Exotic Pets: Altadena vs Carson
How do exotic pets rules compare between Altadena, CA and Carson, CA?
Altadena and Carson have similar restriction levels.
Altadena, CA
Los Angeles County
LA County Code Title 10, Section 10.28.060 requires a license to keep wild animals in unincorporated areas. Many exotic species are prohibited entirely. California Fish and Game Code further restricts ownership of non-native wildlife.
View full Altadena rules →Carson, CA
Los Angeles County
Carson does not have an exotic-pet ordinance of its own. Exotic-animal possession is controlled by California Fish & Game Code §2118 and 14 CCR §671, which prohibit private possession of a broad list of restricted wildlife (primates, most carnivores, crocodilians, venomous reptiles, large constrictors, wild felines, etc.) without a state permit. LA County Code Title 10 reinforces this by banning the keeping of wild, dangerous, or exotic animals in residential areas.
View full Carson rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Altadena | Carson |
|---|---|---|
| Code | §10.28.060 | - |
| License | Required from DACC | - |
| Prohibited | Big cats, bears, primates | - |
| State Law | Fish & Game §2118 | - |
| Fine | Up to $500 | - |
| Carson exotic-pet ordinance? | - | None — state law controls |
| Governing state law | - | Cal. F&G Code §2118 + 14 CCR §671 (restricted species list) |
| Commonly banned in CA | - | Ferrets, primates, large constrictors, venomous reptiles, wild felines, raccoons, skunks, foxes |
| Permitted exotics with no state permit | - | Hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, rabbits, most parrots, most domestic-bred reptiles (lizards, ball pythons) |
| Enforcement | - | CDFW + LA County Animal Care & Control + Carson Code Enforcement |
| Penalty for restricted-species possession | - | Misdemeanor, fines $500–$10,000, animal seizure |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Altadena FAQ
Can I keep an exotic pet in unincorporated LA County?
Some exotic animals may be kept with a license from LA County Animal Care and Control. Big cats, bears, primates, and venomous reptiles are entirely prohibited. California Fish and Game also regulates exotic species.
What exotic animals are banned in LA County?
Prohibited species include big cats, bears, primates, wolves, venomous reptiles, and other species deemed dangerous. The Department of Animal Care and Control maintains the restricted list.
Carson FAQ
Can I keep a ferret in Carson?
No. Ferrets remain illegal as pets statewide in California under 14 CCR §671. Carson has no local exemption.
Can I own a large snake (boa, python) or iguana?
Most domestically bred non-venomous snakes (ball pythons, corn snakes, boas under listed length thresholds) and lizards (iguanas, bearded dragons) are not on California's restricted list and may be kept without a permit, but any species listed in 14 CCR §671 requires a CDFW permit.
Can I have a pet monkey or wild cat?
No. All nonhuman primates and all wild felines (servals, ocelots, lynx, big cats) are restricted under Cal. F&G Code §2118 and require a state permit that is not issued for private pet ownership.
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