Exotic Pets: Chino vs Hesperia
How do exotic pets rules compare between Chino, CA and Hesperia, CA?
Chino and Hesperia have similar restriction levels.
Chino, CA
San Bernardino County
California has one of the most restrictive exotic-pet regimes in the country: Cal. Fish & Game Code §2118 and 14 CCR §671 bar private possession of nearly all non-domesticated mammals (primates, bats, most carnivores other than dogs/cats), most non-domesticated birds, and many reptiles without a Restricted Species Permit from CDFW. Chino does not override this state floor; the Chino municipal code (Title 6 Animals) layers local dangerous-animal and licensing rules on top of state law.
View full Chino rules →Hesperia, CA
San Bernardino County
Hesperia does not authorize wild or exotic animals as pets by right. The Development Code's Animal Quantities Matrix (referenced in §16.20.690) provides that 'exotic animals are only allowed if approved as part of an exotic animal permit.' Independently, California Fish & Game Code §2118 and 14 CCR §671 list 'restricted species' (most non-domesticated mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians and fish) that may not be possessed in California without a permit from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). Common exotic pets such as ferrets, monkeys, large cats, hedgehogs, sugar gliders and many reptiles are prohibited or require a CDFW restricted-species permit.
View full Hesperia rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Hesperia |
|---|---|---|
| State prohibition | Cal. Fish & Game Code §2118 + 14 CCR §671 — restricted species list | - |
| Permitting agency | California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) | California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) |
| Penalty | Misdemeanor, fine up to $10,000, animal forfeiture (Cal. Fish & Game Code §2125) | - |
| Local layer | Chino Mun. Code Title 6 — dangerous-animal and licensing rules | - |
| Local rule | - | Hesperia Animal Quantities Matrix — 'exotic animals only allowed with exotic animal permit' |
| State statute | - | Cal. Fish & Game Code §2118; 14 CCR §671 (restricted species) |
| Common prohibited pets | - | Ferrets, monkeys, large cats, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, venomous reptiles |
| Native wildlife | - | Protected under Fish & Game Code §3005 — cannot be pets |
| Cruelty backstop | - | Cal. Penal Code §597 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chino FAQ
Can I legally own a monkey, fennec fox, or serval in Chino?
No. Primates, foxes, and servals are all on California's restricted species list (14 CCR §671) under Cal. Fish & Game Code §2118. CDFW does not issue Restricted Species Permits for pet ownership. Chino has no authority to grant an exception.
What about ferrets?
Domestic ferrets are restricted under 14 CCR §671 statewide, including in Chino. CDFW does not issue ferret pet permits.
Are common reptiles and parrots legal?
Species not listed in 14 CCR §671 (e.g., ball pythons, leopard geckos, cockatiels, parakeets) are generally lawful in Chino, subject to standard Title 6 humane-care and nuisance rules.
Hesperia FAQ
Can I keep a ferret or hedgehog in Hesperia?
No. Both are listed as restricted species under 14 CCR §671 and may not be possessed as pets in California, regardless of city rules.
What about a parrot or a domestic rabbit?
Domesticated species (rabbits, common pet birds like parrots) are not on the restricted list and are treated under the small-animal limits in §16.20.690.
Is there any way to legally keep a large reptile or big cat?
Only under a CDFW restricted-species permit issued under §2118 / 14 CCR §671 for narrow purposes such as research or exhibition — not as a private pet.
What if I find a baby coyote or raccoon?
Native wildlife is protected under Fish & Game Code §3005 and cannot be kept. Call Hesperia Animal Control (760) 947-1700 or CDFW for a licensed rehabilitator.
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