Exotic pet laws in California
Every animal in our directory, checked against California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) rules and California statute. Click any animal for the full entry — the exact law, penalties, permits, and local caveats.
All animals: status at a glance
| Animal | Status | Statute | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raccoon | Banned | 14 CCR §671 (restricted species) | 2026-07-02 |
| Monkey | Banned | 14 CCR §671 (restricted species) | 2026-07-02 |
| Serval | Banned | 14 CCR §671 (restricted species) | 2026-07-02 |
| Fennec Fox | Banned | 14 CCR §671 (restricted species) | 2026-07-02 |
| Sugar Glider | Banned | 14 CCR §671 (restricted species) | 2026-07-02 |
| Hedgehog | Banned | Cal. Code Regs. tit. 14, §671 | 2026-07-13 |
| Ferret | Banned | Cal. Fish & Game Code §2118 | 2026-07-13 |
Animals banned in California
- Raccoon — Restricted species — banned as pets, with no pet permit pathway
- Monkey — All primates restricted — banned as pets statewide
- Serval — Restricted species — all non-domestic cats banned as pets
- Fennec Fox — Restricted species — all non-domestic canids banned as pets
- Sugar Glider — Restricted — banned as pets along with all non-listed exotic mammals
- Hedgehog — Banned — all hedgehogs are restricted species under 14 CCR §671
- Ferret — Banned statewide — restricted species; no pet permits are issued
How California regulates exotic pets
Primary authority sits with California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). Statewide statute sets the floor; cities and counties frequently layer stricter bans on top, so always check your municipal code as well as the entries above.
Research directory, not legal advice. Verify current rules with California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) before acquiring any animal.