Exotic Pets: Fontana vs Rialto
How do exotic pets rules compare between Fontana, CA and Rialto, CA?
Fontana has fewer restrictions than Rialto.
Fontana, CA
San Bernardino County
California Code of Regulations Title 14 Section 671 bans a long list of exotic species statewide, including ferrets, hedgehogs, and most non-native wildlife. Fontana enforces these state rules through Chapter 4 and defers to CDFW permits for allowed species.
View full Fontana rules →Rialto, CA
San Bernardino County
Exotic and restricted species are primarily controlled by California state law, not local Rialto ordinance. Cal. Fish & Game Code § 2118 and 14 CCR § 671 prohibit private possession of most non-domesticated species (big cats, primates, venomous reptiles, ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders) without a CDFW restricted-species permit. Rialto Title 6 reinforces this by prohibiting wild / dangerous animals as a public nuisance.
View full Rialto rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fontana | Rialto |
|---|---|---|
| State Rule | CCR Title 14 Section 671 | - |
| Illegal in CA | Ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders | - |
| Needs Permit | Most native wildlife and big cats | - |
| Local Code | FMC Chapter 4 | - |
| Animal Services | (909) 350-7651 | - |
| State law | - | Cal. F&G Code § 2118 + 14 CCR § 671 |
| Banned (CA) | - | Ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, big cats, primates |
| Permit | - | CDFW restricted-species permit (very limited) |
| Fine | - | $1,000-$10,000 (§ 2125) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fontana FAQ
Can I own a pet ferret in Fontana?
No. Ferrets are illegal throughout California. Fontana enforces the state ban.
Are snakes and lizards legal?
Most common non-native reptiles are legal. Native California species usually require a permit.
Rialto FAQ
Can I keep a ferret or hedgehog in Rialto?
No. California state law (14 CCR § 671) lists both as restricted; private possession without a CDFW permit is prohibited statewide, including in Rialto.
What about a pet snake or large lizard?
Common non-venomous pet reptiles (corn snakes, ball pythons, bearded dragons, leopard geckos) are not on the restricted list. Venomous reptiles, crocodilians and large constrictors require state permits and may be barred under Rialto's nuisance/dangerous animal authority.
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