Exotic Pets: Santa Paula vs Thousand Oaks
How do exotic pets rules compare between Santa Paula, CA and Thousand Oaks, CA?
Santa Paula has fewer restrictions than Thousand Oaks.
Santa Paula, CA
Ventura County
Santa Paula follows California Department of Fish & Wildlife regulations on exotic pets. Ferrets are illegal statewide. Venomous reptiles, primates, and large cats are prohibited. Potbelly pigs may be allowed on larger lots with a conditional use permit.
View full Santa Paula rules →Thousand Oaks, CA
Ventura County
CA Code of Regulations Title 14 §671 prohibits most wild and exotic animals as pets statewide. LA County Code Title 10 adopted by Thousand Oaks prohibits additional exotic species. No local exemptions.
View full Thousand Oaks rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Santa Paula | Thousand Oaks |
|---|---|---|
| Ferrets | Illegal in California | - |
| Venomous Reptiles | Prohibited | - |
| Non-Venomous Reptiles | Allowed with containment | - |
| Potbelly Pigs | CUP required, 20,000+ sq ft | - |
| State Law | CA Fish & Game Code §2118 | - |
| State Ban | - | CA Code of Regs Title 14 §671 |
| LA County | - | Title 10 additional restrictions |
| Examples Banned | - | Big cats, primates, venomous reptiles |
| Topic | - | Exotic Pets |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Santa Paula FAQ
Can I have a ferret in Santa Paula?
No, ferrets are illegal as pets throughout California under Fish & Game Code §2118. This is a statewide ban, not just local.
Can I keep a pet snake in Santa Paula?
Non-venomous snakes and other non-venomous reptiles are allowed as pets with proper containment. Venomous species are prohibited.
What about miniature pigs?
Potbelly pigs may be allowed on lots of 20,000+ square feet with a conditional use permit. Contact Community Development at (805) 933-4214.
Thousand Oaks FAQ
What exotic pets are legal in Thousand Oaks?
California's restricted species list bans ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, most primates, and many other exotic animals statewide. Legal exotics include certain reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. Check the CA Fish & Wildlife restricted species list.
Are ferrets legal in Thousand Oaks?
No. Ferrets are illegal throughout California under Fish & Wildlife Code Section 2118. This is a state law that cities cannot override.
Who do I contact about exotic animal questions?
California Department of Fish & Wildlife at (916) 653-7664 for state restricted species questions. Ventura County Animal Services at (805) 388-4341 for local enforcement.
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