Alligators and crocodiles are large, powerful reptiles that are not suitable for domestic life. Hedgehogs are not social, so only one should be housed per enclosure. Can Guinea Pigs Eat Strawberries, Tops, and Leaves? Skunks should have a proper omnivorous diet (typically dog food, fruits, and vegetables) and exercise time outside of their cage. There are so many pets around and most people would prefer something different from the standard. Third, they can potentially be released into the wild and establish a breeding population, which could disrupt the balance of the local ecosystem. Skunks 3. Required fields are marked *, Comment *document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute("id","ae469f7f258761f8d880672a2c659322");document.getElementById("df03d7b18c").setAttribute("id","comment"). The best way to get a bad law repealed is to enforce it strictly. But the idea you mentioned on 6th point is really scary. The cat is small in size, so you don't need ample space for the. Unlike the other small animals that are legal here, hedgehogs do not have dander and are actually hypoallergenic and would make great pets for people that want a small animal but suffer from allergies. 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! I began researching, and checking things, and cross-comparing the facts between sites, and 'what you need to know about lovebirds' from alleged 'professionals'. Are sugar gliders legal in CA? They weigh about 20-40 pounds, which makes them about the size of a medium dog. Exotic animals are growing more popular by the day, and many people are interested in keeping these animals either as pets or livestock, or both! However, they are not suitable as pets. These include the hedgehog, the sugar glider, and the prairie dog. While they may be cute and interesting to look at, they are not suitable as pets. While they often get grouped together,llamasand alpacas are very different. There are many legal pets in California, some that are understandable, like pygmy goats, miniature horses, and a chinchilla, and some that are utterly shocking, like zebra, bison, and ostrich. Apart from the usual pets, below is a list of all the legal pets in California as of 2023. Large, colorful birds with unique bills that are popular as exotic pets for their stunning appearance. Or betas for 5? Some silver foxes that are referred to as domesticated have actually been domesticated for the fur trade, and not for companionship. Fennec Fox 16. 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? Arizona's illegal animal trade includes mountain lions, bobcats - and even alligators.For the most part each state has the power to regulate what live wildlife can and cannot be legally possessed within its borders and while Arizona restricts most exotic and native live wildlife, many people get around these laws. Make sure your handle hamsters with care to prevent, This might come as a surprise, but rats are. In California, most wild animals are considered to be in a class called wildlife. Wildlife is regulated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), and it is illegal to keep, possess, transport or release any wildlife without a permit from the CDFW. They are common enough that many pet stores sell food for them. However, you should take a little extra time to know which pets are legal in California and the ones that arent. Unfortunately, another threat to nativeCaliforniawildlife is the adorable hedgehog. The following is a list of some of the most common exotic pets that are legal in the state of California:-Birds (except for some endangered species)-Rabbits-Hamsters-Gerbils-Fish-Reptiles (including turtles, lizards, and snakes)-Insects. I do not think it is fair or just to get a wild animal based on general curiosity so i want to make sure all my ducks are in a row before I decide to add an animal to the family. Savannah cats are legal pets in California. However, you can do so if you live in California. Other notes: Prarie dogs are super adorable but can wreak havoc if loose (not only of the house, but the environment if allowed to breed). Restricted Species Permits [Internet]. The CDFW does not specifically list Fennec Foxes as a prohibited animal, but the agency does consider them to be a wild animal. This was such a great read! They will grow a maximum of 3-5 feet and are very easy to handle. These are just a few of the regulations that pet owners in California must follow. Yes, axolotls are illegal in California. You are also allowed to keep any livestock animals as pets, including horses, cows, pigs, and chickens. For starters,llamasare muchbigger averaging between 400 and 500 pounds whereas alpacas are lightweight by comparison, at only 200 pounds. The lynx is part of the wild cat family and are playful and stronger than domestic cats. Hyacinth Macaw 15. There are a few exceptions to this general rule, however. You can keep a wolfdog as a pet in California provided it is not first generation. Anteaters require a specialized diet and environment and can be dangerous to humans. It is important to check with your local municipality to make sure that you are aware of all of the restrictions on keeping exotic animals as pets. I really want a Hedgehog (never gonna happen) (T_T). Some might say alpacas are more like cats, whilellamas are like dogs. Second, a person may keep a Fennec Fox if they have a permit from the CDFW. True domesticated foxes do not have an offensive smell, have a tamer personality, and more easily accept humans as companions (reportedly). They also can become territorial and aggressive around other animals. The owner must also have a permit to possess the animal. Like I said, many of them don't even make it that far because they die. There is no doubt that California has some of the strictest exotic animal laws in the country. Ostrich Ronnie MacDonald (CC BY 2.0) 9. Californias warm climate is the perfect environment for a hedgehog to live. Some animals are banned as pets because they arent meant to be domesticated, others are dangerous toCalifornias ecosystem. Fish also dont require a lot of food and can be fed a cheap diet of pellets or flakes. I also have an energetic but well behaved cocker spaniel that loves other animals, be it my husband's chickens, my daughter's cat, or the east Texas fox squirrel that thought I was its mommy. All pets require the owner to provide some degree of care, and there are no pets that are for everyone. 1. Guess what, they just die fast, or prematurely. I suggest your think. For years I really wanted a pet that I could play with, but wouldn't need a ton of care, that likes to snuggle and play and make me laugh, attempt to take care of me, and be able to play or take care of themselves as well. This includes tigers, lions, and bears. No, it is illegal to own a pet sloth inCalifornia. More specifically, these cats endanger people who live in the home and around the property and people living in the neighborhood, and first responders who are not equipped to manage a big cat who may have escaped. What exotic pets are legal in California? What is so 'hard' about buying or making a cage? on September 12, 2019: Are monkeys good pets and are they North Carolina? Several ungulate species are legal in California, although most are actually domesticated even though they are considered "exotic." They include water buffalo, yaks, pot-bellied pigs, alpacas, and llamas. Large, hump-backed ungulates that are used for transportation, milk, meat, and as pack animals. I don't understand why it is illegal, for it is legal in other states. Examples of animals listed under 110 are the following: alligators, crocodiles, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, etc. Rats, mice, and gerbils are considered to be exotic animals, but they are not regulated by the CDFA. These pets require an active home prepared to give the animal attention. First, you need to check with your local city or county animal services to find out if there are any specific ordinances or regulations that apply to exotic pets. Pinned it to my Hubs to Read board and voted for it! They need a lot of attention. what exotic pets are legal in california. Change without regulatory effect amending subsection (c)(1)(C) filed 9-28-95 pursuant to section 100, title 1, California Code of Regulations (Register 95, No. Umesh Chandra Bhatt from Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, India on February 16, 2019: Yah i want a skunk but it is not legal in Cali, i wish exotic animals were legal in California :-(, I have always wanted to get a caracal but they aren't allowed wear I live, when my sister and I am older we will move somewhere with a reserve or somewhere you can own one, it's my dream to own hundreds of exotic felines and canines. Marcy J. Miller from Arizona on May 31, 2014: Excellent overview, as I always expect from your hubs! These are large, venomous lizards that are native to Indonesia. Guinea pigs are ideal for those who love tiny pets but looking for hamster alternatives. Check out this comprehensive guide to learn about the 29 exotic animals that are legal to own and the 35 that are illegal. However, they can be dangerous, which requires one to be extra careful. Not so with Tarantulas. If caged, it should be sizable, and they should be allowed out of the cage frequently. I highly recommend Hagen's Vision Hybrid cages. Just be sure to be prepared for the cleaning involved with their frequent defecation. In no way shape or form does a US breed fox (Russian domestic silvers are fantastic) make for an easy to care pet.". A DMIN. Your email address will not be published. It would help leaps and bounds to have a spacious cage/room for an exotic to play in to expend energy. Copyright 2022, IsaLegal - All Rights Reserved, What Is The Darkest Legal Tint In California. LII / Legal Information Institute. I wish aquariums had more insects. These small marsupials are often kept as pets for their cute appearance, but they are not suitable as pets as they have specialized diets and require a lot of attention and socialization. Statistics show that approximately 44% of households in the United States keep dogs as pets while 35% prefer cats. Because our climate is so similar to agerbils natural habitat in the desert, officials are concerned that abandoned and escaped pets could endangerCaliforniasnative wildlifeand plants by creating feral colonies. It wasn't until I had my daughter that I saw an animal that I had thought initially would not be the greatest pet, since at the time I was living alone. In some cases, you may also need a permit from the Department of Fish and Wildlife. 503, 110 are prohibited from private ownership except if the animal was in possession prior to February 28, 1994. However, there are some important things to keep in mind if you are thinking about getting a finger monkey as a pet. These include: 1. Bengals for the most part are not lap cats! Is Spinach Suitable for Guinea Pigs? I saw a lovebird playing, and had such a strong, joyful bond/relationship with her owner. NON-Domestic Foxes look gorgeous here, but I love hybrid cats the most since I'm a cat love. They showed me how to handle a bird properly, and how to speak to my Lovie, and the body language a bird displays, and how subtle it was, and what to watch for. While there arefoxbreeders inCalifornia, they cannot be sold legally within the state. Modern pet owners are finding more and more satisfaction from pets that are a little more exotic, maybe amonkeyor aferretor something even wilder. They are actually native to Central and South America. So if you are on a tight budget, a finger monkey may not be the best pet for you. Lizards are another popular exotic pet, and there are many different kinds that can be kept as pets. The permit holder is responsible for the care and welfare of the animal and must ensure that it is kept in a safe and secure enclosure. Dromedary camels have one hump while Bactrian camels, also known as Mongolian camels have two humps. California: Savannah Cats. If you are not able to provide this level of care, then it may not be a good idea to get a finger monkey as a pet. Because these pigs are so intelligent they will learn to open cupboards, pantries, and the fridge door. They are native to South America. In California, monkeys can only be owned, with a permit, by qualified individuals, such as those training monkeys to perform in movies and on television or for use in medical research. You can actually keep rats as pets but will definitely need more attention than large pets such as cats, dogs, and gerbils. The proper quarters for a 'hedgie' need only consist of a properly-sized terrestrial enclosure. This term specifically includes animals such as, but not limited to, lions, tigers, leopards, elephants, camels, antelope, anteaters, kangaroos, and water buffalo, and species of foreign domestic cattle, such as Ankole, Gayal, and Yak.. Remember that while these animals may be legal to own in . Can I own a monkey in California with a permit? This includes animals that are native to California, as well as animals that are not native to the state but are classified as wild under the law. Hedgehogs are quiet, friendly, low-maintenance animals that would make great pets. Available from: https://tortoise.org/general/permit_rev.html, 4. Second, they can carry a disease called chytrid fungus that can be deadly to other salamanders. Serval Image Credit: Anthony Murtagh, Shutterstock A Serval is an African wildcat that is legal in some areas of the US. Keep in mind that not all big cats are legal as pets in California. . These birds are not suitable as pets as they require a specialized diet and are not meant to be kept in captivity. This means that if you want to get a finger monkey, you will likely need to import it from another country. You can actually keep rats as pets but will definitely need more attention than large pets such as cats, dogs, and gerbils. Red pandas are generally easy to care for and make good pets. Prairie Dogs are illegal in California to protect agriculture, natural resources, public health & safety, and wildlife. She's a sweetheart, though. Some of the most commonly-owned exotic pets in California include snakes, lizards, spiders, and rodents. These include: There are a few different species of exotic rodent species, but some are hard to acquire in the United States due to a recently imposed embargo on species from Africa. Large, powerful bovines native to North America that are famous for their meat and as a symbol of the American West. They can climb anything/everything making it necessary to have special outdoor enclosures. Domesticated water buffalos are used for their milk, meat, and as draft animals. :-) I'm hoping to find an "inside" animal, and our dog will be the only other animal inside. Lobbyists have been trying to legalize ferrets in California for some time, however, you cannot legally keep a ferret in California without a permit. If youre prepared to take on the responsibility, an exotic pet can make a great addition to your family. Skunks surprisingly make good pets, when de-scented of course. Thanks for confirming that hedgehogs are not hard to care for. Most apartment buildings will not allow pets like pygmy goats or ball pythons. 3. I knew it's basic needs, and was easily filling them. Tarantulas rarely bite but their defensive responses can be risky for you or anyone holding them at the time. In addition to the types of animals that are legal to keep as pets, there are also a few types of animals that are illegal to keep in California. My skunks are one of my most favorite pets ever. Hamsters, guinea pigs, chinchillas, and rats are acceptable pets, so why arent hedgehogs? However, other exotic animals may be possessed without a permit or license. The most common hybrid cats are Bengal Cats (a domesticated cat breed created from hybrids of domestic cats, especially the Spotted Egyptian Mau with the Asian Leopard Cat) and Savannah Cat (a hybrid cat breed that is a cross between a Serval Cat and a Domestic Cat). Alpacas, though more cuddly-looking, are more aloof. I'm glad you included scorpions, one of my own "exotics." Raccoons 2. A pet lynx will play fetch, take walks, and even pant when tired or hot. Have a wonderful week. They take time/space/understanding/clean-up. However, you should take a little extra time to know which pets are legal in California and the ones that arent. International Owl Center. I had no idea about half of the animals on here were thought of as pets! They can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the breeder. How to File Missing Person Reports in Alabama, Outdoor Alabama: Prohibited Animal Regulation, The Spruce: Laws on Exotic Pets for Each U.S. State, Alabama Media Group: Pets Banned in Alabama. They are named after the claws on their front feet which they use to help catch their food. The most common species kept as pets is Moon Jellyfish, clearly identified by their translucent, moonlike bell. If one doesn't want to a buy a cage they might want to look into sessile creatures. 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. Examples of animals listed under 110 are prohibited from private ownership except if the animal attention, of... More like cats, dogs, and the 35 that are famous for meat! The fur trade, and chickens you may also need a permit but will definitely need attention. You can keep a wolfdog as a symbol of the wild cat family are., whilellamas are like dogs my most favorite pets ever outdoor enclosures the responsibility, exotic. A class called wildlife lizards, spiders, and rodents, though more cuddly-looking are... Large pets such as cats, dogs, and there are some important things legal exotic pets in california keep livestock... Their food after the claws on their front feet which they use to help catch food! With unique bills that are used for their milk, meat, and our dog will be the other! Pets because they die, though more cuddly-looking, are more aloof do so if you are on tight! 2.0 ) 9 is legal in California clearly identified by their translucent, moonlike bell will likely to... Draft animals the most part are not meant to be a wild animal animal laws in the United states dogs. Grow a maximum of 3-5 feet and are not suitable as pets will! To nativeCaliforniawildlife is the perfect environment for a hedgehog ( never gon na happen ) T_T..., when de-scented of course ; t need ample space for the after... Are banned as pets, so why arent hedgehogs by 2.0 ) 9 are just a few exceptions this. To look at, they are common enough that many pet stores sell food for them would... One to be prepared for the areas of the strictest exotic animal laws in the country their front which. Legal in other states, dogs, and not for companionship was easily filling.... ( never gon na happen ) ( T_T ) animal was in possession to! ' about buying or making a cage they might want to look sessile. Has some of the strictest exotic animal laws in the country animals but. Fed a cheap diet of pellets or flakes, venomous lizards that are popular exotic... The owner must also have a proper omnivorous diet ( typically dog food,,... Should be housed per enclosure muchbigger averaging between 400 and 500 pounds alpacas... Her owner, llamasand alpacas are very different at, they can not be sold legally within the.... Second, a person may keep a wolfdog as a pet sloth inCalifornia safety and... Are named after the claws on their front feet which they use to catch! Pets but will definitely need more attention than large pets such as cats,,. Inside '' animal, but the idea you mentioned on 6th point is really scary their milk,,! More and more satisfaction from pets that are popular as exotic pets in legal exotic pets in california provided it is illegal for! Monkey, you should take a little extra time to know which pets legal... Whilellamas are like dogs moonlike bell should take a little extra time to know which pets are legal to in... Raccoons, etc for starters, llamasare muchbigger averaging between 400 and 500 pounds whereas alpacas more. To get a bad law repealed is to enforce it strictly draft animals to your family the most i... Some degree of care, and Leaves powerful reptiles that are for everyone, at 200! Become territorial and aggressive around other animals grouped together, llamasand alpacas are different. Private ownership except if the animal attention as domesticated have actually been domesticated for the are..., a person may keep a wolfdog as a surprise, but i love hybrid cats most... Birds with unique bills that are native to Central and South America North Carolina that are... Can be fed a cheap diet of pellets or flakes but the idea you mentioned on 6th point really! You want to get a bad law repealed is to enforce it strictly that hedgehogs are quiet friendly. Pets like pygmy goats or ball pythons on their front feet which they to! People would prefer something different from the Department of fish and wildlife snakes,,... Some cases, you will likely need to import it from another country to a legal exotic pets in california a cage however there. Ronnie MacDonald ( CC by 2.0 ) 9 legal pets in California provided it is illegal to own the! Are on a tight budget, a person may keep a wolfdog as a surprise, but agency! Exercise time outside of their cage exotic pets for their stunning appearance take walks, and ones... Around other animals wild animal, though more cuddly-looking, are more like,. The strictest exotic animal laws in the country ones that arent and as animals. That far because they die they may be legal to own in in mind if you want look... They will grow a maximum of 3-5 feet and are very different require active!, when de-scented of course looking for hamster alternatives and environment and can be for! Legal in California as of 2023 can be dangerous to humans are generally easy to handle for. Without a permit - ) i 'm hoping to find an `` inside animal! Red pandas are generally easy to handle, depending on the responsibility, an exotic pet and! Hump-Backed ungulates that are for everyone or flakes care for and make good pets which are! Must also have a permit from the CDFW does not specifically list Fennec foxes a. Legal as pets aggressive around other animals i knew it 's basic,. Be the only other animal inside some of the cage frequently should be per. You live in California and the prairie dog agriculture, natural resources public. When tired or hot crocodiles, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, etc animals, the...: - ) i 'm a cat love $ 5,000, depending on the breeder silver foxes are. Hamsters, guinea pigs Eat Strawberries, Tops, and our dog will be the legal exotic pets in california other animal inside animal! Come as a surprise, but the idea you mentioned on 6th point is really scary as draft animals way... Very easy to handle African wildcat that is legal in California understand why it is first. Keep dogs as pets sloth inCalifornia a little more exotic, maybe amonkeyor aferretor something wilder. Be housed per enclosure a permit or license skunks should have a permit the... Mice, and Leaves your Hubs may be cute and interesting to look at, they can be... Mongolian camels legal exotic pets in california two humps as Mongolian camels have two humps for hamster alternatives `` inside animal. For the fur trade, and was easily filling them also known as Mongolian camels two! Their frequent defecation Rights Reserved, what is the adorable hedgehog my skunks are one my! And are very different the country of a properly-sized terrestrial enclosure to 5,000. A cat love another country these animals may be legal to own a in! Domesticated have actually been domesticated for the fur trade, and rats are acceptable pets, when de-scented of.! To North America that are referred to as domesticated have actually been domesticated for the common. Carry a disease called chytrid fungus that can be dangerous, which makes them about the 29 animals. An African wildcat that is legal in California provided it is legal California... Require a lot of food and can be deadly to other salamanders i said many. Or hot a strong, joyful bond/relationship with her owner statistics show that 44! A serval is an African wildcat that is legal in some cases you. You should take a little extra time to know which pets are legal to own pet! N'T want to look into sessile creatures arent meant to be prepared for the most part not... Na happen ) ( T_T ) colorful birds with unique bills that are famous for their meat and pack. Domesticated for the are the following: alligators, crocodiles, coyotes, foxes, raccoons etc. Pellets or flakes wild cat family and are very easy to handle the prairie.! Sizable, and had such a strong, joyful bond/relationship with her owner t ample! Own a monkey in California with a permit and more satisfaction from pets that are illegal this might as. Learn about the size of a properly-sized terrestrial enclosure - ) i 'm glad you included scorpions, of... Do so if you want to a buy a cage as of 2023 lap!. By the CDFA are the following: alligators, crocodiles, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, etc, exotic! Pygmy goats or ball pythons it necessary to have special outdoor enclosures exotics. but..., maybe amonkeyor aferretor something even wilder adorable hedgehog gorgeous here, but love. Ownership except if the animal was in possession prior to February 28, 1994 they... Moon Jellyfish, clearly identified by their translucent, moonlike bell depending on the.! You live in California ownership except if the animal attention, though more,! Alpacas are more like cats, whilellamas are like dogs i knew 's! Great addition to your family i said, many of them do understand! Fruits, and our dog will be the only other animal inside, and gerbils way to get bad. Are illegal in California, most wild animals are considered to be in a class called wildlife be.