Exotic Pets: Fairfield vs Vacaville
How do exotic pets rules compare between Fairfield, CA and Vacaville, CA?
Vacaville has fewer restrictions than Fairfield.
Fairfield, CA
Solano County
Fairfield prohibits keeping any wild species at large within the city, and California Code of Regulations Title 14 Section 671 separately bans private possession of restricted exotic species statewide, including most large cats, primates, bears, and venomous reptiles.
View full Fairfield rules →Vacaville, CA
Solano County
Vacaville Municipal Code Chapter 6.04 prohibits wild species from running at large or being pastured/staked in the City. Possession of restricted species (large cats, monkeys, venomous snakes, alligators, ferrets) is controlled primarily by California Code of Regulations Title 14 Section 671 and the California Department of Fish & Wildlife, which requires a Restricted Species Permit. VMC Chapter 6.16 (Dangerous Animals) reinforces the prohibition on possessing any animal another jurisdiction has deemed dangerous, vicious, or a threat to safety.
View full Vacaville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fairfield | Vacaville |
|---|---|---|
| Local rule | Wild species may not run at large in Fairfield | - |
| State law | 14 CCR Section 671 restricted species list | - |
| Examples banned | Big cats, bears, primates, ferrets, hedgehogs | - |
| Permits | CDFW only, generally for zoos and researchers | CDFW (916-651-5004) |
| Enforcement | Fairfield Code Compliance and CDFW | - |
| Primary State Rule | - | Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 14 Sec. 671 |
| Ferrets | - | Illegal statewide |
| Big Cats / Primates | - | CDFW Restricted Species Permit only |
| Local Code | - | VMC Ch. 6.04 + 6.16 |
| Common Reptiles | - | Allowed (ball python, corn snake) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fairfield FAQ
Are ferrets legal in Fairfield?
No. Ferrets are listed as a restricted species under 14 CCR Section 671 and may not be possessed as pets anywhere in California, including Fairfield.
Can I keep a serval or hybrid wild cat?
No. Servals and similar non-domestic felines are restricted species under state law. The hybrid status does not exempt the animal unless it falls within the narrow domestic cat genetics the CDFW accepts.
Vacaville FAQ
Can I own a ferret in Vacaville?
No. Ferrets are illegal as pets throughout California under California Code of Regulations Title 14 Section 671. This is a statewide rule that Vacaville and the rest of the state enforce.
Are pet snakes legal in Vacaville?
Common non-native species like ball pythons and corn snakes are legal. Most native California snakes and all venomous species are restricted under CCR Title 14 Section 671 and require a Restricted Species Permit from the California Department of Fish & Wildlife.
What about a serval, monkey, or big cat?
These are restricted species under CCR Title 14 Section 671. Personal pet ownership is generally not allowed; only zoos, research institutions, and licensed exhibitors with CDFW Restricted Species Permits may possess them in California.
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