Exotic Pets: Hesperia vs Rancho Cucamonga
How do exotic pets rules compare between Hesperia, CA and Rancho Cucamonga, CA?
Hesperia and Rancho Cucamonga have similar restriction levels.
Hesperia, CA
San Bernardino County
Hesperia does not authorize wild or exotic animals as pets by right. The Development Code's Animal Quantities Matrix (referenced in §16.20.690) provides that 'exotic animals are only allowed if approved as part of an exotic animal permit.' Independently, California Fish & Game Code §2118 and 14 CCR §671 list 'restricted species' (most non-domesticated mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians and fish) that may not be possessed in California without a permit from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). Common exotic pets such as ferrets, monkeys, large cats, hedgehogs, sugar gliders and many reptiles are prohibited or require a CDFW restricted-species permit.
View full Hesperia rules →Rancho Cucamonga, CA
San Bernardino County
Rancho Cucamonga follows California Fish and Game Code section 2118, which bans exotic animals without a permit. Primates, big cats, venomous reptiles, and constrictors are prohibited.
View full Rancho Cucamonga rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Hesperia | Rancho Cucamonga |
|---|---|---|
| Local rule | Hesperia Animal Quantities Matrix — 'exotic animals only allowed with exotic animal permit' | - |
| State statute | Cal. Fish & Game Code §2118; 14 CCR §671 (restricted species) | - |
| Permitting agency | California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) | - |
| Common prohibited pets | Ferrets, monkeys, large cats, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, venomous reptiles | - |
| Native wildlife | Protected under Fish & Game Code §3005 — cannot be pets | - |
| Cruelty backstop | Cal. Penal Code §597 | - |
| State Law | - | CA Fish and Game Code 2118 |
| Banned | - | Primates, big cats, wolves, venomous reptiles |
| Also Banned | - | Ferrets (CA statewide) |
| Allowed | - | Parrots, rabbits, non-venomous small snakes |
| Enforcement | - | IVHS and CDFW |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Hesperia FAQ
Can I keep a ferret or hedgehog in Hesperia?
No. Both are listed as restricted species under 14 CCR §671 and may not be possessed as pets in California, regardless of city rules.
What about a parrot or a domestic rabbit?
Domesticated species (rabbits, common pet birds like parrots) are not on the restricted list and are treated under the small-animal limits in §16.20.690.
Is there any way to legally keep a large reptile or big cat?
Only under a CDFW restricted-species permit issued under §2118 / 14 CCR §671 for narrow purposes such as research or exhibition — not as a private pet.
What if I find a baby coyote or raccoon?
Native wildlife is protected under Fish & Game Code §3005 and cannot be kept. Call Hesperia Animal Control (760) 947-1700 or CDFW for a licensed rehabilitator.
Rancho Cucamonga FAQ
Can I own a ferret in Rancho Cucamonga?
No. Ferrets are illegal statewide in California under Fish and Game rules, regardless of city policy. Rancho Cucamonga animal control enforces the state ban.
What about a pet monkey or big cat?
Prohibited. Nonhuman primates and large cats are restricted wildlife under Title 14 CCR 671, requiring a state permit that is not issued for private pet ownership.
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