Exotic and wild animals are heavily restricted. California bans private possession of restricted species such as ferrets, most non-native carnivores, and many reptiles, under CCR Title 14 Section 671 and Fish & Game Code Section 2118. Ventura County also regulates wild animals through its Wild Animal Control ordinance (Article 7 of Chapter 4).
Most 'exotic pets' that are restricted statewide are also off-limits in unincorporated Ventura County, because California law controls them and the County layers its own rules on top. Under California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 671, a long list of restricted species (including ferrets, many non-native carnivores, primates, certain reptiles, and other animals deemed detrimental) may not be imported, transported, or possessed without a permit from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), and those permits are generally not issued for private pet ownership. Fish & Game Code Section 2118 separately makes it illegal to possess certain animals, and ferrets in particular are banned in California. On top of state law, the Ventura County Ordinance Code includes Article 7 (Wild Animal Control) within Chapter 4 (Animals) of Division 4 (Public Health), which addresses the keeping of wild animals and includes provisions such as Section 4492 (zoos). In practice, possessing a banned exotic species in the County can lead to enforcement by both CDFW and County Animal Services; high-profile Ventura County cases have involved big cats and hybrids kept without proper permits. Anyone considering an unusual animal should first confirm its legal status with CDFW and then check Ventura County's Wild Animal Control provisions, since an animal that is legal under state law may still face County keeping or permit requirements.
Possessing a restricted/exotic species without the required CDFW permit is a violation of state law (CCR Title 14 Sec. 671 and Fish & Game Code Sec. 2118) and can also violate the County's Wild Animal Control ordinance; penalties include seizure of the animal, fines, and criminal charges.
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