Exotic Pets: Carson vs Los Angeles
How do exotic pets rules compare between Carson, CA and Los Angeles, CA?
Carson and Los Angeles 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 →Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
LAMC 53.38 requires a permit from the Department of Animal Services to keep any wild, exotic, dangerous, or non-domestic animal or reptile. Keeping such animals must also conform to zoning regulations under LAMC Article 2, Chapter I. LAMC 53.39.1 separately regulates exhibition of wild or exotic animals in circus or performing animal shows.
View full Los Angeles rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Carson | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Permit Required | - | Dept of Animal Services permit |
| Code Section | - | LAMC 53.38 |
| Zoning | - | Must conform to LAMC Article 2, Ch. I |
| Exhibition | - | Separate permit under LAMC 53.39.1 |
| Fine | - | $250-$1,000 per animal without permit |
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.
Los Angeles FAQ
Can I keep an exotic pet in LA?
Only with a permit from the Department of Animal Services under LAMC 53.38. You must demonstrate adequate housing, proper zoning, and liability coverage. Some species are prohibited entirely under state and federal law regardless of local permits.
What happens if I'm caught with an unpermitted exotic animal?
You face misdemeanor charges with fines of $250-$1,000 per animal. The Department of Animal Services can seize the animal. You may also face state charges if the animal is a restricted species under California Fish and Game Code.
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