Exotic Pets: Ontario vs Rialto
How do exotic pets rules compare between Ontario, CA and Rialto, CA?
Ontario and Rialto have similar restriction levels.
Ontario, CA
San Bernardino County
Ontario defers to California state law on exotic pets. CA Fish and Game Code and Title 14 Section 671 ban most wild species including big cats, bears, ferrets, hedgehogs, and sugar gliders without a permit.
View full Ontario rules →Rialto, CA
San Bernardino County
Exotic and restricted species are primarily controlled by California state law, not local Rialto ordinance. Cal. Fish & Game Code § 2118 and 14 CCR § 671 prohibit private possession of most non-domesticated species (big cats, primates, venomous reptiles, ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders) without a CDFW restricted-species permit. Rialto Title 6 reinforces this by prohibiting wild / dangerous animals as a public nuisance.
View full Rialto rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Ontario | Rialto |
|---|---|---|
| State Law | CA F and G 2118 and Title 14 Section 671 | - |
| Prohibited | Ferrets hedgehogs sugar gliders | - |
| Big Cats and Bears | Permit only | - |
| Ontario Role | Animal Services seizure authority | - |
| Permitted | Most parrots and common reptiles | - |
| State law | - | Cal. F&G Code § 2118 + 14 CCR § 671 |
| Banned (CA) | - | Ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, big cats, primates |
| Permit | - | CDFW restricted-species permit (very limited) |
| Fine | - | $1,000-$10,000 (§ 2125) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Ontario FAQ
Are ferrets legal in Ontario?
No. Ferrets are illegal to own as pets throughout California under Title 14 Section 671. Ontario Animal Services can seize them.
Can I own a sugar glider or hedgehog?
No. Both are on California's restricted-species list and cannot be kept as pets without a rare state permit.
Rialto FAQ
Can I keep a ferret or hedgehog in Rialto?
No. California state law (14 CCR § 671) lists both as restricted; private possession without a CDFW permit is prohibited statewide, including in Rialto.
What about a pet snake or large lizard?
Common non-venomous pet reptiles (corn snakes, ball pythons, bearded dragons, leopard geckos) are not on the restricted list. Venomous reptiles, crocodilians and large constrictors require state permits and may be barred under Rialto's nuisance/dangerous animal authority.
Compare other topics
See how Ontario and Rialto 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