Brentwood, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- State authority
- 14 CCR §671
- Banned
- Ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, monkeys
- Permitted
- Most captive-bred reptiles, small rodents
- Enforcement
- CCAS + CDFW
- Fines
- $500-$10,000+
Summary
California bans most exotic pets statewide under Title 14 CCR §671, which preempts local ordinances. Prohibited species include ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, monkeys, large constrictors, and most wild species. Brentwood enforces these state restrictions through Contra Costa Animal Services.
Restricted Species Permits are required for every person who imports, exports, transports, or possesses any restricted animal listed in Section 671(c), Title 14, of the California Code of Regulations (CCR) (PDF) . Entitlements Fee Description Restricted Species Permit Application/Amendment New: $155.53 Renewal and Amendment: $80.60 Required for every new permit, permit renewal or amendment of an existing permit, nonrefundable. Restricted Species Permit Inspection 1-5 Enclosures: $319.50 6-25 Enclosures: $448.00 26-50 Enclosures: $730.00 51-100 Enclosures: $1,147.50 101-500+ Enclosures: $4,234.50 Aquaculture: $2,124.75 ELE/MOU: $619.25 Required for every new permit or renewal of an existing permit. New and Renewal Inspection Fees Based on Number of Enclosures.
Full Breakdown
California has one of the strictest exotic-pet laws in the country. Title 14 California Code of Regulations §671 lists species that are restricted (no-permit) or prohibited outright. Animals illegal to own in California (and therefore Brentwood) include ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, most monkeys and other primates, gerbils, large boas/pythons (most), most wild-caught reptiles, wolves and wolf-hybrids, raccoons, skunks, and many exotic birds. Permitted exotic pets include most legally bred reptiles (ball pythons, corn snakes, geckos, bearded dragons), birds covered under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty exemption list, and most small rodents (hamsters, rats, mice, guinea pigs). Enforcement in Brentwood is handled by Contra Costa Animal Services, which can seize illegal animals and refer violations for criminal prosecution. Fines range from $500 to $10,000 plus animal-care costs. Brentwood does not add local exotic-pet restrictions beyond state law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are ferrets legal in Brentwood?
Can I own a sulcata tortoise?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Brentwood
California rules heatmap·Compare Brentwood to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Exotic Pets in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Contra Costa County handle exotic pets.