Contra Costa County, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Primary Authority
- CA Fish & Game Code / Title 14 §671
- Banned Pets
- Big cats, primates, ferrets, hedgehogs, venomous reptiles
- Permits
- CDFW: zoos, research, rehab only
- Enforcement
- CCC Animal Services + CDFW
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor + animal seizure
Summary
Exotic and wild animals are broadly prohibited in unincorporated Contra Costa County. California Fish and Game Code restricts ownership of venomous snakes, big cats, primates, and most non-domestic species. Permits through CDFW are rare and tightly limited.
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.
Full Breakdown
California has one of the strictest exotic-animal regimes in the country, and unincorporated Contra Costa County follows state law directly. CA Code of Regulations Title 14 §671 prohibits private ownership of most non-domestic species, including big cats (lions, tigers, cougars), non-human primates (monkeys, apes), large constrictor snakes, venomous reptiles, wild canids (wolves, wolf-dog hybrids beyond state limits), bears, ferrets, and many exotic birds. Keeping a prohibited species is a misdemeanor and the animal can be seized and euthanized or placed with a sanctuary. Limited permits are available through CDFW for zoos, wildlife rehabilitation, scientific research, and film, not for private pet ownership. Some species commonly mistaken for 'legal exotics' are in fact banned in California (ferrets, hedgehogs, most squirrels). Reptile owners should verify species against the CA Restricted Species List before acquisition. Contra Costa Animal Services will seize illegal exotics and refer cases to CDFW. Reptile mills and unlicensed wildlife-sales operations are a specific enforcement priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I own a pet ferret in unincorporated CCC?
What about a bearded dragon or ball python?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Contra Costa County
California rules heatmap·Compare Contra Costa County to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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