Is it legal to own a serval in California?
The short answer
No. Servals and all other non-domestic cats are restricted species in California. No pet permits are issued. Even first-generation Savannah cat hybrids face scrutiny, though later-generation Savannahs are treated as domestic cats.
What California law says
14 CCR §671 restricts the family Felidae apart from domestic cats. CDFW permits are limited to institutions. California treats F2+ Savannah cats as domestic; early-generation hybrids sit in a gray zone where CDFW has taken enforcement interest.
Which agency regulates servals in California
California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is the authority for serval (Leptailurus serval) possession in California.
Is there a permit for pet servals?
No. There is no permit pathway that allows private pet ownership. CDFW issues restricted species permits only for research, public exhibition, education, or sheltering — never for personal pets.
Penalties for owning a serval illegally
Misdemeanor possession: fines commonly $500–$10,000 plus costs (including care and removal of the animal), up to 6 months in jail, and seizure. CDFW actively enforces, including at borders and via online-sale investigations.
Local city and county rules
No local rule can override the statewide restriction — California's list controls everywhere in the state.
Frequently asked questions
Are Savannah cats legal in California?
Later-generation Savannah cats (F2 and beyond by common practice) are treated as domestic cats and are legal. Pure servals and F1 hybrids are restricted.
Could I house my serval just across the border?
Nevada and Arizona have different rules — but transporting a restricted animal through California, even in transit, requires CDFW transport permits.
Sources
More animals in California
- Is it legal to own a raccoon in California?
- Is it legal to own a monkey in California?
- Is it legal to own a fennec fox in California?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in California page, or compare every state on the pet serval laws by state page.
Last verified 2026-07-02 against the cited primary sources. This is a research directory, not legal advice — confirm current rules with California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.