Thousand Oaks, CA Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Rescue Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- CDFW
- Local contact
- Ventura County Animal Services
- Home rehab
- Not allowed
- Statute
- Fish and Game Code
Summary
Residents cannot legally keep injured wildlife in Thousand Oaks. Possessing or rehabilitating native birds, mammals, or reptiles requires a CDFW Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit. Injured animals should be reported to Ventura County Animal Services or licensed rehabilitators.
Injured, sick, and orphaned wild animals may be temporarily possessed for rehabilitation by a person in California under a Native Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit issued by CDFW. Trained wildlife rehabilitators provide treatment and care of these animals for the purpose of their release, in a condition of good health, to suitable habitat in the wild. Wildlife rehabilitators have an important role in the conservation of native wildlife. Wild animals rarely require human help. Attempts to approach or handle wildlife can cause serious injury or harm to you and/or the animal. There are certain situations where a wild animal may benefit from human intervention such as visible injury. DO NOT intervene without proper guidance from a trained professional (i.e., capture, handle, confine, feed/water). DO NOT drop off wild animals at a location, unless instructed to do so. Contact a CDFW Office or a wildlife rehabilitation facility. Wildlife rehabilitators are NOT "on call" (24/7). They often work out of their homes. Wildlife rehabilitators operate with limited resources.
Full Breakdown
Under California Code of Regulations Title 14 and the Fish and Game Code, rehabilitating native wildlife is restricted to people holding a CDFW Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit and operating from approved facilities. Thousand Oaks residents who find injured raptors, deer, bobcats, or songbirds should contact Ventura County Animal Services or a licensed Conejo-area rehabber rather than caring for the animal at home. Keeping wildlife without authorization, even temporarily, is unlawful and can stress or harm the animal and create disease risk.
Violations & Fines
Possessing native wildlife without a permit can result in CDFW citations, seizure of the animal, and misdemeanor charges under the Fish and Game Code.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I find an orphaned baby animal?
Can I help an injured hawk in my yard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Thousand Oaks
California rules heatmap·Compare Thousand Oaks to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Wildlife Rescue Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Ventura County handle wildlife rescue permits.