Exotic Pets: Hesperia vs Rialto
How do exotic pets rules compare between Hesperia, CA and Rialto, CA?
Hesperia and Rialto 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 →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 | Hesperia | Rialto |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - | 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.
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.
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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