The process of getting a permit. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You also need to follow the Animal Welfare Code of Practice and meet all their requirements. Moreover, temperatures in California can rise up to 70 F and even 80 F during the summers. List of the Pros of Having Ferrets as Pets. What You Need To Know. In California, the penalty for owning a ferret is a fine that has been set at $1000 or a six months jail term in the county jail. You will not be able to keep your ferret. It is therefore believed that New Zealand is the only country with a legitimate reason to ban ferrets. California West Coast Ferret Rescue Sacramento, CA westcoastferrets.com weazelluv@westcoastferrets.com (916) 992-3132 Colorado Ferret Dreams Rescue and Adoption Denver, CO ferretdreams.org matthew@ferretdreams.org (303) 953-0733 Connecticut Ferret Association of Connecticut Hartford, Connecticut ferretassn.org info@ferretassn.org (860) 247-1275 Where Are Ferrets Illegal. You will need a legal permit to possess, transport, or import a raccoon into the state of California and only for a legal purpose. Ferrets are listed in subsection C list of restricted animals. These rodents have sharp nails and teeth and will eat anything including furniture, junk food, wallpapers, walls, and even their own waste. Laws in the US about ferret ownership are evolving. Also, ferret fur-farming became popular in the last century, and escapees from these farms contributed to their wild population. Ferrets love to play games with you. This ferret legal in California issue is very complicated and if you want to learn more about it, read my post on why are ferrets illegal in California. Keeping a mongoose is also illegal in California. You will need a legal permit to possess, transport, or import a raccoon into the state of California and only for a legal purpose. At the end of 1985, the Department of Food and Agriculture allowed the ownership of two spayed female ferrets. You think its absurd that the animal that gives you companionship and friendship could be illegal in some states. If you own a ferret in California, you are likely to face a fine of $500 to $10,000. Grapes Are Toxic For Ferrets. California is having problems with its death penaltyIt hasn't executed anyone since 2006when a federal court ruled that its method of lethal injection was improper and could cause excessive painThe state spent five years coming up with a better methodand last montha judge threw that one out t00One indication of just how . Thanks for visiting. Another thing you can do is to sign a petition for legalizing ferrets. Monkeys. As ferrets are not wild by nature, they also dont do very well in the wild. . 7 Get a suitable carrier or travel cage. Why are sugar gliders also illegal in California? Ownersmust provide ferrets with proper training, care, safety, and supervision. The police stated that "Using a weapon to intentionally kill a peacock is a felony in California." Supporters of the California ferret ban often use this trait to prove that ferrets can seriously threaten wildlife in the state. Ferrets are legal in Western Australia, but their close cousins are not. You can also end up paying for the costs of your ferret's handling, storage, and transportation. Ferrets are legal in Victoria, but you need to follow some requirements. Ferrets should enter via an authorized route and live under quarantine for six months upon arrival. The UK allows the legal import of ferrets under the EUs pets travel scheme. California Department of Fish and Wildlife. You can own pygmy goats and miniature horses. Although it is legal to have a pet raccoon in. In spite of this, the dire predictions from the California Fish and Game Commission have failed to materialize. In California, it officially became illegal to own ferrets as pets on March 7, 1986. Some groups are trying to get the state to allow certain exotic animals as pets. Ferrets are obligate carnivores. Here's why non-native animals like hedgehogs, sometimes desired as pets, are not a good idea or legal under current regulations. As with other exotic pets, some bad press has hurt their reputation. Did you know that Hawaii is the only state in the United States that is rabies free? This might come as a surprise, but keeping ferrets as pets in California is illegal. When shes not writing, Deanna loves listening to country music, or watching Dancing With The Stars. Owning a ferret in California can get you charged with a misdemeanor, up to six months in jail, or $1,000 in fines. Fact:Hawaii is the only state free of rabies because they have strict quarantine laws. The difference between New Zealand and Australia is that Australias climate is hotter and is not ideal for ferrets. The main reason why hedgehogs are illegal in California is that they can become pests when introduced into the wild where they do not naturally occur. You need adequate space and may even need to build an outdoor shed or barn to house the animals. Domesticated ferrets require a diet of animal products that are high in protein and fat and low in carbohydrates and fiber. New York City and Washington D.C. decided to act upon that and ban ferrets completely in their cities. This is when the California Fish and Game Commission and the California Department of Food and Agriculture enacted Rules and Regulations Governing the Importation of Wild Birds and Animals.. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2023 Petsvills | All Rights Reserved. [+5 Leafy Greens]. 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]. Similarly, California bans all rodents, except domesticated golden hamsters and some domesticated species of rats, mice, and guinea pigs. According to the California Fish and Game Code, its illegal to keep as a pet any animal the department considers to pose a threat to public health and safety, native wildlife, or agriculture. While those living on the eastern side of Lake Tahoe can legally own a wide variety of animals, those on the California side who have so much as a hedgehog, face penalties that can include: A civil fine of $500 - $10,000, plus the costs of the animal's removal, storage, and care, and/or Additionally, keeping venomous snakes requires a venomous snake permit. It has taken 2500 years to domesticate ferrets. If they are not taken care of or provided with ample room, bedding, and enrichment, they can become destructive. If youre an avid fish lover, live in California, and have been considering having a fish as a pet, you should stay away from the piranhas. For example, hedgehogs are cute little nocturnal animals that many states ban. (a) In addition to any other penalty provided by law, any person who violates this chapter or any regulations implementing this chapter, is subject to a civil penalty of not less than five. It all boils down to responsible pet ownership. California's climate is part of the reason for the bans on exotic animals that other states allow. FIND HER ON: FACEBOOK and LINKEDIN and, Dwarf Shrimp Trending Micro Pet All You Need To Know. For medical research and other special conditions, you may apply for a permit, but not for house ownership. You cannot take your ferret outside, walk them, or take the poor creature to the vet. EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Limited Or Anthology Series, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Lead Actress In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Lead Actor In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie. Are sugar gliders legal in California? So, unless you intend to use the ferret for research, teaching, or exhibition, the permit doesnt apply to you. When and how much do ferrets sleep? The sudden growth of a feral non-native colony could jeopardize crops and other animals. Owners would pay a $100 one-time license fee. Ferrets are legal in Georgia and Illinois, and you do not need a permit to adopt a ferret. forbidden in specific towns by the local authorities. Ferrets are not illegal in South Africa, but you need to meet certain criteria. Mongoose can wipe out an entire small, ground-living native fauna. Your friend, Nadine! Its also illegal to keep as a pet any animal that has been declared endangered and in need of animal welfare. However, unfortunately no amendment has been put into place at the legislative level, so far. Studies show that there are restrictions on species resembling any legal animal in Hawaii. 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. However, it is believed that this ban against ferrets will never be lifted in New York. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Deanna is a passionate animal lover. When owners are busy and the ferret wants to play, it is common for them to nip their feet or ankles. Knowing how to tell when a duck feels threatened and when it may apt to bite you can help you take the necessary actions to de-escalate the situation. What Exotic Animals Are Legal in California? There are 3 main reasons why it is currently illegal to have a ferret in the state. They are small, furry creatures with a cone-shaped nose, long claws, and a pear-shaped body with short legs. 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. Its a good idea to obtain new information from your local government or an animal control board. Can Sugar Gliders Eat Pineapples and Do They Like Them? Full List of Legal Pets in California (2022 Update), How to Get a Dog to Drink Water (Easy Tips), Colds In Hamsters: Symptoms, Prevention & Treatment, Constipation in Hamsters; Causes, Symptoms & Treatment, Diarrhea in Hamsters; Causes, Symptoms & Treatment, Abscesses in Hamsters: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments. 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. 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. In case you live in New Mexico or Hawaii, you need a permit to keep an axolotl. That is why you cant own one as a pet in Maine, Hawaii, Arizona, Georgia, New York City, or California. Although there are many squirrels in the state of California, keeping one as a pet is illegal and could land you in big trouble. Ferrets look much like weasels, so most people have this vicious idea of them in their heads. If you own a ferret in California, you'll most likely face fines between $500 and $10,000. Other animals that you cannot legally keep as pets in California include: Lets now have a look at some frequently asked questions about pets youre not allowed to own in California. The aquatic frog with a small, wedge-shaped head and flattened body cannot be kept as a pet in California because it competes with and threatens native species. As with some other exotic pets, some bad media coverage has hurt their reputation. In Asia, ferrets are very popular. 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