Exotic Pets: Martinez vs Walnut Creek
How do exotic pets rules compare between Martinez, CA and Walnut Creek, CA?
Martinez and Walnut Creek have similar restriction levels.
Martinez, CA
Contra Costa County
Exotic animals are regulated under California Fish & Game Code and CA Code of Regulations §671. Ferrets and hedgehogs are illegal statewide. Other exotic species require a CDFW permit. Contra Costa County Animal Services enforces locally.
View full Martinez rules →Walnut Creek, CA
Contra Costa County
California Fish & Game Code Section 2118 prohibits possession of most exotic and wild animals statewide, and Walnut Creek defers to state law; venomous reptiles, non-human primates, large cats, bears, wolves, and most native wildlife cannot be kept as pets anywhere in the city.
View full Walnut Creek rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Martinez | Walnut Creek |
|---|---|---|
| Ferrets/Hedgehogs | ILLEGAL statewide — CA Code of Regulations §671 | - |
| Other Exotics | CDFW permit required | - |
| Enforcement | Contra Costa County Animal Services | CDFW (state), not city |
| Reference | California Fish & Game Code §671 | - |
| Primary authority | - | CA Fish & Game Code 2118 |
| Regulation | - | 14 CCR 671 restricted species list |
| Ferrets | - | Prohibited statewide |
| Hedgehogs/sugar gliders | - | Prohibited statewide |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Martinez FAQ
Can I own an exotic pet in Martinez?
Exotic animals are regulated under California Fish & Game Code and CA Code of Regulations §671. Ferrets and hedgehogs are illegal statewide. Other exotic species require a CDFW permit. Contra Costa County Animal Services enforces locally.
What exotic animals are prohibited in Martinez?
Ferrets/Hedgehogs: ILLEGAL statewide — CA Code of Regulations §671. Other Exotics: CDFW permit required. Enforcement: Contra Costa County Animal Services. Reference: California Fish & Game Code §671.
Walnut Creek FAQ
Can I keep a ferret as a pet in Walnut Creek?
No. California is one of the few states that bans ferrets as pets under Fish & Game Code 2118 and 14 CCR 671. The prohibition applies statewide regardless of city; Walnut Creek cannot override state law.
Are sugar gliders or hedgehogs legal?
No, neither is legal to own as a pet in California. They are on the state restricted species list. CDFW enforces the ban and can seize animals illegally held in Walnut Creek or anywhere in the state.
Compare other topics
See how Martinez and Walnut Creek compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool