Keeping a mongoose is also illegal in California. An F3 wolfdog has at least one grandparent that was a wolf. - johnny holland. Keep in mind that if you want to transport, import, or possess any of these animals then you will need a legal animal permit. They carry creatures in their fur such as mosquitos which could pass on to humans. To find your representatives, head to the website of the California State Legislature. This restriction was active until 1985. Therefore, consider moving to another state if you are in California and want to own a ferret. These animals are termed, Its also illegal to keep as a pet any animal that has been declared endangered and in need of animal welfare. You need a permit from the California Department of Fish and Game to keep ferrets as pets. While veterinarians in these locations will still treat sick ferrets, the adoption or purchase of new ferrets is not allowed. Despite the ban, there is potentially a way to own some of these pets. The penalty might range anywhere from $500 to $10,000. Deanna is a passionate animal lover. but also for its tough laws on exotic pets. We strongly recommend not breaking this lawit simply isn't worth it for you or the ferret! 7 Best Ferret Cages The Ultimate Guide & Reviews, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vf1qobh2qpg, Ferrets As Pets (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vf1qobh2qpg). Still, the government should consider rabies vaccines for ferrets, as there are rabies vaccines for dogs and cats. According to California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 14, Section 671- Importation, Transportation and Possession of Live Restricted Animals: It shall be unlawful to import, transport, or possess live animals restricted in subsection (c) below except under permit issued by the department. [1]. So, unless you intend to use the ferret for research, teaching, or exhibition, the permit doesnt apply to you. Furthermore, you can no longer buy dogs and cats that come from breeding mills at your local pet store, but this is a good thing. In fact, all members of the Mustelidae family (ferrets, badgers, minks, otters, weasels, and wolverines), with the exception of 5 species of otters, are not legal to own as pets in California. Why are sugar gliders also illegal in California? Ferrets are not illegal in most other states, but they are illegal in Hawaii and California. Fact:Hawaii is the only state free of rabies because they have strict quarantine laws. Ferrets are legal as pets almost everywhere. In Alabama, Wisconsin, Nevada, North Carolina, and South Carolina, residents can own almost anything, including bears, tigers, and lions. Unfortunately, California is one of those states where it is illegal to own a hedgehog. Studies show that despite the efforts put in place, ferrets can only partially domesticate. These intelligent animals love to play a game of hide-and-seek when you have them out of their enclosure for some controlled bonding time. The consequence of importing or smuggling a ferret into Hawaii is a fine set at $200,000 or a jail term of up to 3 years. I am Eddie, animal journalist and founder of ThePetSavvy. 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). Don't disregard advice from a vet. In the case that a ferret does escape, there are high chances that they will hunt down a few animals to survive. The bans include various non-native species that the state considers a threat. Where Are Ferrets Illegal. California has 40 State Senators and 80 State Assembly Members. This makes life interesting and easy. When owners are busy and the ferret wants to play, it is common for them to nip their feet or ankles. Ferrets are legal in Western Australia, but their close cousins are not. Restricted Species permits come with required, nonrefundable fees, including $130.30 for all new permits and $67.47 for all permit renewals or amendments to existing permits. Keeping ferrets is legal in NSW, but you have to follow the rules. Make Ferrets Legal in California is a petition to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. In case you live in New Mexico or Hawaii, you need a permit to keep an axolotl. My name is Nadine; I am a passionate writer and a pet lover. While most California residents that are caught with pet ferrets are not usually criminally prosecuted, they are many times charged with fines that can add up to costly amounts. Ferrets are exclusively meat eaters and are unable to digest plant material. Ferrets are illegal in the Northern Territory. Unfortunately, theyre illegal in nine other US states and several cities. Californias ban on certain pets includes thousands of species, online petitions to legalize ferrets, sugar gliders, you cannot sell or own turtles with shells measuring less than four inches, Department of Fish and Wildlife can issue a permit for certain species, California worries that sugar gliders will escape, Breeding and Selling Sugar Gliders | A Step-By-Step Guide, How To Care For a Tarantula 8 Useful Tips, 100+ Fun and Unique Gecko Names You Will Love, Breeding Hedgehogs Everything You Need to Know, Djungarian Hamsters Everything You Need to Know, Albino Hamsters Breed Profile, Photos and Care, Brian From OC Dumbos Tells Us What Its Like To Be a Rat Breeder, 6 Rat Breeders Show Us How They Set Up Their Rat Cages, 30+ Rat Breeders Share Their Best Tips For First-Time Rat Owners. Hawaii is another state banning the ownership of ferrets. We believe that pets are not just animals but members of the family, and we strive to provide the best possible advice and support for pet lovers. 2. What is the penalty for owning a ferret in California? Veterinarians can treat any animal and dont need to report it to the authorities. They argued that there was no justification for banning ferrets on diseases and ecological grounds. We may direct you to retailers such as Chewy or Amazon that provide us with a tiny commission on resulting sales. Ferrets know not to bite people as long as they are properly trained and cared for. Ferrets are not illegal here, but you have to prove to the authorities that your pet is a ferret and not a weasel. While this idea might sound absurd at first, environmentalists have given some logic to the madness. Additionally, keeping venomous snakes requires a venomous snake permit. Sadly, despite many state-wide protests in support of the legalization of ferrets, they still remain banned in California. LegalizeFerrets.org proposed a legalization ballot measure this year that would require ferrets to be spayed or neutered prior to sale in stores and receive annual rabies vaccinations. Hawaiis Department of Agriculture acknowledges the fact that ferrets have been domesticated outside Hawaii, but its in the nature of a ferret to return to its feral state, wild state, and because of the aggressive nature of ferrets, cases of attack on young children have been reported, and that is the main reason why it is illegal to import and own a ferret in Hawaii. Can Sugar Gliders Eat Pineapples and Do They Like Them? Since the climate of the state is quite similar to the natural desert habitat of gerbils, theres a worry that gerbils that escape into the wild could establish feral colonies that could be almost impossible to eradicate. Firstly, for an animal to catch rabies, it should go outdoors, frequently. Yes, its true that they could eat a few small animals to stay alive, but domesticated ferrets can barely survive in the wild. However, this argument is largely flawed due to many reasons. So if you want something other than a dog or cat, the following options are still okay in the state: You cant own many of these species in other states, yet California allows these animals as pets. Grapes Are Toxic For Ferrets. Some of these restrictions may include: Therefore If you are thinking of buying a ferret, it is advisable that you contact your local vet, Wildlife Department, or Fish and Game department if you live in one of the following states: Californias ban on certain pets includes thousands of species, including many species allowed in other states. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. What Exotic Animals Are Legal in California? Sloths have adapted to a specific environment. Native to Europe from the Mediterranean to Scandinavia, ferrets are slender-bodied, carnivorous mammals. Not only are ferrets not out-doorsy, they also dont have an inherent sense of home. This means that for a ferret to escape, catch rabies and then return home are very slim. Mongoose can wipe out an entire small, ground-living native fauna. They are beautiful and even seem harmless, but piranhas have razor-sharp teeth. Therefore, consider moving to another state if you are in California and want to own a ferret. Hawaii. The main reason prairie dogs are illegal in California is to protect public health & safety, wildlife, and other natural resources. Ferrets Lifespan. While they might seem innocent and harmless, hedgehogs are classified among the illegal pets in California. According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, stray ferrets are detrimental animals and pose a significant risk to the rare native birds and animals of California. There are many reasons argued for why ferrets are illegal. Ferrets can travel freely within the EU under the pet passport scheme. While Californians who are ferret lovers are fighting hard to allow them as pets, you dont have to live in the state to be an advocate for helping to legalize ferrets in California. Call us on 13 25 23. That means they are legal in the remaining 48 states, but local laws (depending on city or county) can choose to follow their state guidelines or provide a stricter law. What Can You Do To Make Ferrets Legal In California? California Department of Fish and Wildlife. While domestic ferrets might not be wild, they are carnivorous animals. However, to avoid the high penalty the local authority has put in place, play it safe. While some restrictions are obvious, such as keeping lions, tigers, bears, or zebras, others might catch you off-guard and you can face severe penalties including: So before you decide to bring your favorite pet into the state, it is invaluable to know all the illegal pets in California to avoid getting yourself into big trouble. The main reason why ferrets are illegal in California is to Protect Agriculture and Wildlife. The laws have since been rescinded in many places where they were once illegal. Besides ferrets, quite a few pets are banned across the country. List of Legal Pets in California (2022 Update). Plus, there are strict regulations regarding the number of ferrets allowed per household. The law does not restrict its citizens from owning ferrets. These restrictions are hypocritical for some reason, because "normal" cats can and have attacked humans, have become a serious environmental threat . While in theory this relation between ferrets and climate change works, in practicality it hardly exists. Despite them being domesticated, ferrets are considered half-wild. In Pennsylvania, you must acquire a permit for exotic animals that are listed as exotic wildlife by the state. When answering the question Why are ferrets illegal in California? this reason is directly linked to the one we discussed previously. This is because ferrets are considered to be non-native, wild animals. #1 Ferrets are Considered Wild Animals and Not Domesticated. Australia has feral dogs and cats, and adding a ferret to the mix is a huge risk. Ferrets are related to wolverines, minks, ermines, and weasels in the Mustela genus. You also have to acquire a permit before owning a ferret. You will not be able to keep your ferret. Your email address will not be published. If you own a ferret in California, you are likely to face a fine of $500 to $10,000. 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