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

Exotic pet keeping in San Ramon is tightly restricted through a combination of California Fish and Game Code and local municipal rules. California Fish and Game Code §2118 bans private possession of 'restricted species' — a broad list including all primates (chimps, monkeys, lemurs), big cats (lion, tiger, leopard, ocelot, serval, caracal, etc.), bears, wolves and wolf-hybrids, alligators, crocodiles, venomous reptiles, large constrictors, elephants, most non-native birds of prey, ferrets (yes, ferrets are illegal statewide in California), sugar gliders, hedgehogs, and various non-native mammals that could establish wild populations. CDFW issues permits only to qualified zoos, scientific institutions, and educational facilities, not to private pet owners. Permitted exotic pets include most reptiles native to non-restricted lists (ball pythons, corn snakes, leopard geckos, bearded dragons), captive-bred parrots and other CITES-documented birds, captive-bred tarantulas and invertebrates, and captive-bred small mammals from the allowed list. San Ramon Municipal Code further restricts keeping of animals that may pose public safety or nuisance concerns regardless of state legality, with enforcement through code complaint. HOA CC&Rs in master-planned communities often impose additional restrictions. Enforcement involves both CDFW (for state-prohibited species) and Contra Costa County Animal Services (for local code violations). Penalties for possession of restricted species under Fish and Game Code can include fines up to $10,000 and misdemeanor charges; animals are typically seized and relocated to licensed sanctuaries. Rescue or abandonment discoveries (e.g., released pet boa in a suburban yard) are handled by CDFW response units. Lawful exotic pet owners should maintain purchase records, captive-breeding certificates, and CITES documentation where applicable. Venomous animal incidents require immediate emergency response; San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District coordinates with specialty envenomation resources at regional hospitals.