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Compton, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

State Regulation
CA Title 14, §671
Prohibited
Ferrets, hedgehogs, monkeys, large snakes
Max Fine
Up to $10,000 (state)
Enforcement
LA County Animal Care / Compton PD
Animal Center
(310) 605-5503

Summary

Exotic pet ownership in Compton is governed by California state law (Title 14, Section 671). Most exotic animals are prohibited statewide. The city enforces state restrictions through its animal control provisions.

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.

Animal Care (Detrimental Species) - $652.25 - Issued to any resident who has demonstrated the experience and ability to house animals designated as a detrimental species, and who legally possessed the animal in California prior to January 1992. The permittee may only possess and provide care for the animal(s) specifically listed on their Department approved permit inventory. No other activity is authorized except that which is medically necessary for the care of the animal.

Animal Care (Welfare Species) - $79.83 - Issued to any resident who has demonstrated the experience and ability to house an animal designated as a welfare species, and who legally possessed the animal in California prior to January 1992. The permittee may only possess and provide care for the animal(s) specifically listed on their Department approved permit inventory.

Source: CA DFW Restricted SpeciesView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.

Full Breakdown

California Title 14, Section 671 of the California Code of Regulations prohibits keeping restricted wild animals without a permit from the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Prohibited species include ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, primates, large constrictor snakes, and venomous reptiles. Compton's municipal code reinforces state restrictions. The LA County Department of Animal Care and Control, through the Compton Animal Center, enforces animal regulations. Permitted pets include common domesticated animals and small non-restricted reptiles and amphibians.

Violations & Fines

Keeping a restricted species without a permit is a misdemeanor under state law with fines up to $10,000 and/or six months jail. Animals may be confiscated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I own a ferret in Compton?
No. Ferrets are prohibited throughout California under Title 14, Section 671. No local exemption exists.
What exotic pets are legal in Compton?
Most exotic animals are prohibited by state law. Small non-venomous reptiles, certain amphibians, and invertebrates not on the restricted species list may be kept.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Compton

All Compton rules

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