Los Angeles vs New York
How do exotic pets rules compare between Los Angeles, CA and New York, NY?
Los Angeles and New York have similar restriction levels.
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
LAMC 53.38 requires a permit from the Department of Animal Services to keep any wild, exotic, dangerous, or non-domestic animal or reptile. Keeping such animals must also conform to zoning regulations under LAMC Article 2, Chapter I. LAMC 53.39.1 separately regulates exhibition of wild or exotic animals in circus or performing animal shows.
View full Los Angeles rules →New York, NY
New York County
NYC Health Code §161.01 prohibits keeping wild or exotic animals as pets, including all non-domesticated mammals, reptiles over certain sizes, and venomous animals. The ban covers ferrets, which are specifically prohibited under §161.01(b)(10). Violations carry fines and animal seizure.
View full New York rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Los Angeles | New York |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Required | Dept of Animal Services permit | - |
| Code Section | LAMC 53.38 | - |
| Zoning | Must conform to LAMC Article 2, Ch. I | - |
| Exhibition | Separate permit under LAMC 53.39.1 | - |
| Fine | $250-$1,000 per animal without permit | - |
| Banned Animals | - | Primates, large cats, wolves, ferrets |
| Ferret Ban | - | Specifically prohibited §161.01(b)(10) |
| Hedgehogs | - | Prohibited |
| First Offense | - | $200–$2,000 fine + seizure |
| Code | - | Health Code §161.01 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Los Angeles FAQ
Can I keep an exotic pet in LA?
Only with a permit from the Department of Animal Services under LAMC 53.38. You must demonstrate adequate housing, proper zoning, and liability coverage. Some species are prohibited entirely under state and federal law regardless of local permits.
What happens if I'm caught with an unpermitted exotic animal?
You face misdemeanor charges with fines of $250-$1,000 per animal. The Department of Animal Services can seize the animal. You may also face state charges if the animal is a restricted species under California Fish and Game Code.
New York FAQ
Can I keep a ferret in NYC?
No. Ferrets are specifically prohibited under NYC Health Code §161.01(b)(10). NYC is one of the few US cities that bans ferrets outright, despite them being legal in New York State. Violations carry fines of $200–$2,000 and seizure.
What exotic pets are legal in NYC?
Very few. You may keep domesticated dogs, cats, small caged birds, tropical fish, guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, and small non-venomous reptiles. All wild, non-domesticated, venomous, or large animals are prohibited under Health Code §161.01.
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