Isleton, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Primary Law
- F&G Code 2118 and 14 CCR 671
- Enforcement
- CDFW and Animal Services
- Ferrets
- Illegal statewide
- Fine
- Up to 10,000 dollars
- Native Wildlife
- Federally protected
Summary
Exotic pets in Isleton are controlled primarily by California Fish and Wildlife Code section 2118, which prohibits possession of most wild and exotic animals without a state permit. Big cats, primates, venomous reptiles, and most non-native wildlife are banned.
It is unlawful to import, transport, possess, or release alive into this state, except under a revocable, nontransferable permit as provided in this chapter and the regulations pertaining thereto, any wild animal of the following species: (a) Class Aves: (birds) Family Cuculidae (cuckoos) All Species. Family Alaudidae (larks) Skylark, Alauda arvensis Family Corvidae (crows, jays, magpies) All species.
Family Turdidae (thrushes) European blackbird, Turdus merula Missel (or mistle), thrush, Turdus viscivorus Family Sturnidae (starlings and mynas or mynahs)
All species of the family, except hill myna (or hill mynah), Gracula religiosa (sometimes referred to as Eulabes religiosa)
(b) Class Mammalia (mammals) Order Primates All species except those in family Hominidae Order Edentata (sloths, anteaters, armadillos, etc.) All species. Order Marsupialia (marsupials or pouched mammals) All species. Order Insectivora (shrews, moles, hedgehogs, etc.) All species. Order Dermoptera (gliding lemurs) All species. Order Chiroptera (bats) All species. Order Monotremata (spiny anteaters, platypuses) All species. Order Pholidota (pangolins, scaly anteaters) All species. Order Lagomorpha (pikas, rabbits, hares) All species, except domesticated races of rabbits.
Full Breakdown
California has one of the strictest exotic animal laws in the country. Fish and Game Code 2118 and Title 14 CCR 671 list restricted species that may not be possessed without a permit issued by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for narrow purposes (zoos, research, education). Banned as pets are big cats, bears, wolves, non-native foxes, most primates, ferrets, gerbils (in most counties), crocodilians, venomous snakes, and most raptors. Legal common pets include domestic dogs and cats, rabbits, most reptiles native to CA pet trade like ball pythons and bearded dragons, most parrots and finches, and domestic farm animals subject to local zoning. Isleton itself does not layer additional exotic restrictions on top of state law but enforces through Sacramento County Animal Services and reporting to CDFW. The Delta is important wildlife habitat, so possession of native wildlife including migratory birds is also federally regulated.
Violations & Fines
Possession of a restricted species is a misdemeanor under Fish and Game Code 2118.5 with fines up to 10,000 dollars and seizure of the animal. Federal Endangered Species and Migratory Bird Treaty Act violations carry additional penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a ferret in Isleton?
What about a pet alligator?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Isleton
California rules heatmap·Compare Isleton to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Exotic Pets in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Sacramento County handle exotic pets.