Maybe your financial situation is different, but most people spend as much or more on dogs as they would with fennec foxes, hybrid cats, and skunks. If you still think a fennec might be for you contact a breeder and ask plenty of questions up until a kit is available. Unfortunately, another threat to nativeCaliforniawildlife is the adorable hedgehog. While they may be cute and interesting to look at, they are not suitable as pets. Savannah cats are legal pets in California. Here are 10 exotic pets that are not dangerous, despite the claims of some. The Syrian or golden hamster is also allowed as a pet in California. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on August 09, 2013: The bengal cat looks nice! I really want a hedgehog. Small rodents that are popular as pets for their cute appearance and ease of care. I highly recommend Hagen's Vision Hybrid cages. If you still want the pet after that, then you can get it. According to the International Owl Center (4), private individuals in the United States cannot keep owls as pets. How many pets can you legally own in California? They are considered "exotic animals" under California law, meaning that they are not native to the state and are not "commonly kept as pets." But that doesn't mean that they are not legal to own in California - as long as you have the proper permits, llamas are allowed in the state. Your email address will not be published. I've always loved foxes and I do my best to research so I can have one as an addition to my family. . This was very useful for my having-a-pet dream. I wanted to say that I really liked this list. tortoise.org. Guess what, they just die fast, or prematurely. According to Always Pets, these 20 pets are illegal in California: African Clawed Frogs; . We all love Flash Slothmore but he cant be yourexotic pethere. However, there are some restrictions on what kinds of animals you can keep, and there are also restrictions on the size and type of enclosure that you must provide for your pet. The following is a list of the most common pets and the corresponding laws in California: Dogs. Check out this video for a quick recap of legal exotic pets in California: Did you know that compared to other states, California has far more laws regarding pet ownership? There are infinite possibilities because they mutate so fast, and so many new domesticated forms could be made. I have not looked for another pet since. If one doesn't want to a buy a cage they might want to look into sessile creatures. Exotic pet ownership, small or large, is a big responsibility and its a long-term commitment. Before you decide to bring an exotic pet into your home, be sure to do your research. I would not classify most of these pets as "EASY" to care for. It is native to North America and is ideal if you have enough grazing area. There are a few things you need to do before you can bring an exotic pet home. Many owners report that non-domesticated foxes have an extremely strong smell, thus only making them suitable for the outdoors. As a result, they are not typically found in the wild in the United States. But beware, while they rarely bite they do have defensive responses that could pose some danger to your eyes. Whilestatistics showthat 44% of all households have a dog, and 35% have a cat, what about the other types of pets that arent so common? Exotic Pets In California: Know The Laws It is critical to be cautious when purchasing an exotic pet in California. Am I barking up the wrong tree here? Overall, there are no downsides to letting Californians own hedgehogs. Other smaller exotics like porcupines, genets, sloths, wallabies, kinkajous, tamanduas, and coatimundis require large caging relative to their sizes and may be harder to promote the well-being of under traditional animal care standards. According to the California Code of Regulations (CCR) 671, pet ownership of the following animals is also illegal without a special permit: Raccoons, skunks, alligators, lemurs, zebras, certain venomous reptiles, prairie dogs, wolf hybrids (wolf-dogs), big cats such as bobcats, servals, and cheetahs. Also, California views Quaker Parrots as an agricultural threat because they can breed quickly. They have been produced with the genes of the Asian leopard cat. There are a few restrictions on owning certain types of exotic animals. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2481 Milford Rd, E. Stroudsburg PA 18301. You are also prohibited from keeping ferrets, gerbils, owls, primates, hedgehogs, sloths, anteaters, and many other animals. They are mouthy which can be a put off to people. They do smell (the article mentioned that) like an unbathed/scented ferret. Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink 9. No, it is illegal to own a pet sloth inCalifornia. Guinea pigs are ideal for those who love tiny pets but looking for hamster alternatives. . Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets. Their housing requirements are very similar to that of a nice, spacious gerbil enclosure (with levels), with exercise wheels, hamster water bottles, and typical rodent bedding that meet their physical requirements. Are sugar gliders legal in CA? As An amazon associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. That's why they appeal to me. First of all, finger monkeys are not a type of monkey that is native to California. Effectively addressing this question strictly depends on what the owner is willing to provide for the animal, what the owner expects of the animal, and what they are willing to spend. Ball Pythons This particular type of python is non-venomous and the perfect starter snake if you are into reptiles. Next, you need to get a permit from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Homebuyers Mortgage Watch March 13, 2023, Best Restaurants in Diamond Bar, California. They are happy with LARGE spaces (so again. not that 'easy') the ones I have owned required much attention. Hi as a Bengal owner I wanted to clarify something you said. Some of the animals on California's banned-as-pets list are familiar: alligators, raccoons, skunks, hedgehogs, chipmunks and squirrels. To protect public health and safety, agriculture, wildlife, and natural resources, California's restrictions apply to many kinds of wild and domestic animals that are legal pets elsewhere, including hedgehogs, gerbils, degus, prairie dogs, sugar gliders, fur-ranch foxes, monkeys, and Quaker parakeets. I have and have had many of the species listed here. They are named after the claws on their front feet which they use to help catch their food. For example, in Vermont you'll need a permit to own an anaconda, but not to keep a pet alligator. Share | Country of . Which exotic animals make the best pets? I recently learned that hedgehogs are illegal in some states. you are so grate. Chinchilla 8. Ohio (where the Zanesville massacre occurred) enacted its exotic pet ban in 2014. Be wary they have a chewy phase just like puppies except their teeth are a lot sharper! California pet laws allow keeping chinchillas as pets. If the pet starts to become a problem, it isnt easy to be rid of. I once thought that I would have been one of those people who wanted an 'exotic' pet. Restricted Species Permits [Internet]. Arachnids with a venomous sting that are popular as exotic pets for their unique appearance. Hedgehogs are not social, so only one should be housed per enclosure. Wild animals are limited to birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, crustaceans, gastropods (slugs/snails), bony fish (Osteichtyes), and lampreys (Monorhina). The owner must also have a permit to possess the animal. Keep in mind, that not all big cats are legal in California. 5. So just because these animals do not wreck homes does not technically make them 'easy' either. Hedgehogs can be somewhat temperamental, but they tame down with the right handling and habituation. Good luck. Armadillos are unique mammals with armor-like skin. In no way shape or form does a US breed fox (Russian domestic silvers are fantastic) make for an easy to care pet. This means that they are legal to keep as pets in California without a permit. These rodents are not suitable as pets as they require a lot of space to climb and play, and are known to be very difficult to care for. For example, it is illegal to own a lion, tiger, or leopard in California without a special permit. Non-venomous constrictor snakes are legal in California, including Green Anacondas (grow to an average of 20 to 30 feet long and weigh more than 550 pounds), Burmese Pythons (grow to an average of 16 to 23 feet long and weigh up to 200 pounds), Reticulated Pythons (grow to an average of 20 feet long and weigh an average of 150 pounds) and Boa Constrictors (grow up to 13 feet long and weigh more than 100 pounds). Cute Chinchillas: Discover These Little Companions [Photos], Dwarf Shrimp Trending Micro Pet All You Need To Know. I have a beautiful bird, who loves me as I love her. In case you live in New Mexico or Hawaii, you need a permit to keep an axolotl. Luckily, there are many exotic animals that are legal to keep as pets in California, a state known for its robust. Keep in mind that not all big cats are legal as pets in California. I'm obsessed with squirrels and have been researching the possibility of domesticating them but, I haven't gotten anything solid on them yet. Read her : Latest Articles Older animals come full of habits that the owners may not want to deal with. It is very prohibited to bring ferrets, gerbils, hamsters, or snakes. Bobcats 5. Can Guinea Pigs Eat Strawberries, Tops, and Leaves? These critters are not legal in California because they are considered wild animals and are not native to the state. A summary of exotic pet laws and discussion on which states prohibit the private possession of specific exotic animal species, including monkeys, tigers, raccoons, birds, wolves, and others. Are hamsters illegal in California? However, they require a lot of care and attention, and are not recommended for people who are not familiar with exotic animals. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on May 31, 2014: Beth Perry from Tennesee on May 31, 2014: Some of those varmints sure are cute! Foxes do NOT make easy pets at all. 3. Californiahas very strict laws about what types of animals homeowners can keep as pets. They are illegal to have in California because they are an endangered species. I cannot find any breeders of Russian foxes and I'm wondering where you got yours and what other animals you've had. This was such a great read! Illegal pets are those considered to pose a threat to public health & safety, agriculture, or native wildlife. Monkeysrequire constant care and attention, and many will live up to 40 years, according to thePrimateRescue Center. In California, red pandas are considered a wild animal and must be registered with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Large, hump-backed ungulates that are used for transportation, milk, meat, and as pack animals. It may look like a rodent, but the short-tailed opossum is actually a marsupial like sugar gliders, koalas, and wallabies. Some of the most popular snakes include the king cobra, the python, and the anaconda. Miniature horses A benefit of miniature horses is that you will never have to worry about fleas in your home since their skin naturally repels fleas, they effectively keep your lawn mowed, and they dont get very big; on average, they weigh between 55 and 80 pounds and are about 34 to 38 inches tall, or roughly 3 feet. Those are 'throw away' pets. Fennec Fox 16. However, there are some regulations that must be followed. Their temperaments are different too, so when choosing betweenllamasand alpacas as pets or farm companions, take that into consideration. 503, 110 are prohibited from private ownership except if the animal was in possession prior to February 28, 1994. Bengals for the most part are not lap cats! Theyre intelligent, social animals that can be trained to do tricks. Each of these animals has its own unique personality and requires a different level of care. An outdoor enclosure is a must! Egyptian Tortoise 13. If you are ready to buy a home to house your future unusual pet, reach out to a First Team agent to help you find a Southern California real estate for sale that will fit your needs. Monitor Lizards are large lizards with long necks, powerful claws & tails, and well-developed limbs. Ferretsare part of theMustelidsfamily, making them related tootters, mink, weasels, and polecats. Llamashave historically helped people haul goods, and thus tend to be more comfortable interacting with humans. :)))). These mammals are often kept as pets for their distinctive scent glands, but they are not suitable pets as they can be unpredictable and require a lot of specialized care. However, "exotic pets" are so popular across the country many states have had to ban them. Some examples include: fennec fox, porcupine, serval, wallaby, boa constrictor, rainbow crab, bush baby, zebra, squirrels, ostrich, kinkajou, macaws, springhare, lemur, leopard gecko, tarantula,. Among other popular exotic animals that you should steer clear of (without a special permit) according to the California Code of Regulations (CCR) 671, including raccoons, skunks, deer, alligators, lemurs, zebras, several venomous reptiles, prairie dogs, wolf hybrids, and large cats such as bobcats, leopards, jaguars, servals, and cheetahs. ;). According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (5), permits are required for every person who imports, exports, transports, or possesses any restricted animal listed in Title 14, Section 671 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR). Turns out I didn't need an exotic pet to make me happy, or to be cute. But I had never had a bird before. Sky is sweet, funny, and very snuggly and cuddly. Like I said, many of them don't even make it that far because they die. If you are thinking about adding an exotic pet to your family, it is important to do your research first to make sure that the animal you are interested in is legal in your state and that you are capable of providing the proper care for it. Monitor Lizard The Monitor Lizard is a giant lizard. Now, I am careful for my pet. I began researching, and checking things, and cross-comparing the facts between sites, and 'what you need to know about lovebirds' from alleged 'professionals'. California Exotic Animal Laws LIVE RESTRICTED ANIMALS Live restricted wild animals are regulated by the Department of Fish and Wildlife. There are so many pets around and most people would prefer something different from the standard. I live in Florida and would love to really look into getting an exotic animal that will thrive even as a pet. They can be trained to walk on harnesses and do not need to be housed outside. These are large, venomous lizards that are native to Indonesia. These pets are also wonderful for scaring conventional people. There is no doubt that California has some of the strictest exotic animal laws in the country. Chinchillas The average life span for a chinchilla is about 15 years. Ostrich Ronnie MacDonald (CC BY 2.0) 9. Also for other bird owners out there, or people thinking about getting a bird, do lots of research on not only cage requirements, but also on the kinds of cages available. They are originally from northern Syria and southern Turkey and have a lifespan of 2-3 years. The 3 Best Sugar Glider Cage Sets [Guide & Reviews], Rabbits Fruit and Vegetables Consumption (Complete Guide), French Lop Rabbits: Look, Behavior, Care & More (With Pics), 29 Legal Exotic Pets in California You Can Own. Question: Why are hedgehogs illegal in California? Because the quills can still penetrate skin and hedgehogs can carry various diseases such as ringworm and salmonella to humans, they are illegal inCalifornia. Restricted Species Permits Information Renewal Notice (PDF) Laws and Regulations (PDF) How to Apply for Restricted Species Aquaculture and Fish Permits (PDF) Restricted Species Permit and Native Species Exhibiting Permit Applications For information call (916) 902-9107. Do you think 'easy' pets don't end up in rescues? Like ferrets, they are playful and should not be cooped up all the time. Dogs are the most popular pet in America and . Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on July 29, 2014: Suhail Zubaid aka Clark Kent from Mississauga, ON on July 29, 2014: Our family friends have an Asian leopard cat that they plan on breeding and making a small business out of it. Owls as Pets [Internet]. Llamafiber, on the other hand, is commonly made into rugs. They are also used as working animals, particularly in the farming industry. Exotic pet owners dread this state because it has some of the strictest exotic animals laws out there. Below is the full list of legal pets in California: Domesticated South American camelids that are popular for their wool, meat, and as pack animals. What can you have as a pet in California? =/ =o Answer? California: Savannah Cats. Stay informed and avoid legal issues by knowing the facts before you bring home an exotic pet. Illegal Pets in California California aims to protect its native wildlife by placing strict state laws on animals that people can and can not keep as pets. Wolverines 6. Big Cats (Cheetahs, Cougars, Jaguars, Leopards, Lions, and Tigers) are illegal to own in California because they are large powerful animals capable of severely injuring or killing humans. Have a wonderful week. You can keep a wolfdog as a pet in California provided it is not first generation. Yes, llamas are legal in California. 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