Exotic Pets: Daly City vs San Mateo
How do exotic pets rules compare between Daly City, CA and San Mateo, CA?
San Mateo has fewer restrictions than Daly City.
Daly City, CA
San Mateo County
Exotic-pet keeping in Daly City is governed primarily by California state law, which is one of the strictest exotic-pet regimes in the U.S. Cal. Fish & Game Code §2118 makes it unlawful to import, transport, possess, or release alive in California a long list of restricted species - including all non-human primates, most carnivores (other than domestic dogs and cats), elephants, most hoofed animals, all crocodilians, piranhas, certain rodents, and many bird species - without a state permit. 'Wild animal' is defined in Cal. Fish & Game Code §2116. Daly City's local code (Title 6 Animals) layers nuisance and dangerous-animal enforcement on top of the state ban.
View full Daly City rules →San Mateo, CA
San Mateo County
San Mateo follows California CDFW regulations banning many exotic species. Local animal code may restrict wild or dangerous animals. Contact Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA for guidance on specific animals.
View full San Mateo rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Daly City | San Mateo |
|---|---|---|
| State ban | Cal. Fish & Game Code §2118 | - |
| Defined 'wild animal' | Cal. Fish & Game Code §2116 | - |
| Permit issuer | California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) | - |
| Examples banned | Primates, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, ferrets*, crocodilians (*ferret ban is statewide) | - |
| Local layer | Daly City Muni Code Title 6 (Animals) | - |
| CA State Ban | - | Many exotic species prohibited by CDFW |
| Local Permits | - | May be required for exotic animals |
| Contact | - | Peninsula Humane Society (650) 340-8200 |
| Authority | - | CA Fish & Game Code; local animal code |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Daly City FAQ
Can I keep a hedgehog, sugar glider, or ferret in Daly City?
No. California bans possession of all three under Cal. Fish & Game Code §2118 and the implementing CDFW regulations. The state ban applies in every city, including Daly City. Possession is a misdemeanor with fines up to $10,000 per animal, and CDFW can confiscate the animal.
What about reptiles like ball pythons or bearded dragons?
Most commonly sold pet reptiles (ball pythons, corn snakes, bearded dragons, leopard geckos) are not on the restricted list. However, all crocodilians (alligators, caimans), Gila monsters, and certain large constrictors are prohibited. Check the current CDFW restricted species list before acquiring any reptile.
How is the law enforced locally?
CDFW wardens enforce Cal. Fish & Game Code §2118 statewide, and local animal control (the Peninsula Humane Society/SPCA contracts with San Mateo County jurisdictions) can refer cases. Daly City Title 6 (Animals) lets the city pursue a parallel nuisance and dangerous-animal action under Title 1's general-penalty provisions.
San Mateo FAQ
Can I own an exotic pet in San Mateo?
San Mateo follows California CDFW regulations banning many exotic species. Local animal code may restrict wild or dangerous animals. Contact Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA for guidance on specific animals.
What exotic animals are prohibited in San Mateo?
CA State Ban: Many exotic species prohibited by CDFW. Local Permits: May be required for exotic animals. Contact: Peninsula Humane Society (650) 340-8200. Authority: CA Fish & Game Code; local animal code.
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