CA Code of Regulations Title 14 §671 prohibits most wild and exotic animals as pets statewide. LA County Code Title 10 adopted by Thousand Oaks prohibits additional exotic species. No local exemptions.
Exotic pet ownership in Thousand Oaks is regulated by California Fish & Wildlife Code and Ventura County Animal Services. California maintains a restricted species list — animals like ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, and most primates are illegal statewide. Venomous reptiles require special permits. Local zoning may further restrict which animals can be kept in residential areas. The city does not issue special exotic animal permits for residential properties; most exotic animals require commercial or institutional licensing.
Possessing a prohibited species: misdemeanor under CA Fish & Wildlife Code with fines of $500-$10,000 and confiscation of the animal. Venomous reptiles without a permit: misdemeanor with fines up to $1,000. Exotic animals that escape and cause damage: owner is liable for all capture costs and damages. Endangered species violations carry federal penalties.
Thousand Oaks, CA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Ventura County.
See how other cities in Ventura County handle exotic pets.
See how Thousand Oaks's exotic pets rules stack up against other locations.
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