Exotic Pets: Lincoln vs Rocklin
How do exotic pets rules compare between Lincoln, CA and Rocklin, CA?
Lincoln and Rocklin have similar restriction levels.
Lincoln, CA
Placer County
California Fish and Game Code §2118 preempts most exotic-pet rules in Lincoln, prohibiting possession of primates, most non-domestic carnivores, crocodilians, piranhas, and many other species without a state permit; Lincoln Municipal Code Title 6 supplements with local impound and dangerous-animal authority.
View full Lincoln rules →Rocklin, CA
Placer County
California has one of the strictest exotic-pet regimes in the country, and Rocklin defers primarily to state law. Cal. Code of Regulations Title 14, § 671 (Department of Fish and Wildlife - Importation, Transportation, and Possession of Wild Animals) prohibits possession of most wild and exotic species - including ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, monkeys, large cats, most parrots not captive-bred, and many reptiles - without a CDFW permit. Rocklin Municipal Code Ch. 6.32 (Potentially Dangerous and Vicious Animals) and Ch. 6.04 definitions provide local enforcement hooks; Title 6 generally tracks the state prohibition list.
View full Rocklin rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Lincoln | Rocklin |
|---|---|---|
| Primary law | Cal. Fish & Game Code §2118 | - |
| Permit issuer | California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife | - |
| Permit fees | Set by 14 CCR §703 | - |
| Local impound | Placer County Animal Services | - |
| Common allowed pets | Dogs, cats, domestic rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs | - |
| State rule | - | 14 CCR § 671 (Calif. Dept. of Fish and Wildlife restricted species list) |
| Common banned pets | - | Ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, monkeys, large cats, raccoons, skunks, monk parakeets |
| Allowed without permit | - | Dogs, cats, parakeets, cockatiels, hamsters, rabbits, captive-bred common reptiles |
| Local hook | - | Rocklin Mun. Code Ch. 6.32 - Potentially Dangerous and Vicious Animals |
| Penalty | - | Misdemeanor; up to $1,000 fine plus animal seizure |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Lincoln FAQ
Can I own a ferret, hedgehog, or sugar glider in Lincoln?
No without a CDFW permit. Ferrets and sugar gliders are restricted under Cal. Fish & Game Code §2118 and 14 CCR §671. Hedgehogs are also restricted in California. Lincoln cannot override the state list.
What about reptiles like ball pythons or bearded dragons?
Most non-venomous snakes and common pet lizards are not restricted under §2118, but all crocodilians (alligators, caimans) are. Always cross-check the current 14 CCR §671 list before purchasing.
Who do I report a suspected exotic animal to?
Call Placer County Animal Services at 530-886-5500 or CDFW's CalTIP line at 1-888-334-2258. CDFW wardens have authority to seize restricted species.
Rocklin FAQ
Can I keep a ferret as a pet in Rocklin?
No. Ferrets are prohibited statewide under 14 CCR § 671. California is one of only two U.S. states (with Hawaii) that bans pet ferrets. Rocklin cannot override the state ban.
What about hedgehogs or sugar gliders?
Both are banned statewide under 14 CCR § 671. They cannot legally be kept as pets in Rocklin without a special-use CDFW permit, which is generally not issued for pet purposes.
Are bearded dragons and ball pythons legal?
Yes. Captive-bred common reptiles like bearded dragons, leopard geckos, ball pythons, corn snakes, and crested geckos are not on the 14 CCR § 671 list and may be kept without a state permit. Local nuisance/sanitation rules still apply.
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