Want a pet zebra or monkey in CA? See which exotic animals are legal to own
They say a dog is “man’s best friend,” but pets can come in all shapes and sizes.
However, not every animal is legal to keep as a companion in California.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife keeps a lengthy list of restricted animals that are illegal to own as pets in the Golden State. Getting caught with one can lead to serious consequences.
Here are which pets are illegal in California — and what happens if you break the rules:
Which animals are banned as pets in California?
California’s Fish and Game Code prohibits residents from owning any animals that are not native to California or are a threat to the state’s ecosystem.
That includes wild and domesticated critters.
“There are many concerns related to competition with native species, predation and potential disease transmission when any non-native animal is introduced into the wild,” the California Department of Fish and Wildlife said on its website.
According to state law, here are some of the pets that are banned in California:
- Wild birds including crows, jays and magpies
- Hedgehogs
- Bats
- Falcons
- Bears
- Lions
- Tigers
- Raccoons
- Marsupials, such as kangaroos
- All species of hamsters except domesticated golden (or Syrian) hamsters
- Wild fish including bass and herring
- Alligators and crocodiles
- Toads
- Salamanders
- Cabybaras
- Crayfish
- Slugs and snails
- Raccoons
- Squirrels
- Monkeys
- Ferrets
Are there any exceptions to California exotic pet law?
California law has some exceptions when it comes to importing, exporting, transporting or possessing exotic animals or non-releasable native wildlife, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
For instance, you can get a permit to keep certain restricted animals for specific purposes.
According to California’s Code of Regulations, these limited purposes include research, education, shelter or public exhibition.
“Permits are not issued to import or possess any wild animal for pet purposes,” the California Department of Fish and Wildlife said.
What are the penalties for owning illegal animals?
If you’re caught keeping an illegal animal, you could face serious financial and legal consequences, according to California Penal Code.
Possible penalties include having the animal taken from your care.
You could also be required to pay the costs of boarding, rehabilitating or relocating the animal for at least 30 days.
In addition, you might face misdemeanor criminal charges that carry a penalty of up to six months in jail. Fines can range from $500 to $10,000.
Which exotic animals can I legally own in California?
Though California has a long list of animals you cannot own, the list of exotic pets you can have might surprise you.
Restrictions can differ within city limits, so check with your local jurisdiction before bringing home your new companion.
According to the World Animal Foundation, here are a few of the exotic animals that are legal to keep as pets:
- Zebras, with the stipulation that owners must have worked with exotic animals (including zebras) for two years
- Monitor lizards
- American bison
- Second-generation wolf dogs (the offspring of wolf-dog hybrids and dogs)
- Camels
- Toucans
- Ostriches
This story was originally published September 20, 2025 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Want a pet zebra or monkey in CA? See which exotic animals are legal to own."
