Rancho Cucamonga, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- CA Fish and Game Code 2118
- Banned
- Primates, big cats, wolves, venomous reptiles
- Also Banned
- Ferrets (CA statewide)
- Allowed
- Parrots, rabbits, non-venomous small snakes
- Enforcement
- IVHS and CDFW
Summary
Rancho Cucamonga follows California Fish and Game Code section 2118, which bans exotic animals without a permit. Primates, big cats, venomous reptiles, and constrictors are prohibited.
Section 671(c), Title 14, of the California Code of Regulations (CCR) (PDF) . Entitlements Fee Description 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,
Full Breakdown
Rancho Cucamonga residents must comply with California Fish and Game Code section 2118 and Title 14 California Code of Regulations section 671, which together prohibit possession of specified wild and potentially dangerous species without a state-issued permit. Banned categories include nonhuman primates, large cats (tigers, leopards, cougars), wolves and wolf hybrids, crocodilians, venomous reptiles, and large constrictor snakes such as Burmese and reticulated pythons. Ferrets are also illegal under state law despite being common pets in other states. The Municipal Code Title 6 treats any animal prohibited by state law as equally prohibited within the city. Legal exotic pets include small parrots, domestic rabbits, non-venomous small snakes and lizards, hedgehogs (with a state permit), and standard small reptiles. Rancho Cucamonga animal control, through Inland Valley Humane Society, can seize illegally held exotic animals and pursue misdemeanor charges. Special Use Permits exist for research and educational facilities but not private homes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I own a ferret in Rancho Cucamonga?
What about a pet monkey or big cat?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rancho Cucamonga
California rules heatmap·Compare Rancho Cucamonga to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Exotic Pets in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle exotic pets.