Exotic Pets: Brentwood vs Walnut Creek
How do exotic pets rules compare between Brentwood, CA and Walnut Creek, CA?
Brentwood and Walnut Creek 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 →Walnut Creek, CA
Contra Costa County
California Fish & Game Code Section 2118 prohibits possession of most exotic and wild animals statewide, and Walnut Creek defers to state law; venomous reptiles, non-human primates, large cats, bears, wolves, and most native wildlife cannot be kept as pets anywhere in the city.
View full Walnut Creek rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Brentwood | Walnut Creek |
|---|---|---|
| State authority | 14 CCR §671 | - |
| Banned | Ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, monkeys | - |
| Permitted | Most captive-bred reptiles, small rodents | - |
| Enforcement | CCAS + CDFW | CDFW (state), not city |
| Fines | $500-$10,000+ | - |
| Primary authority | - | CA Fish & Game Code 2118 |
| Regulation | - | 14 CCR 671 restricted species list |
| Ferrets | - | Prohibited statewide |
| Hedgehogs/sugar gliders | - | Prohibited statewide |
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.
Walnut Creek FAQ
Can I keep a ferret as a pet in Walnut Creek?
No. California is one of the few states that bans ferrets as pets under Fish & Game Code 2118 and 14 CCR 671. The prohibition applies statewide regardless of city; Walnut Creek cannot override state law.
Are sugar gliders or hedgehogs legal?
No, neither is legal to own as a pet in California. They are on the state restricted species list. CDFW enforces the ban and can seize animals illegally held in Walnut Creek or anywhere in the state.
Compare other topics
See how Brentwood and Walnut Creek compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool