Exotic Pets: Carson vs Inglewood
How do exotic pets rules compare between Carson, CA and Inglewood, CA?
Carson and Inglewood have similar restriction levels.
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 →Inglewood, CA
Los Angeles County
Inglewood follows California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations on exotic animal ownership. Most wild, venomous, and large exotic animals are prohibited. Permits may be required for certain species.
View full Inglewood rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Carson | Inglewood |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| State Law | - | CA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife regulations |
| Prohibited | - | Large cats, primates, venomous reptiles |
| Allowed | - | Non-venomous reptiles, small birds, fish |
| Permits | - | Required for certain species |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Inglewood FAQ
Can I own an exotic pet in Inglewood?
It depends on the species. California law prohibits most wild and venomous animals. Common exotic pets like non-venomous reptiles and small birds are generally allowed.
Do I need a permit for a pet snake in Inglewood?
Non-venomous snakes are generally allowed without special permits. Venomous snakes are prohibited under California state law.
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