Santa Barbara, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

The City of Santa Barbara does not maintain its own exotic-pet list; possession of exotic and wild animals is controlled by California's restricted-species law, which applies inside City limits. Under California Fish and Game Code Section 2118, it is unlawful to import, transport, possess, or release alive any wild animal on the state's restricted-species list except under a revocable, nontransferable permit. Commonly requested exotic pets that are illegal to keep in California, and therefore in Santa Barbara, include ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, gerbils, monkeys and other primates, and monk parakeets. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife issues Restricted Species Permits under Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations only to qualified individuals or institutions for limited purposes such as research, public exhibition, education, or sheltering, and it does not issue permits for keeping these animals as personal pets. The state restricts these species to protect native fish and wildlife, agriculture, and public health and safety. The City's own Title 6 animal control code focuses on dogs, cats, fowl, and hoofed animals, so anyone considering an unusual pet should verify its legal status with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Conventional caged pets allowed statewide (such as domestic dogs, cats, rabbits, most pet birds, and common reptiles not on the restricted list) remain permitted in the City.