Curious about what exotic pets are legal in California? Then read on! Please note that this is not an all inclusive list, but only includes animals we personally work here at Exotic Pet Wonderland. (And bats. We don’t work with those we just get a lot of questions about them.)
Questions about an animal not on this page? Send us an email and we will find out!
Relevant Exotic Pet Laws for California
Here are the actual laws exotic pet laws for the state of California. Please note that exotic pet laws are often unclear, and contacting your state’s game department is always the best bet to clarify.
Are Pet Foxes Legal In California?
No. No species of pet fox is legal in California. For more information on individual species, please read below.
Are Arctic Foxes Legal In California?
No, pet arctic foxes are not legal in California. You cannot keep an arctic fox as a pet in California.
Are Red Foxes Legal In California?
No, pet red foxes are not legal in California. You cannot keep a red fox as a pet in California.
Are Fennec Foxes Legal In California?
No, pet fennec foxes are not legal in California. You cannot keep a fennec fox as a pet in California.
Are Pale Foxes Legal In California?
No, pet pale foxes are not legal in California. You cannot keep a pale fox as a pet in California.
Are Gray Foxes Legal In California?
Are Tanuki's/Raccoon Dogs Legal In California?
No, pet raccoon dogs/tanukis are not legal in California, or an any other state. Read more information on why raccoon dogs are illegal everywhere here.
Are Mink Legal in California?
No, pet mink are not legal in California. You cannot keep a mink as a pet in California.
Are Raccoons Legal In California?
No, pet raccoons are not legal in California. You cannot keep a raccoon as a pet in California.
Are Coyotes Legal In California?
No, pet coyotes are not legal in California. You cannot keep a coyote as a pet in California.
Are Coydogs Legal In California?
Coming soon
Are Lynx Legal in California?
No, pet lynx are not legal in California. You cannot keep a Lynx as a pet in California.
Are Bobcats Legal In California?
No, pet bobcats are not legal in California. You cannot keep a bobcat as a pet in California.
Are Wolfdogs Legal In California?
Yes, pet wolfdogs are legal in California. You can keep a wolfdog as a pet in California so long as it is not an F1 hybrid (meaning one of the dog’s parents is a full-blooded wolf)
California law states:
“Wolf hybrids Canis familiaris (domestic dog) x Canis lupus (wolf) are considered
F1 generation wolf hybrids and are restricted (W).
i. No state permit is required to possess the progeny of F1 generation
wolf hybrids, but cities and counties may prohibit possession or require
a permit.”
Are Servals Legal In California?
No, pet servals are not legal in California. You cannot keep a serval as a pet in California.
Are Savannah Cats Legal In California?
Yes, pet Savannah cats are legal in California. You can keep a Savannah cat as a pet in California as according to California state law: “Domestic cats and hybrids of domestic cats are not restricted.”
Are Asian Leopard Cats Legal in California?
No, pet Asian leopard cats are not legal in California. You cannot keep an Asian leopard cat as a pet in California.
Are Bengal Cats Legal In California?
Yes, pet Bengal cats are legal in California. You can keep a Bengal cat as a pet in California as according to California state law: “Domestic cats and hybrids of domestic cats are not restricted.”
Are Skunks Legal In California?
No, pet skunks are not legal in California. You cannot keep a skunk as a pet in California.
Are Opossums Legal In California?
No, pet opossums are not legal in California. You cannot keep an opossum as a pet in California.
Are Bats Legal In California?
No, pet bats are not legal in California. You cannot keep a bat as a pet in California.
Did you enjoy this list?
If you enjoyed our exotic pet legality list, please consider donating! Exotic Pet Wonderland is a nonprofit 501(c)3 animal sanctuary that requires donations to keep our sanctuary running. We work hard to research these laws and create these lists, and would like to no longer have to rely on ads to keep our site running. If you are interested in helping us further our goal to provide homes for and to educate about captive-bred wildlife, your donation would be greatly appreciated!
