Victorville, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Victorville applies California Department of Fish and Wildlife restricted-species rules adopted statewide under California Code of Regulations Title 14 Section 671, which bans private possession of most primates, bears, large cats, wolves, ferrets, many venomous snakes, and wildlife native to California without a specific CDFW permit. The surrounding Mojave Desert is legally sensitive habitat, and the desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) is fully protected, so keeping, handling, or relocating a desert tortoise without a CDFW permit is prohibited. Joshua trees are protected under the California Endangered Species Act and Assembly Bill 122 (Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act), which adds habitat protections that affect where wildlife take or habitat disturbance is allowed. Common reptile exotics that are legal under Section 671 (ball pythons, bearded dragons, corn snakes, leopard geckos) remain allowed. Wild-caught native reptiles require a CDFW sport-fishing or scientific permit. Victorville Animal Care and Control coordinates with CDFW wardens on enforcement.