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.
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.
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.
Encinitas, CA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Diego County.
See how other cities in San Diego County handle exotic pets.
See how Encinitas's exotic pets rules stack up against other locations.
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