Exotic Pets: Chino vs Ontario
How do exotic pets rules compare between Chino, CA and Ontario, CA?
Chino and Ontario 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 →Ontario, CA
San Bernardino County
Ontario defers to California state law on exotic pets. CA Fish and Game Code and Title 14 Section 671 ban most wild species including big cats, bears, ferrets, hedgehogs, and sugar gliders without a permit.
View full Ontario rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| State prohibition | Cal. Fish & Game Code §2118 + 14 CCR §671 — restricted species list | - |
| Permitting agency | 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 | - |
| State Law | - | CA F and G 2118 and Title 14 Section 671 |
| Prohibited | - | Ferrets hedgehogs sugar gliders |
| Big Cats and Bears | - | Permit only |
| Ontario Role | - | Animal Services seizure authority |
| Permitted | - | Most parrots and common reptiles |
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.
Ontario FAQ
Are ferrets legal in Ontario?
No. Ferrets are illegal to own as pets throughout California under Title 14 Section 671. Ontario Animal Services can seize them.
Can I own a sugar glider or hedgehog?
No. Both are on California's restricted-species list and cannot be kept as pets without a rare state permit.
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