Exotic Pets: Brentwood vs Martinez
How do exotic pets rules compare between Brentwood, CA and Martinez, CA?
Brentwood and Martinez have similar restriction levels.
Brentwood, CA
Contra Costa County
California bans most exotic pets statewide under Title 14 CCR §671, which preempts local ordinances. Prohibited species include ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, monkeys, large constrictors, and most wild species. Brentwood enforces these state restrictions through Contra Costa Animal Services.
View full Brentwood rules →Martinez, CA
Contra Costa County
Exotic animals are regulated under California Fish & Game Code and CA Code of Regulations §671. Ferrets and hedgehogs are illegal statewide. Other exotic species require a CDFW permit. Contra Costa County Animal Services enforces locally.
View full Martinez rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Brentwood | Martinez |
|---|---|---|
| State authority | 14 CCR §671 | - |
| Banned | Ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, monkeys | - |
| Permitted | Most captive-bred reptiles, small rodents | - |
| Enforcement | CCAS + CDFW | Contra Costa County Animal Services |
| Fines | $500-$10,000+ | - |
| Ferrets/Hedgehogs | - | ILLEGAL statewide — CA Code of Regulations §671 |
| Other Exotics | - | CDFW permit required |
| Reference | - | California Fish & Game Code §671 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Brentwood FAQ
Are ferrets legal in Brentwood?
No. California Title 14 CCR §671 prohibits private ferret ownership statewide. Brentwood cannot override this state ban, and ferrets may be seized by CDFW or Contra Costa Animal Services.
Can I own a sulcata tortoise?
Yes. Most captive-bred tortoises and turtles (except federally protected species) are legal. Check CDFW's restricted species list before acquiring any reptile to confirm current status.
Martinez FAQ
Can I own an exotic pet in Martinez?
Exotic animals are regulated under California Fish & Game Code and CA Code of Regulations §671. Ferrets and hedgehogs are illegal statewide. Other exotic species require a CDFW permit. Contra Costa County Animal Services enforces locally.
What exotic animals are prohibited in Martinez?
Ferrets/Hedgehogs: ILLEGAL statewide — CA Code of Regulations §671. Other Exotics: CDFW permit required. Enforcement: Contra Costa County Animal Services. Reference: California Fish & Game Code §671.
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