Exotic Pets: Rialto vs Victorville
How do exotic pets rules compare between Rialto, CA and Victorville, CA?
Rialto and Victorville have similar restriction levels.
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 →Victorville, CA
San Bernardino County
Exotic pets are tightly regulated in Victorville by California Fish and Game Code and CDFW restricted-species rules. Native Joshua tree habitat wildlife, desert tortoise, and most primates and large cats are prohibited.
View full Victorville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Rialto | Victorville |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | - |
| State Rule | - | CCR Title 14 Section 671 |
| Banned | - | Primates big cats and wolves |
| Desert Tortoise | - | Fully protected state species |
| Joshua Tree | - | Protected under AB 122 |
| Legal Exotics | - | Most common reptiles |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Victorville FAQ
Can I keep a desert tortoise found in my yard?
No. Desert tortoise is fully protected. Contact CDFW or a permitted rescue. Handling or keeping without a permit is illegal.
Are ferrets legal in Victorville?
No. California bans ferret ownership statewide under CCR Title 14 Section 671 without a specific CDFW permit.
Compare other topics
See how Rialto and Victorville 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