Merced County, CA Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Rescue Permits (2026)

Under Merced County Code § 7.04.270, no one may maintain a kennel or cattery, or keep, harbor, or maintain a 'wild animal' as defined in § 7.04.010, anywhere in the unincorporated county without first securing zoning clearance or a conditional use permit from the county planning department and an annual administrative permit from the animal control manager. No application is processed until planning, environmental health, and other required agencies have signed off in writing. The county's 'wild animal' definition sweeps broadly: large snakes over eight feet, alligators and other crocodilians over three feet, birds of prey not held under a state or federal permit, most nondomestic carnivores, marsupials, bats, elephants, primates, and any venomous species.

Section 7.04.270(B)(2) exempts two categories from this permit scheme outright: persons keeping wild animals solely and exclusively as part of a bona fide rehabilitation or educational activity sanctioned by the State of California Department of Fish and Game, and nonprofit enterprises recognized by the state as animal shelters or humane societies. A rescuer operating under this exemption does not need the county's annual kennel/cattery/wild-animal permit, though the permit itself, when it does apply, runs $250 for the initial application, inspection, and issuance and $150 for annual renewal under the fee schedule adopted pursuant to § 7.04.160, with a delinquency penalty equal to twice the permit amount. Permits are issued or renewed by the animal control manager only after a background investigation covering criminal history, references, and rabies compliance, and an adverse decision can be appealed within 14 calendar days under § 7.04.270(Q).