California Fish & Game Code §2118 and CCR Title 14 §671 prohibit keeping most exotic and non-native wildlife, including ferrets, monkeys, big cats, venomous reptiles, and many parrots. Riverside enforces state law; violations can result in animal seizure and fines. A CDFW permit is required for exempted uses.
California has among the strictest exotic pet laws in the United States. Fish & Game Code §2118 and California Code of Regulations Title 14 §671 prohibit private individuals from possessing, importing, or transporting a wide range of non-native species deemed detrimental to native wildlife, agriculture, or public safety. The restricted list famously includes ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders (in most cases), monkeys and other primates, big cats, bears, wolves and wolf hybrids, venomous reptiles, large constrictors, gerbils, and many species of parrot. Common domesticated pets (dogs, cats, guinea pigs, rabbits, most standard reptiles and fish, domestic rodents, and USDA-permitted birds like parakeets and cockatiels) remain legal. Licensed zoos, universities, rehabilitators, and qualified exhibitors can obtain CDFW permits under §2150. Violations can result in misdemeanor charges, fines of up to $1,000, and mandatory surrender of the animal. Riverside County Animal Services, CDFW wardens, and USDA-APHIS share enforcement. Even some pets legal elsewhere (for example, ferrets legal in 48 states) cannot be kept in California. Exotic pet owners moving to Riverside should verify compliance before arrival.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Riverside code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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