Corona, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

California has one of the most restrictive exotic pet regimes in the United States. Fish and Game Code §2118 and California Code of Regulations Title 14 §671 list animals that are restricted or prohibited from private ownership without a permit issued by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). Prohibited or restricted species include: all non-domestic felines (lions, tigers, ocelots, servals, lynx, bobcats, hybrid wild cats), primates (monkeys, lemurs, apes), bears, wolves and wolf-dog hybrids, alligators and crocodiles, venomous reptiles, large constrictor snakes (over a certain length), most native California wildlife (it is generally illegal to keep native wildlife such as raccoons, skunks, squirrels, and most birds), and many exotic mammals such as ferrets (which remain illegal in California). Permits are issued by CDFW only for limited purposes (research, education, exhibition) and are not available to private hobbyists for most prohibited species. Corona enforces state law through Riverside County Department of Animal Services. Domestic dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, common pet birds (parakeets, cockatiels, etc.), and most non-venomous reptiles legal under state law (e.g., common pet snakes, lizards) are permitted. Always check CDFW's current restricted species list before acquiring an unusual pet.