Walnut Creek, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Walnut Creek relies primarily on California state law to regulate exotic pet ownership. California Fish & Game Code Section 2118 and implementing regulations (14 CCR Section 671) prohibit the private possession of a broad list of wild and exotic animals without a state-issued permit, which is generally only available for research, education, and commercial exhibition. Prohibited species include all non-human primates (monkeys, lemurs, apes), large cats (lions, tigers, cougars, servals, caracals), bears, wolves and wolf-hybrids (with narrow grandfather exceptions requiring permits), venomous reptiles and most non-native constrictor snakes over a certain size, ferrets (California is one of the few states banning ferret ownership), hedgehogs, sugar gliders, and most native California species. Permitted exotic pets include common caged birds, most non-venomous reptiles (within size limits), rabbits, guinea pigs, and domesticated rodents. The California Department of Fish & Wildlife enforces state prohibitions and can seize illegally held animals. Walnut Creek Police and Code Enforcement refer exotic pet reports to CDFW. Zoning-level restrictions on animal count and noise still apply to legal exotic pets such as parrots and large caged birds.