Pittsburg, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- CA Fish & Game §2118, Title 14 CCR §671
- Ferrets
- Illegal in CA
- Hedgehogs/sugar gliders
- Illegal in CA
- Primates/big cats
- Prohibited
- Enforcement
- CDFW + Code Enforcement
Summary
Exotic pets in Pittsburg are governed by California Fish and Game Code §2118 and Title 14 CCR §671, which prohibit keeping most wild and exotic species (primates, big cats, venomous reptiles, most wild birds) without a CDFW permit. Pittsburg enforces state law through Code Enforcement.
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 Sturnidae (starlings and mynas or mynahs) All species of the family, except hill myna.
(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 Chiroptera (bats) All species. Order Lagomorpha (pikas, rabbits, hares) All species, except domesticated races of rabbits. Order Rodentia (rodents) All species, except domesticated golden hamsters, also known as Syrian hamster, Mesocricetus auratus; domesticated races of rats or mice (white or albino; trained, dancing or spinning, laboratory-reared); and domestic strains of guinea pig (Cavia porcellus). Order Carnivora (carnivores) All species, except domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) and domestic cats (Felis catus).
(c) Class amphibia (frogs, toads, salamanders) Family Bufonidae (toads) Giant toad or marine toad, Bufo marinus.
(f) Class Reptilia (snakes, lizards, turtles, alligators) Family Crocodilidae - All species.
Full Breakdown
California maintains one of the strictest exotic pet regulatory frameworks in the country. California Fish and Game Code §2118 and implementing regulations at Title 14 CCR §671 prohibit possession of nondomestic species deemed detrimental to native wildlife, agriculture, or public safety without a CDFW restricted species permit. Prohibited or restricted species include: non-human primates (monkeys, apes), big cats (lions, tigers, ocelots), most wild canids (wolves, wolf-hybrids over certain generations), bears, elephants, venomous reptiles not native to CA, crocodilians, ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, and most wild birds.
Commonly allowed exotics include standard pet reptiles (many non-venomous snakes, bearded dragons, most geckos), rabbits, guinea pigs, domesticated rats and mice, and common pet birds (parrots, finches, cockatiels). Pittsburg does not create additional exemptions and enforces state prohibitions through Code Enforcement in coordination with CDFW wardens. Violations can result in seizure of the animal, misdemeanor charges, and substantial fines. Service animal and educational permits exist narrowly. Anyone considering an unusual pet should verify legality at CDFW's restricted species list before purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I own a ferret in Pittsburg?
Are bearded dragons and ball pythons legal?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pittsburg
California rules heatmap·Compare Pittsburg to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Exotic Pets in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Contra Costa County handle exotic pets.