What the state’s own agencies say, with sources. Not legal advice.
Can you keep pet ducks in California?
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife does not publish a dedicated page on keeping pet ducks. Its public Q&A on game birds says a Domesticated Game Breeder's License applies to people raising or importing certain game birds, which is a separate matter from common domestic duck breeds. The same answer points owners to their local municipal codes, laws and zoning rules for keeping and raising any domestic fowl. In practice, whether you can keep ducks at a given address depends mostly on city or county ordinances, so contact your local planning or animal control office before getting birds.
Checked 2026-10-20 · wildlife.ca.gov
Avian flu rules for backyard flocks in California
California's Department of Food and Agriculture runs a Sick Bird Hotline for backyard flock owners. If your ducks show unusual illness or sudden deaths, call the hotline or your veterinarian rather than waiting. CDFA's notices say bird flu is widespread in the state and may be present in counties that are not listed, so owners should assume risk exists locally. Its biosecurity guidance for small flocks includes keeping birds away from wild birds and migratory waterfowl, using screened outdoor areas, limiting visitors, and isolating new birds for 30 days before adding them. Check its avian influenza page for current detections and any exhibition rules.
Checked 2026-10-20 · cdfa.ca.gov, cdfa.ca.gov
Finding an avian vet in California
The California Veterinary Medical Association offers a public Find a Veterinarian search on its member directory site. The search form lets you filter by primary practice type and by city, so you can look for clinics near you and then call to confirm they see ducks, since avian care varies widely between practices. CDFA's guidance also advises reporting sick birds to your veterinarian, so it helps to identify a bird-capable vet before an emergency.
Checked 2026-10-20 · member.cvma.net
State contacts
For flock health concerns, the main state contact is the California Department of Food and Agriculture's Animal Health Branch. Sick birds can be reported through the CDFA Sick Bird Hotline using a toll-free number, and owners can also report to their own veterinarian. The branch's biosecurity page also lists an office phone number and a feedback email address, which is useful for non-urgent questions about flock health programs and biosecurity practices.
Checked 2026-10-20 · cdfa.ca.gov
