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San Francisco, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Ferrets in CA
Banned statewide
State law
Fish & Game Code 2118
Local enforcer
SF Animal Care Control
Permit type
Education or research only

Summary

San Francisco prohibits keeping wild and exotic animals as pets under SF Health Code Article 1, aligning with California Fish and Game Code Section 2118 restricted species list. Permits are rarely granted outside of education and research.

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). Entitlements/Fees: Restricted Species Permit Application/Amendment — New: $155.53; Renewal and Amendment: $80.60. 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. 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.

Source: California Fish and Game CodeView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.

Full Breakdown

SF Animal Care and Control enforces a strict ban on inherently dangerous wild animals including big cats, primates, venomous reptiles, crocodilians, wolves, and most non-domesticated species. California state law (Fish & Game Code 2118 and CCR Title 14, Section 671) restricts ownership statewide, and SF imposes additional local constraints. Common pets like dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets (banned statewide in CA), and small caged birds are unaffected. Service applications for educational, scientific, or rehabilitation use require state permits and ACC notification.

Violations & Fines

Keeping prohibited species, breeding restricted animals without permits, or failing to surrender confiscated wildlife to ACC results in seizure and misdemeanor charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are ferrets legal in San Francisco?
No. Ferrets are banned statewide under California Fish and Game Code Section 2118 as restricted species. SF follows the state ban with no local exception for residents.
Can I keep a venomous snake?
No. Venomous reptiles are prohibited under California restricted species rules, and SF Animal Care and Control will seize them. Educational or research permits require state Fish & Wildlife approval.

Sources & Official References

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All San Francisco rules

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