Exotic Pets: Santa Paula vs Ventura
How do exotic pets rules compare between Santa Paula, CA and Ventura, CA?
Santa Paula has fewer restrictions than Ventura.
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 →Ventura, CA
Ventura County
Ventura has no local exotic-pet ordinance; the City defers to California's restricted-species framework, one of the strictest in the country. Cal. Fish & Game Code §2118 designates certain wild animals (most non-domesticated mammals, reptiles, and birds) as 'restricted species' that may not be possessed without a CDFW permit. CCR Title 14 §671 lists prohibited and restricted species - bans on private possession cover most monkeys, ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, large cats, wolves and wolf hybrids, certain reptiles (alligators, caimans, large constrictors), and most native wildlife. Endangered or fully protected species (§§5050, 5515 Fish & Game Code) cannot be privately owned at all. Inside Ventura, possession of an unpermitted restricted species also constitutes a zoning violation (animal keeping not authorized for the use) and a public nuisance under SBMC Div. 7. Dangerous-animal complaints are investigated by Ventura County Animal Services under the city's animal services contract.
View full Ventura rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Santa Paula | Ventura |
|---|---|---|
| Ferrets | Illegal in California | Prohibited statewide |
| Venomous Reptiles | Prohibited | - |
| Non-Venomous Reptiles | Allowed with containment | - |
| Potbelly Pigs | CUP required, 20,000+ sq ft | - |
| State Law | CA Fish & Game Code §2118 | - |
| City exotic pet ordinance | - | None - state law controls |
| State prohibited species list | - | CCR Title 14 §671 |
| Permit authority | - | Cal. Fish & Game Code §2118 |
| Penalty statute | - | Cal. Fish & Game Code §2125 (misdemeanor) |
| Primates | - | Prohibited as private pets |
| Enforcement | - | CDFW Wildlife Officers + Ventura County Animal Services |
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.
Ventura FAQ
Can I keep a ferret, monkey, or hedgehog in Ventura?
No. California's restricted-species list (CCR Title 14 §671) prohibits ferrets, non-human primates, and hedgehogs as private pets statewide. There is no local Ventura exception.
What about exotic reptiles like a ball python or bearded dragon?
Common pet reptiles (ball pythons, bearded dragons, leopard geckos, corn snakes) are not restricted. Large constrictors (Burmese pythons, anacondas) and venomous reptiles require CDFW permits. Native California reptiles (desert tortoises, kingsnakes) cannot be collected without a license.
Are sugar gliders legal in California?
No. Sugar gliders are restricted under CCR Title 14 §671 and may not be privately owned. Possession is a misdemeanor under Fish & Game Code §2125.
Who enforces exotic pet laws in Ventura?
CDFW Wildlife Officers enforce the restricted-species statutes. Ventura County Animal Services handles local response under the City's animal services contract; the City Police Department coordinates joint investigations.
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