San Leandro, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Code section
- SLMC §4-11-1100
- Permit available
- No (only Animal Control Director may authorize)
- Allowed pets
- Cats, caged birds, pot-bellied pigs (≤2, licensed), fish, mice, rats, hamsters, guinea pigs, ≤2 dogs
- State overlay
- Cal. Fish & Game Code §2118; 14 CCR §671 restricted species
- Ferrets
- Banned statewide under 14 CCR §671(c)(2)(K)
Summary
San Leandro Municipal Code §4-11-1100 prohibits keeping exotic animals - and any animal not on the household-pet whitelist - inside the city. State law (Cal. Fish & Game Code §2118 and 14 CCR §671) layers a separate prohibition on restricted species like primates, big cats, venomous reptiles, and ferrets.
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.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
' 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).
Violations & Fines
Local violations are misdemeanors under Chapter 4-11 and public nuisances under Chapter 1-12 (administrative citations, civil penalties, animal seizure). Statewide restricted-species violations under Cal. Fish & Game Code §2125 carry fines up to $10,000 and confiscation by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a ferret, hedgehog, or sugar glider in San Leandro?
Can I keep a snake or reptile?
Are there permit options for exotic animals?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Leandro
California rules heatmap·Compare San Leandro to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Exotic Pets in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Alameda County handle exotic pets.