Twain Harte, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Reg
- 14 CCR §671
- Banned
- Ferrets, primates, hedgehogs
- Permits
- Only for facilities
- Enforcer
- CDFW
Summary
California has one of the strictest exotic-pet laws in the nation. Twain Harte residents cannot legally keep ferrets, monkeys, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, or most non-domesticated animals as pets under state law.
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
California Code of Regulations Title 14 section 671 prohibits private possession of a long list of restricted species without a permit, including ferrets, monkeys and other primates, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, raccoons, skunks, and many reptiles. Tuolumne County, including Twain Harte, defers to this state restriction. Permits are generally only available to zoos, scientific researchers, and educational facilities. Possession of a banned species can result in CDFW seizure of the animal and criminal charges. Domestic dogs, cats, and most birds are unaffected.
Violations & Fines
CDFW seizure of the animal; misdemeanor charges with fines; potential animal-welfare implications if specimens were imported illegally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are ferrets really illegal in California?
What about reptiles like ball pythons?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Twain Harte
California rules heatmap·Compare Twain Harte to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Exotic Pets in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Tuolumne County handle exotic pets.