Ferrets are not illegal in most other states, but they are illegal in Hawaii and California. Ferrets are big weasels, not as big as a skunk, but skunks are less slithery. Plus, many predators can feed on ferrets in the wild such as foxes and dingos. 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. This makes them easy prey to larger, wild animals, like wolves and feral cats that are found commonly in California. While it is possible to keep just one duck, it is strongly recommended that you have at least one other duck for company, while having three or four would be best. There are a few things that anyone can do to push to make ownership of ferrets legal in the Golden State. You need a permit from the California Department of Fish and Game to keep ferrets as pets. There are a few items youll need to get started to own a ferret including best ferret cages, bedding, food and food bowls, water bottles, litter box and litter, toys, and a travel carrier. Although gerbils are popular pets in the United States, state officials still regard them as a risk to Californias agriculture and native plants & animals. Its best to check with your state to confirm the laws. Your email address will not be published. This might come as a surprise, but keeping ferrets as pets in California is illegal. So, unless you intend to use the ferret for research, teaching, or exhibition, the permit doesnt apply to you. Here's why non-native animals like hedgehogs, sometimes desired as pets, are not a good idea or legal under current regulations. Most states in the United States allow ferrets as pets, but some states have laws prohibiting ferret ownership. In the U.S., ferrets sold at pet stores are descented by surgically removing the anal glands. Ruling the possibility of unvaccinated animals in the home out, there is only one other way ferrets can get rabies- by leaving the house. They urged the board to allow them to take their pets to the vet for services without fear. There are 3 main reasons why it is currently illegal to have a ferret in the state. You also require a vaccination certificate from a vet. The difference between New Zealand and Australia is that Australias climate is hotter and is not ideal for ferrets. This is a comprehensive list of animals that are illegal as pets in California as of 2022. The officials do not actively search for ferrets with people, but it is a big problem. California offers an environment where species like ferrets may thrive in the wild. There are two states where ferrets are completely illegal: California and Hawaii. What Ferret Bans Are Enforced In Other American States? Your email address will not be published. Australia has feral dogs and cats, and adding a ferret to the mix is a huge risk. This restriction could also be a result of the few cases that had been reported about ferrets biting children due to their aggressive nature. It is also not legal to have a pet ferret in Washington, D.C. Also, while it is legal to have ferrets in most of New York state, they are illegal in all 5 boroughs of New York City (Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, and The Bronx). You can also own mynah birds and even toucans. However, in South Africa, one has to meet a set of standards formulated by the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Acts, 2005, since ferrets are classified as invasive species. It is a class A misdemeanor, which means the maximum penalty is a $1,000 fine or six months in prison. In 1980, the permit was extended to include spayed female ferrets, but importation was still not allowed. In some states where ferrets are not technically illegal, you do still need a license in order to keep them. They are small, furry creatures with a cone-shaped nose, long claws, and a pear-shaped body with short legs. Tell everyone you know: Hedgehogs are not pets. Never buy a hedgehog or any other animal. Most ferret owners will tell you they do not deserve the poor reputation because they are wonderful pets! 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. Can You Own One? Also, most ferrets are spayed and neutered so they cant breed. 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. Ferrets are fun to be around, and they need very little energy to look after. As ferrets are not wild by nature, they also dont do very well in the wild. This is because ferrets are considered to be non-native, wild animals. Of these, one of them is the state of California. There are now, quite effective vaccines that can prevent rabies in ferrets. 10 Exotic Pets That Are Legal to Own in California. Find out why are hedgehogs illegal in California. Experts dont recommend ferrets for homes with children under five years of age. Besides that the following penalties are imposed on the perpetrator: California is not the only state where ferrets are illegal. You will not be able to keep your ferret. It is human nature to have friends and, more so, best friends. Although some may argue that hand raised parrots are domesticated, not too long ago they were stolen from their tropical nests and smuggled into the the U.S and other places. Some groups are trying to get the state to allow certain exotic animals as pets. , California is not one of them. Its also illegal to keep as a pet any animal that has been declared endangered and in need of animal welfare. In fact, any animal if provoked will become violent. We may direct you to retailers such as Chewy or Amazon that provide us with a tiny commission on resulting sales. 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. Mongoose can wipe out an entire small, ground-living native fauna. Portugal is the only European countrywhere having a ferret is illegal. Surprise! Now that we know why ferrets are illegal in California, lets look a little deeper into how and when it all happened. However, the origins of those restrictions actually date back to the latter part of 1933. 2. California isnt alone in banning domestic ferrets. Wolfdogs are another example of an exotic pet that is prohibited in many states and allowed in California. Full List of All Illegal Pets in California (2022 Update), The state of California is not only famous for being among the leading states with the. 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 Ferrets Aggressive? Ferrets are legal in Georgia and Illinois, and you do not need a permit to adopt a ferret. [2], LegalizeFerrets.org has a sample letter for you to use when contacting your state representatives. Its currently illegal to own a hedgehog in California; Georgia; Hawaii; New York City; Omaha, Nebraska; and Washington, D.C. Other states and cities may have specific restrictions or require a permit to keep one. Have it in mind that the capybara is a semi-aquatic animal, so if you desire to adopt a capybara, you must create a little pond in which the capybara can easily swim. There needs to be more backup data on whether it is legal or illegal owning a ferret in Africa. However, it is believed that this ban against ferrets will never be lifted in New York. Ferrets are illegal in the Northern Territory. Here is a comprehensive answer as to why California bans domestic ferrets and other exotic animals while other states allow them. The state of California is not only famous for being among the leading states with the best animal protection laws but also for its tough laws on exotic pets. The penalty might range anywhere from $500 to $10,000. While California is not illegal for ferret ownership, the penalties for . While you might be sad to lose your adorable pet, it does rule out the possibility of catching rabies. Outside of the United States, ferrets are also illegal in South Africa, New Zealand, and 3 areas of Australia (Northern Territory, Queensland, and Western Australia). Once you have completed the program, you must then submit an application to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. This restriction was active until 1985. She is the mom of several guinea pigs and sugar gliders. Also, ferret fur-farming became popular in the last century, and escapees from these farms contributed to their wild population. An F3 wolfdog has at least one grandparent that was a wolf. In California, all hybrid cats of the generation are legal. TimesMojo is a social question-and-answer website where you can get all the answers to your questions. You can also end up paying for the costs of your ferret's handling, storage, and transportation. You need a legal permit to possess, transport, or import a raccoon into the state of California, and only for a legal purpose. It's a site that collects all the most frequently asked questions and answers, so you don't have to spend hours on searching anywhere else. If threatened they can lash out with their long claws which could cause damage. CDFW receives frequent inquiries about why various non-native species are restricted from being kept as pets in California. We strongly recommend not breaking this lawit simply isn't worth it for you or the ferret! Therefore, if you love ferrets, youd possibly have to consider moving to another state. In short, the chances of a ferret being eaten by wildlife are considerably higher than the ferret eating wildlife. The cost of a ferret will depend on where you get them. It is not legal to have a fox as a pet in most states. Sadly, despite many state-wide protests in support of the legalization of ferrets, they still remain banned in California. List of the Pros of Having Ferrets as Pets. And surprisingly, California allows some species that other states prohibit. In spite of that, said Fiorella, ferrets have a naturally occurring musky smell due to other scent glands in their skin.. Studies show that there are restrictions on species resembling any legal animal in Hawaii. For example, one household can only have two ferrets. 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). A group of ferret fans is looking to challenge the states 80-year-old ferret ban, and is in search of a state legislator who will sponsor a repeal. They argued that half-wild ferrets could easily form feral packs, endangering their plants and livestock. Ferrets are illegal in Queensland, and the laws are very similar to New Zealand. Therefore, if you are in Washington, D.C., you can own a ferret without fear of breaking laws because it is legal today. Bighorn sheep (except Nelson bighorn sheep). They also like to sleep in hammocks which can be hung inside their enclosure. In the event that ferret owners are apprehended, they may also be required to pay for the transportation, handling, and storage of each and every ferret that they discover in their residence. You can help reduce odors with daily litter cleaning and maintaining your ferret's health: healthy diet, regular ear cleaning, and checking for signs of gum disease. Let us know how it went down in the comment section! The board is afraid that ferrets being rabies vectors, could transmit rabies in the state. Heres a video that can help further explain things. And for obvious reasons, almost half the states in the US have laws that prohibit residents from owning certain species of venomous reptiles. You can own a monkey without a special permit in Georgia, Kansas, Oklahoma, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Ferrets are obligate carnivores. However, if someone notifies the department about your ferret, someone could come and take it away. This ban stems from fears that escaped ferrets could colonize wild populations and upset the areas delicate ecosystem balance. The law does not restrict its citizens from owning ferrets. You can actually get charged with a misdemeanor for owning a domestic ferret which is six months in jail, a $1,000 fine, and they can also confiscate the pet and euthanize it, Mitchell said. If you own a ferret in California, you are likely to face a fine of $500 to $10,000. Ownersmust provide ferrets with proper training, care, safety, and supervision. You can keep a ferret, but you need to get a permit from the District of Columbia Health Department. So why are ferrets illegal in California? California is known for having particularly strict laws surrounding exotic pets, and a lot of people disagree with sugar gliders being on the list of banned animals. The main reason why ferrets are illegal in California is to Protect Agriculture and Wildlife. I am Eddie, animal journalist and founder of ThePetSavvy. However, ferret lovers in California, such as Pat wright, have tried by all means to change this status. The reason for the ferret ban is the unique nature of the New Zealand wildlife population. Therefore, these are currently the states/cities where ferrets are illegal as pets: California. These restricted birds include falcons, eagles, and hawks. However, Hawaii is the state with the most restrictions on the ownership of pets in the United States. They argued that there was no justification for banning ferrets on diseases and ecological grounds. Ferrets have gained huge popularity as pets in the US for the past few years, however, they are illegal in some states, including California. That is why you cant own one as a pet in Maine, Hawaii, Arizona, Georgia, New York City, or California. When did it become illegal to own a ferret in California? Foxes may not be kept as pets in the state of California. Ferrets are illegal because they could easily revert to their feral state and be a potential carrier of rabies. When did ferrets become illegal in California? It is when the ferret bites hard that something is wrong. Therefore, consider moving to another state if you are in California and want to own a ferret. A considerable amount of money would have to be spent to be able to recreate a comfortable and appropriate environment for a pet sloth. Our team is made up of professional pet trainers, veterinarians, and experienced pet owners who have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share. So, adopting a ferret in Washington DC is not impossible, but it isnt easy. In California, where having a ferret can net a $500 fine or six months in jail, Wright estimated between 50,000 and 500,000 pet ferrets live a clandestine existence. This ruling means you cannot import, transport, or possess ferrets in the state except with a permit issued for a legal purpose. 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. However, his efforts have been futile and have only landed him in jail. Californias climate is part of the reason for the bans on some animals that other states allow. Their diet consists of raw meat, raw bones, muscle tissue, and digested vegetable matter. Ferrets never attack until they are abused or malnourished. Another animal you cannot keep as a pet in California is the. Under a policy adopted in 1986 by the Fish and Game Commission, neutered male ferrets were made illegal as pets in California, except for those which were already pets at that time.. Can you go to jail for having a ferret in California? You only had to pay a fee for household members who didn't have insurance. The native wildlife, such as the kakapo and kiwi, cant cope with these new predators. Grapes Are Toxic For Ferrets. Supporters of the California ferret ban often use this trait to prove that ferrets can seriously threaten wildlife in the state. Here is a list of the others: Hawaii: Possession and transportation of ferrets in Hawaii can lead to: 3 years in prison a fine of upto $20,000 bearing all the costs of the removal and extermination of the ferret Unlike dogs that need to be walked every day, or cats who like running around the neighborhood, ferrets like to stay inside. Unfortunately, theyre illegal in nine other US states and several cities. Despite being dangerous, ferrets are not harmful to the environment and are not more dangerous than cats or dogs. California Allows Some Exotic Animals as Pets. Ferret lovers in Hawaii argued that there is no difference between owning a cat or a dog and owning a ferret since these pets, too, can be used to transmit rabies. Ferrets that are not vaccinated are at risk for rabies. 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