Reedley, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing Law
- CA Code of Regulations Title 14, Sec. 671
- Private Pet Permits
- Generally not issued
- Ferrets/Hedgehogs
- Illegal statewide
- Vicious Animal Authority
- Reedley Code Sec. 5-3-1
Summary
California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 671 prohibits private possession of most exotic animals statewide, including in Reedley. Permits are not issued for private pet ownership.
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) .
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, 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.
Full Breakdown
California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 671 maintains a comprehensive list of restricted species that are illegal to import, possess, or transport without a special permit from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Restricted animals include primates, large cats (lions, tigers, leopards), bears, wolves, venomous reptiles, and many other species. Permits are generally issued only to qualified educational institutions, research facilities, and exhibitors, not for private pet ownership. Reedley Municipal Code Section 5-3-1 defines a vicious animal broadly as any animal, wild or domesticated, that has seriously bitten, inflicted severe injury on, or killed a human or domestic animal. Under the code, the animal control officer has authority to impound any animal found at large or posing a threat. Fresno County Environmental Health may also regulate certain exotic animal species within its jurisdiction. Common exotic pets such as ferrets, hedgehogs, and sugar gliders remain illegal in California regardless of local ordinances.
Violations & Fines
Possession of a restricted species without a permit is a misdemeanor under California Fish and Game Code, punishable by fines of up to $1,000 and/or six months in jail. Confiscation of the animal is standard. Under Reedley code, vicious animals may be impounded and destroyed if they pose a public safety risk. Repeat violations carry escalating penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a ferret or hedgehog as a pet in Reedley?
What happens if I am caught with an illegal exotic pet?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Reedley
California rules heatmap·Compare Reedley to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Exotic Pets in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Fresno County handle exotic pets.