Concord, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Primary Rule
- 14 CCR §671 (restricted species list)
- Permit Authority
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife
- State Statute
- CA Fish & Game Code §2118
- Banned Examples
- Ferrets, primates, large constrictors
- Allowed Examples
- Ball pythons, bearded dragons, hedgehogs
Summary
Exotic pets in Concord are governed by California Code of Regulations Title 14 §671, which lists restricted species prohibited as pets without a state permit. Restricted species include many non-native birds, reptiles, and mammals. Concord defers to CDFW for exotic species enforcement and does not issue local exceptions.
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
Exotic and wild animal pet regulation in California is largely a state function under California Code of Regulations Title 14 §671, administered by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). Section 671 classifies species as welfare (W), detrimental animal (D), or other categories, and generally prohibits possession of listed species without a CDFW permit issued only for specific purposes (research, exhibition, education). Prohibited species include ferrets, most non-native venomous snakes, large constrictors, monkeys and other primates, many parrots in the wild, raccoons, skunks, and most large cats. Commonly allowed exotics include leopard geckos, corn snakes, ball pythons, bearded dragons, chinchillas, hedgehogs, parakeets, and cockatiels. Concord does not create local exceptions to §671 and Code Enforcement will refer violations to CDFW. California Fish & Game Code §2118 provides additional authority. Importing live wild animals into California requires a CDFW permit under §2271.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are ferrets legal in Concord?
Can I own a ball python?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Concord
California rules heatmap·Compare Concord 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.