Exotic Pets: Carson vs Santa Monica
How do exotic pets rules compare between Carson, CA and Santa Monica, CA?
Carson and Santa Monica 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 →Santa Monica, CA
Los Angeles County
Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 4.04.162 prohibits wild animals, venomous reptiles, and monkeys without a permit from the Animal Control Officer. All snakes, reptiles, non-human primates, arachnids, and birds are banned from City parks, beaches, the Pier, and the Third Street Promenade.
View full Santa Monica rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Carson | Santa Monica |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - | Wild animals, reptiles, monkeys |
| Banned in Parks | - | Snakes, primates, arachnids |
| Exemptions | - | Events, film permits, wildlife |
| Code | - | SMMC §4.04.162 |
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.
Santa Monica FAQ
Can I keep an exotic pet in Santa Monica?
Wild animals, venomous reptiles, and monkeys require a permit from the Animal Control Officer. Most exotic species are also restricted under California law (14 CCR §671). Standard domestic pets are allowed.
Can I bring my pet snake to the beach in Santa Monica?
No. All snakes, reptiles, non-human primates, arachnids, and birds are prohibited from City parks, beaches, the Pier, Ocean Front Walk, and the Third Street Promenade under Section 4.04.162.
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