Downey, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

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).

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.

Breeding - $652.25: Issued to any resident who possesses the qualifications listed in Section 671.1(c)(1) to import, transport, and possess only those species listed on the Department approved permit inventory for breeding, but only if the Department determines the breeding will not result in unneeded or uncared for animals or the species is threatened or endangered.

Shelter - $79.83: Issued to any resident, who possesses the qualifications listed in Section 671.1(c)(1), and who has a statement in writing signed by the Department's regional manager verifying the need for a shelter or similar facility in the area, to transport and possess restricted species for humane purposes only.