California's laws on exotic pet ownership are some of the strictest in the country.
Across the country people are keeping animals in their homes. Some of these animals are domesticated pets such as dogs and cats while others are known as exotic animals. An exotic animal ranges in definition from an alligator to a tiger, and a bear to a monkey. States regulate exotic animals, and in California there are strict ownership laws.
State Ban
In California, there is statewide ban on owning any exotic animal as a pet. The list of banned animals as pets in California is far too extensive to list. Dogs, cats, hamsters, horses and more "traditional" animals are allowed as pets in the State of California. While there is a statewide ban on possessing an exotic animal, specific counties have specific exotic pet laws.
Alameda, Contra Costa, Sonoma and Mendocino
Like Alameda and Contra Costa, one cannot even temporarily hold an exotic animal in the city limits of Mendocino and Sonoma.
San Diego County
Venomous reptiles are banned and illegal in San Diego County. Apart from possession of an exotic animal as a pet being banned, owning a venomous reptile is also banned. Furthermore, any animal owned must be registered, licensed and have the necessary permits in San Diego County.
Reasons
Exotic pet laws in California are designed with three things in mind. Protecting public health, animal welfare, and public safety are the three reasons for strict exotic pet laws in California.
Penalties
A person found to be in violation of the exotic pet laws in California and owning an animal from the banned list may face fines, imprisonment and loss of the animal. The animal will be sent to a safer place, confiscated or euthanized.
Owning a banned animal is a misdemeanor and may be punishable by imprisonment for up to three months, up to 500 hours of community service and being banned from owning an animal of any kind.
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