Exotic Pets: Chino vs San Bernardino
How do exotic pets rules compare between Chino, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Chino and San Bernardino 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 →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
California Fish and Game Code and Title 14 CCR 671 prohibit most exotic pets including large cats, primates, and many reptiles. San Bernardino defers to state rules and county permitting.
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Primary Rule | - | 14 CCR 671 |
| Banned Species | - | Ferrets, hedgehogs, big cats, primates |
| Permitted Common Pets | - | Dogs, cats, parrots, fish |
| Enforcement | - | CDFW with local support |
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.
San Bernardino FAQ
Can I have a ferret in San Bernardino?
No. Ferrets are prohibited statewide under California Code of Regulations Title 14 section 671.
What about a hedgehog?
Hedgehogs are also prohibited under state law; the local code cannot override this.
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