Ontario defers to California state law on exotic pets. CA Fish and Game Code and Title 14 Section 671 ban most wild species including big cats, bears, ferrets, hedgehogs, and sugar gliders without a permit.
California has one of the strictest restricted-species lists in the country. Under California Fish and Game Code Section 2118 and Title 14 California Code of Regulations Section 671, it is illegal for private individuals to possess most exotic wildlife without a state permit from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). Prohibited species include big cats, bears, most non-human primates, wolves, wolf-hybrids above certain thresholds, venomous reptiles, constricting snakes above certain sizes, ferrets, and many bird and reptile species considered detrimental. Common small exotic pets such as sugar gliders, hedgehogs, and monk parakeets are also illegal in California. Ontario Municipal Code Title 6 complements state law by prohibiting dangerous or wild animals as pets within the city and giving Animal Services authority to seize illegally held animals. Permitted small exotics like parrots, non-venomous snakes, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, and most pet-store reptiles are legal with standard care and welfare rules.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Ontario, CA
Outdoor music is regulated under OMC Title 5 Chapter 29 and the special-event permit process. Venues and events with amplified sound need a city permit; resi...
Ontario, CA
Aircraft noise from Ontario International Airport (ONT) is regulated by the FAA, not the city. ONT runs an FAA Part 150 noise compatibility program; federal ...
Ontario, CA
Ontario requires a building permit for masonry walls and any fence over 7 feet under the California Building Code. Retaining walls over 4 feet also require p...
Ontario, CA
Ontario fence requirements include zoning-based heights, setbacks, sight triangles, buffer walls on industrial edges, and CBC structural standards. Pool, ret...
Ontario, CA
Ontario limits residential fence heights under the Development Code. Typical maximums are 6 feet rear/side, 3 feet front, and 42 inches in sight-distance tri...
Ontario, CA
Ontario allows backyard fire pits under the California Fire Code as adopted. Wood pits must sit 25 feet from structures and be attended. SCAQMD no-burn days ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Bernardino County.
See how other cities in San Bernardino County handle exotic pets.
See how Ontario's exotic pets rules stack up against other locations.
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