Ventura County, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Ferrets
- Illegal to keep in California
- Restricted species list
- CCR Title 14 Sec. 671
- State possession ban
- Fish & Game Code Sec. 2118
- County wild-animal rules
- Ord. Code Art. 7 (Wild Animal Control)
- Permitting agency
- CDFW (state) + County Animal Services
- Private pet permits
- Generally not issued for restricted species
Summary
Exotic and wild animals are heavily restricted. California bans private possession of restricted species such as ferrets, most non-native carnivores, and many reptiles, under CCR Title 14 Section 671 and Fish & Game Code Section 2118. Ventura County also regulates wild animals through its Wild Animal Control ordinance (Article 7 of Chapter 4).
Restricted Species Permits are required for every person who imports, exports, transports, or possesses any restricted animal listed in Section 671(c), Title 14, of the California Code of Regulations (CCR) (PDF) . Restricted Species Permit Application/Amendment New: $155.53 Renewal and Amendment: $80.60 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. The permittee may only possess and provide care for the animal(s) specifically listed on their Department approved permit inventory. No other activity is authorized except that which is medically necessary for the care of the animal. Animal Care (Welfare Species) $79.83 Issued to any resident who has demonstrated the experience and ability to house an animal designated as a welfare species, and who legally possessed the animal in California prior to January 1992. The permittee may only possess and provide care for the animal(s) specifically listed on their Department approved permit inventory. Breeding $652.25 Issued to any resident who possesses the qualifications listed in Section 671.1(c)(1) to import, transport, and possess only those species listed on the Department approved permit inventory for breeding, but only if the Department determines the breeding will not result in unneeded or uncared for animals or the species is threatened or endangered.
Full Breakdown
Most 'exotic pets' that are restricted statewide are also off-limits in unincorporated Ventura County, because California law controls them and the County layers its own rules on top. Under California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 671, a long list of restricted species (including ferrets, many non-native carnivores, primates, certain reptiles, and other animals deemed detrimental) may not be imported, transported, or possessed without a permit from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), and those permits are generally not issued for private pet ownership.
Fish & Game Code Section 2118 separately makes it illegal to possess certain animals, and ferrets in particular are banned in California. On top of state law, the Ventura County Ordinance Code includes Article 7 (Wild Animal Control) within Chapter 4 (Animals) of Division 4 (Public Health), which addresses the keeping of wild animals and includes provisions such as Section 4492 (zoos). In practice, possessing a banned exotic species in the County can lead to enforcement by both CDFW and County Animal Services; high-profile Ventura County cases have involved big cats and hybrids kept without proper permits.
Anyone considering an unusual animal should first confirm its legal status with CDFW and then check Ventura County's Wild Animal Control provisions, since an animal that is legal under state law may still face County keeping or permit requirements.
Violations & Fines
Possessing a restricted/exotic species without the required CDFW permit is a violation of state law (CCR Title 14 Sec. 671 and Fish & Game Code Sec. 2118) and can also violate the County's Wild Animal Control ordinance; penalties include seizure of the animal, fines, and criminal charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I own a ferret or other exotic pet in Ventura County?
Who enforces exotic animal rules in unincorporated Ventura County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ventura County
California rules heatmap·Compare Ventura County to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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