Exotic Pets: El Monte vs Los Angeles
How do exotic pets rules compare between El Monte, CA and Los Angeles, CA?
El Monte and Los Angeles have similar restriction levels.
El Monte, CA
Los Angeles County
Because El Monte enforces LA County animal regulations by contract, any 'wild animal' — defined broadly to include non-domestic, exotic, or dangerous animals — requires a license from LA County Animal Care & Control before being kept.
View full El Monte rules →Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
LAMC 53.38 requires a permit from the Department of Animal Services to keep any wild, exotic, dangerous, or non-domestic animal or reptile. Keeping such animals must also conform to zoning regulations under LAMC Article 2, Chapter I. LAMC 53.39.1 separately regulates exhibition of wild or exotic animals in circus or performing animal shows.
View full Los Angeles rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | El Monte | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Wild-animal license | Required per LACC §10.28.060 | - |
| State restricted species | Need CDFW permit per F&G §2118 / 14 CCR §671 | - |
| Exempt pets | Canaries, tropical fish, domesticated rodents, etc. | - |
| Ferrets | Banned statewide as restricted species | - |
| Enforcement | LA County DACC + CDFW | - |
| Permit Required | - | Dept of Animal Services permit |
| Code Section | - | LAMC 53.38 |
| Zoning | - | Must conform to LAMC Article 2, Ch. I |
| Exhibition | - | Separate permit under LAMC 53.39.1 |
| Fine | - | $250-$1,000 per animal without permit |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
El Monte FAQ
Can I keep a ferret, sugar glider, or hedgehog in El Monte?
Ferrets and sugar gliders are restricted species under 14 CCR §671 and cannot be kept as pets in California without a state permit (which is not granted for pet purposes). Hedgehogs are also restricted. CDFW enforces these statewide.
Do I need a permit for a snake or large reptile?
Common pet reptiles (corn snakes, ball pythons, leopard geckos) are exempt. Constrictors over a certain size, venomous snakes, crocodilians and tortoises listed in §671 require a CDFW restricted-species permit, and LA County may require an additional wild-animal license.
What's the penalty for an unlicensed exotic pet?
Misdemeanor under LA County Code §10.40.010 and California Fish & Game Code §2125 — up to $1,000 fine and 6 months in county jail, plus seizure of the animal.
Los Angeles FAQ
Can I keep an exotic pet in LA?
Only with a permit from the Department of Animal Services under LAMC 53.38. You must demonstrate adequate housing, proper zoning, and liability coverage. Some species are prohibited entirely under state and federal law regardless of local permits.
What happens if I'm caught with an unpermitted exotic animal?
You face misdemeanor charges with fines of $250-$1,000 per animal. The Department of Animal Services can seize the animal. You may also face state charges if the animal is a restricted species under California Fish and Game Code.
Compare other topics
See how El Monte and Los Angeles 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