Encinitas, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- Title 14 CCR Section 671
- Ferrets
- Banned in California
- Hedgehogs
- Banned in California
- Non-Venomous Reptiles
- Generally permitted
- Penalties
- Up to $10,000 and confiscation
Summary
Encinitas follows California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations under Title 14 CCR Section 671 which prohibit keeping most exotic animals as pets. Ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, and most non-human primates are banned statewide.
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.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Exotic pet ownership in Encinitas is governed primarily by California state law, specifically Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations Section 671, which restricts possession of wild and exotic animals. California bans ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, gerbils, most non-human primates, large cats, bears, wolves, venomous reptiles, and many other exotic species as pets. Permitted exotic pets include certain reptiles (non-venomous snakes, many lizards, tortoises), tropical fish, invertebrates, and some bird species. Animals listed as restricted by CDFW require special permits that are generally not issued for pet purposes. San Diego County may impose additional restrictions on certain species. Encinitas Municipal Code Chapter 11.16 includes general animal keeping provisions that apply to all pets including exotics. All animals must be kept without creating a public nuisance. Escaped exotic animals should be reported to San Diego County Animal Services. California also prohibits the sale of animals from non-domesticated species at swap meets and certain public venues.
Violations & Fines
Possession of prohibited exotic animals can result in confiscation by CDFW, fines up to $10,000, and criminal misdemeanor charges. San Diego County Animal Services handles local enforcement of unlawful animal possession.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I own a ferret in Encinitas?
What exotic pets are legal in Encinitas?
Can I keep a pet monkey in Encinitas?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Encinitas
California rules heatmap·Compare Encinitas to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Exotic Pets in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Diego County handle exotic pets.