Exotic Pets: Chino vs Victorville
How do exotic pets rules compare between Chino, CA and Victorville, CA?
Chino and Victorville 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 →Victorville, CA
San Bernardino County
Exotic pets are tightly regulated in Victorville by California Fish and Game Code and CDFW restricted-species rules. Native Joshua tree habitat wildlife, desert tortoise, and most primates and large cats are prohibited.
View full Victorville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Victorville |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Rule | - | CCR Title 14 Section 671 |
| Banned | - | Primates big cats and wolves |
| Desert Tortoise | - | Fully protected state species |
| Joshua Tree | - | Protected under AB 122 |
| Legal Exotics | - | Most 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.
Victorville FAQ
Can I keep a desert tortoise found in my yard?
No. Desert tortoise is fully protected. Contact CDFW or a permitted rescue. Handling or keeping without a permit is illegal.
Are ferrets legal in Victorville?
No. California bans ferret ownership statewide under CCR Title 14 Section 671 without a specific CDFW permit.
Compare other topics
See how Chino and Victorville compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool