Lodi, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

California has one of the most restrictive exotic-pet regimes in the United States. Fish & Game Code §2118 makes it unlawful to import, transport, possess, or release alive into the state any wild animal of the species listed in 14 CCR §671 (Restricted Species), except under a revocable, nontransferable permit issued by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). CDFW is statutorily prohibited from issuing permits to keep restricted species as personal pets — permits are limited to research, public exhibition, education, or shelter purposes. The City of Lodi's own wildlife guidance (lodi.gov/250) explicitly states: "It is a violation of California state law for any wildlife to be kept as pets." Animals banned under §2118 / 14 CCR §671 include: ferrets (Mustela putorius furo), hedgehogs (all Erinaceidae), sugar gliders (Petaurus breviceps), all non-human primates, raccoons, skunks, opossums (as pets), foxes, coyotes, wolves and wolf-hybrids, prairie dogs, gerbils (restricted), all crocodilians, monitor lizards, most venomous snakes, snapping turtles, and many parrot/finch species. Common pets that ARE legal in California include domestic dogs and cats, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, chinchillas, mice and rats, common parakeets/cockatiels, most non-venomous snakes (except restricted species), bearded dragons, leopard geckos, and ball pythons. Lodi Animal Services enforces complaints in coordination with CDFW wardens.