Exotic Pets: Carson vs Pomona
How do exotic pets rules compare between Carson, CA and Pomona, CA?
Carson and Pomona 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 →Pomona, CA
Los Angeles County
Exotic pet ownership in Pomona is governed by California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations (Title 14, Section 671) and Pomona City Code Chapter 6. Most exotic animals including ferrets, hedgehogs, monkeys, and large reptiles are prohibited statewide.
View full Pomona rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Carson | Pomona |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Regulation | - | CA Title 14, §671 |
| Local Code | - | Ch. 6 (Animals) |
| Prohibited | - | Ferrets, hedgehogs, monkeys, large snakes |
| Permit Required | - | CA DFW restricted species permit |
| Max Fine | - | Up to $10,000 (state) |
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.
Pomona FAQ
Can I own a ferret in Pomona?
No. Ferrets are prohibited throughout California under Title 14, Section 671 of the California Code of Regulations. No local exemption exists in Pomona.
What exotic pets are legal in Pomona?
Most exotic animals are prohibited by state law. Exceptions include certain reptiles (non-venomous small snakes, some lizards), pot-bellied pigs (with restrictions), and miniature goats in appropriate zones.
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