Exotic Pets: Brentwood vs Pittsburg
How do exotic pets rules compare between Brentwood, CA and Pittsburg, CA?
Brentwood and Pittsburg 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 →Pittsburg, CA
Contra Costa County
Exotic pets in Pittsburg are governed by California Fish and Game Code §2118 and Title 14 CCR §671, which prohibit keeping most wild and exotic species (primates, big cats, venomous reptiles, most wild birds) without a CDFW permit. Pittsburg enforces state law through Code Enforcement.
View full Pittsburg rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Brentwood | Pittsburg |
|---|---|---|
| State authority | 14 CCR §671 | - |
| Banned | Ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, monkeys | - |
| Permitted | Most captive-bred reptiles, small rodents | - |
| Enforcement | CCAS + CDFW | CDFW + Code Enforcement |
| Fines | $500-$10,000+ | - |
| Governing law | - | CA Fish & Game §2118, Title 14 CCR §671 |
| Ferrets | - | Illegal in CA |
| Hedgehogs/sugar gliders | - | Illegal in CA |
| Primates/big cats | - | Prohibited |
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.
Pittsburg FAQ
Can I own a ferret in Pittsburg?
No. Ferrets are prohibited throughout California under Title 14 CCR §671 regardless of local ordinance. This is a state-level ban.
Are bearded dragons and ball pythons legal?
Yes. Most common non-venomous pet reptiles including bearded dragons, leopard geckos, ball pythons, and corn snakes are allowed without a permit in California.
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