Exotic Pets: Menifee vs Palm Springs

Exotic pet keeping in Menifee is governed primarily by California state law. CCR Title 14 §671 (administered by California Department of Fish and Wildlife) lists restricted species — including most non-native wild mammals, reptiles, and birds — that may not be imported, transported, or possessed without a CDFW permit. Common exotics such as ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, monkeys, and most non-native venomous snakes are prohibited as pets statewide. Menifee defers to state law and Riverside County Department of Animal Services for enforcement; there is no separate local exotic-pet permit beyond zoning use limits.

Palm Springs follows California Code of Regulations Title 14 §671 and California Fish and Game Code §2118, which prohibit private ownership of most exotic animals including large cats, wolves, wolf hybrids, monkeys, ferrets, sugar gliders, hedgehogs, and venomous reptiles. Palm Springs Municipal Code Chapter 10.80 adds local restrictions, and violations are enforced by California Department of Fish and Wildlife and Riverside County Animal Services.