Exotic Pets: Hesperia vs Victorville
How do exotic pets rules compare between Hesperia, CA and Victorville, CA?
Hesperia and Victorville 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 →Victorville, CA
San Bernardino County
Exotic pets are tightly regulated in Victorville by California Fish and Game Code and CDFW restricted-species rules. Native Joshua tree habitat wildlife, desert tortoise, and most primates and large cats are prohibited.
View full Victorville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Hesperia | Victorville |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Rule | - | CCR Title 14 Section 671 |
| Banned | - | Primates big cats and wolves |
| Desert Tortoise | - | Fully protected state species |
| Joshua Tree | - | Protected under AB 122 |
| Legal Exotics | - | Most common reptiles |
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.
Victorville FAQ
Can I keep a desert tortoise found in my yard?
No. Desert tortoise is fully protected. Contact CDFW or a permitted rescue. Handling or keeping without a permit is illegal.
Are ferrets legal in Victorville?
No. California bans ferret ownership statewide under CCR Title 14 Section 671 without a specific CDFW permit.
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