California Statewide Rule
California Bans Keeping Restricted Exotic Animals Without a Permit
Key Facts
- Governing statute
- Fish & Game Code § 2118
- Restricted list
- Title 14 CCR § 671
- Enforcing agency
- Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor, up to $1,000
- Jail
- Up to six months
Summary
California prohibits importing, transporting, or possessing wild and exotic animals classified as restricted species, including ferrets, hedgehogs, monkeys, sugar gliders, and most big cats, unless you hold a revocable permit from the Department of Fish and Wildlife, which is not issued for ordinary pet keeping.
It is unlawful to import, transport, possess, or release alive into this state, except under a revocable, nontransferable permit as provided in this chapter and the regulations pertaining thereto, any wild animal of the following species:
Full Breakdown
Fish and Game Code Section 2118 makes it unlawful to import, transport, possess, or release alive any wild animal on the restricted list except under a revocable, nontransferable permit. Title 14 CCR Section 671 sets the full restricted-species list and requires a Restricted Species Permit for anyone who imports, exports, transports, or possesses those animals. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife issues these permits for uses such as research, exhibition, and aquaculture, not for keeping the animal as a household pet. Permit fees run from roughly $79.83 to $1,297.00. Banned pets include ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, monkeys and other primates, and most large exotic cats.
Violations & Penalties
A violation is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in county jail or a fine of up to $1,000 under Fish and Game Code Section 2125, plus seizure of the animal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I own a ferret in California?
Are any exotic pets legal in California?
What happens if I keep a banned exotic pet?
Sources
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