permit to nurse sick or injured wildlife back to health. LUDC Sec. 35.42.060(F)(5) allows wildlife species rehabilitation by right in every zone…

Raleigh, NC: Wildlife Rehabilitators Exempt From Raleigh Wild Animal Ban

Few Restrictions

Raleigh's citywide ban on harboring, possessing, or keeping a dangerous wild animal, set out in § 12-3075(a), does not reach wildlife rehabilitators, § 12-3075(b) exempts anyone…

Milwaukee, WI: Milwaukee Wildlife Rehabilitator Exemption

Few Restrictions

Milwaukee's exotic-animal possession ban exempts wildlife rehabilitators licensed by the State of Wisconsin, so a valid state license covers rescue work without a separate city…

Anaheim, CA: Anaheim Wildlife Rescue and Rehab Permits

Some Restrictions

California Fish and Wildlife issues wildlife rehabilitator permits required to possess injured native wildlife in Anaheim, and unpermitted residents must transport injured animals…

Los Angeles, CA: Wildlife Rehabilitation Requires CDFW Permit Plus Local Coordination

Some Restrictions

Anyone caring for injured native wildlife in Los Angeles must hold a California Department of Fish and Wildlife Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit under Fish and Game Code §1020. LA Animal…

San Bernardino County, CA: Wildlife rescue requires CDFW rehab permit

Some Restrictions

San Bernardino County residents may not keep injured wildlife without a California Department of Fish and Wildlife rehabilitator permit. SBC Animal Care refers calls to permitted…

Other Animal Ordinances Topics

Chickens & Livestock

Combined rules for keeping chickens and other livestock such as goats, rabbits, and ducks on residential property, including lot size requirements.

Dog Leash Laws

When and where dogs must be on a leash, off-leash park rules, leash length limits, and penalties for dogs running loose.

Breed Restrictions

Bans or special requirements for specific dog breeds, including breed-specific legislation, muzzle requirements, and insurance mandates.

Beekeeping

Rules for keeping bees in residential areas, including hive placement, number of colonies allowed, and registration requirements.

Exotic Pets

Which non-traditional pets are allowed or banned, such as reptiles, ferrets, potbelly pigs, and other exotic animals.

Wildlife Feeding

Rules about feeding wild animals like deer, coyotes, or feral cats, and requirements for securing trash to prevent wildlife encounters.

Pet Limits

Maximum number of cats, dogs, or other companion animals allowed per household, including counts that trigger kennel-license requirements.

Cat Rules

Rules specific to cats, outdoor roaming, feral cat colonies, leash laws (yes, some cities require them), and licensing requirements.

Mandatory Spay/Neuter

Requirements that dogs and cats over a certain age be sterilized, with intact-animal permits, exemptions for breeders, and penalties for noncompliance.

Microchipping

Mandates that dogs and cats be microchipped before leaving a shelter or by a certain age, including registration and tag requirements.

Coyote Management

How your city handles urban coyotes, including hazing protocols, feeding bans, and what residents should do when sighting one near homes.

Pet Store Rules

Restrictions on retail pet sales, including bans on commercially bred dogs and cats and rescue-only sourcing requirements.

Pet Groomer Rules

Health and safety standards for commercial pet grooming, including animal-handling certifications, sanitation, and zoning where mobile groomers may operate.

Veterinary Clinic Zoning

Where veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, and emergency animal-care facilities may be located, including overnight-boarding and noise buffers.

Bird Protection

Local rules protecting specific bird species (LAMC §53.55), including penalties for trapping or harming protected species and bird-safe building design.