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

§4-11-1100 (Chapter 4-11 Article 11) provides that 'except for household pets, the maintenance, feeding, or keeping of exotic animals, horses, cows, sheep, goats, or other animals of any kind is prohibited.' Household pets are a closed list: cats, caged birds, up to two spayed/neutered pot-bellied pigs licensed under the chapter, fish, mice, rats, hamsters, guinea pigs, up to two dogs, and 'similar domesticated pet animals.' Exotic snakes, monkeys, raccoons, skunks, foxes, prairie dogs, hedgehogs, and similar wildlife are not 'similar domesticated pet animals' and are barred. The narrow carve-outs are (1) animals used for diagnostic or research purposes under a valid governmental permit, (2) owners engaged in animal husbandry as a zoning-permitted use, (3) horse-riding academies and licensed stables, (4) licensed pet shops, and (5) other circumstances specifically authorized in writing by the Animal Control Director. Statewide, California Fish & Game Code §2118 and Title 14 CCR §671 designate large categories of mammals, reptiles, birds, and amphibians as 'restricted species' that cannot be imported, transported, or possessed without a CDFW permit - so even species not specifically named in San Leandro's whitelist are often illegal under state law too. Ferrets in particular are banned statewide under 14 CCR §671(c)(2)(K).