Chula Vista, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- General Rule
- Wild/exotic animals prohibited
- Large Constrictors
- Special caging required over 15 lbs or 3.5 ft
- Monitor Lizards
- Special caging required over 10 lbs or 3 ft
- Falconry
- Permitted with valid CDFW license
- Code Reference
- CVMC 6.04.070
Summary
Chula Vista prohibits the possession of wild or exotic animals not normally domesticated in the United States under CVMC 6.04.070. This includes large cats, bears, primates, wolves, and venomous reptiles. Special requirements apply to large constrictor snakes and monitor lizards.
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
Under CVMC section 6.04.070, no person may possess or maintain any animal which is not normally domesticated in the United States. Prohibited animals include but are not limited to lions, tigers, bears, nonhuman primates, wolves, cougars, and ocelots. Boa or python species exceeding 15 pounds or 3.5 feet in length and monitor lizard species exceeding 10 pounds or 3 feet in length require proper caging meeting specific standards. Hawks and falcons are excepted when kept under a valid California Department of Fish and Wildlife falconry license. Venomous snakes and other dangerous reptiles are prohibited. These local restrictions supplement California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations under Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, which also restrict possession of many exotic species. Violations are enforced by the Chula Vista Animal Care Facility and Chula Vista Police Department.
Violations & Fines
Possession of prohibited exotic animals is a violation of CVMC 6.04.070 subject to citation and fines under general penalty provisions. Animals may be seized and the owner may be required to pay costs of impoundment and care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I own an exotic pet in Chula Vista?
Are large snakes allowed in Chula Vista?
Can I keep a hawk or falcon in Chula Vista?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chula Vista
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