Exotic Pets: Ojai vs Ventura
How do exotic pets rules compare between Ojai, CA and Ventura, CA?
Ojai and Ventura have similar restriction levels.
Ojai, CA
Ventura County
Exotic animals regulated by CA Fish & Game Code and CDFW. Ferrets and hedgehogs illegal statewide (CA Code of Regulations §671). Ventura County Animal Services enforces.
View full Ojai rules →Ventura, CA
Ventura County
CA Code of Regulations Title 14 §671 prohibits most wild and exotic animals as pets statewide. Ventura County Animal Services enforces additional local restrictions. No local exemptions for prohibited species.
View full Ventura rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Ojai | Ventura |
|---|---|---|
| Ferrets | Illegal statewide (CA Code Regs §671) | - |
| Hedgehogs | Illegal statewide | - |
| Most Reptiles | Legal without permit | - |
| Enforcement | Ventura County Animal Services / CDFW | Ventura County Animal Services |
| State Ban | - | CA Code of Regs Title 14 §671 |
| Examples Banned | - | Big cats, primates, venomous reptiles |
| Topic | - | Exotic Pets |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Ojai FAQ
Can I keep a ferret in Ojai?
No. Ferrets are prohibited throughout California under Fish and Game Code Section 2118. This is a state law, not a local one, and there are no exemptions for pet ownership.
What exotic pets are legal in California?
Some exotic pets allowed with no permit include certain non-venomous reptiles, fish, and small rodents. Others like hedgehogs, ferrets, and primates are banned. Check with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for the current restricted species list.
Who handles exotic animal issues in Ojai?
Ventura County Animal Services at (805) 388-4341 handles domestic exotic animal complaints. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife handles wildlife issues. Call 911 if a dangerous exotic animal is loose.
Ventura FAQ
What exotic pets are legal in Ventura?
California bans ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, most primates, and many others statewide. Legal exotics include certain reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. Check the CA Fish & Wildlife restricted species list.
Are ferrets legal in Ventura?
No. Ferrets are illegal throughout California under Fish & Wildlife Code Section 2118.
Who handles exotic animal issues?
California Department of Fish & Wildlife at (916) 653-7664 for state law questions. Ventura County Animal Services at (805) 388-4341 for local complaints.
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