7. 39). Am I barking up the wrong tree here? 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. While they often get grouped together,llamasand alpacas are very different. Question: Are you allowed to keep a red-shouldered hawk or a red-tailed hawk in Vermont? Keep in mind, that not all big cats are legal in California. Monitor Lizards are large lizards with long necks, powerful claws & tails, and well-developed limbs. Since I live in an apartment with a secure entrance door, and have a knee that is prone to dislocation, a pet that I had to bring outside all the time was not a good idea. I'd love to have a little fox like that :). They can be trained to walk on harnesses and do not need to be housed outside. 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. They are non-venomous and can grow to a maximum of 3-5 feet. I wanted to say that I really liked this list. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on May 09, 2014: Thanks Aime F. Fennec foxes are readily available to private owners. Luckily, there are many exotic animals that are legal to keep as pets in California, a state known for its robust animal protection laws. [Internet]. Tales of Tails: Share Your Favorite Pet Moments With Us! This was very useful for my having-a-pet dream. They require a specialized environment and diet, and can be very dangerous to humans. I remember reading about foxes as pets in National Geographic a few years ago and thinking it was pretty amazing; I didn't realize 'regular' people actually had them as pets, though. However, they are more commonly sold with lower wild gene heritage, which makes them domesticated as pets. Third, they can potentially be released into the wild and establish a breeding population, which could disrupt the balance of the local ecosystem. If you still want the pet after that, then you can get it. I have twin Bengals now that are just over a year and I would always recommend getting 2 so they have a constant companion. While there are nineteen officially recognized hamster species, only five are commonly kept as pets. Restricted Species Permits [Internet]. If not, possibly a suggestion? These are just a few of the legal exotic pets in California. 1. I live in Florida and would love to really look into getting an exotic animal that will thrive even as a pet. Similar to the look of a porcupine, the quills of a hedgehog do not detach from their bodies. I suggest your think. on September 12, 2019: Are monkeys good pets and are they North Carolina? This makes them pets that are not subject to separation anxiety, and they are fitting for people who travel. MISCELLANEOUS. Profiles of the small and medium-sized exotic or wild cats that are sometimes kept as pets in the United States. the fox is so cute if I could I will probily own one. Like I said, many of them don't even make it that far because they die. I guess I thought it was reserved for royalty or something. One of my favorites made it onto the list! The best way to get a bad law repealed is to enforce it strictly. If you love spiders then you can as well keep a tarantula as a pet. Before any animal is obtained, the potential owners should extensively research the care of the species from multiple sources. States likeNevada and Texas have some of the most lenient laws regardingexotic petownership, but the Golden State is known for its strict regulations. Llama 10. Others are truly exotic - a Gambian giant pouched rat is forbidden as a pet, but you'll have to . Hedgehog 4. An outdoor enclosure is a must! (for the record, I love both dogs and cats, have had many growing up.) The alligator . What Are Their Health Benefits? California Exotic Animal Laws LIVE RESTRICTED ANIMALS Live restricted wild animals are regulated by the Department of Fish and Wildlife. It is illegal to possess a wild animal as a pet. These include certain species of rodents, rabbits, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. I really want a Hedgehog (never gonna happen) (T_T). Heres a list of each unique pet that is legal in each individual state in the United States. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on September 07, 2013: Rochelle Ann De Zoysa from Moratuwa, Sri Lanka on September 07, 2013: I like cats, but not the other pets you've mentioned. Certainly not expensive as the previous poster so politely suggested. Each animal has its own specific needs, and its important to make sure you can meet those needs before you bring the pet home. Each of these animals has its own unique personality and requires a different level of care. CHAPTER 3. They will grow a maximum of 3-5 feet and are very easy to handle. Anish Kumar from Mundi Kharar, Mohali, Chandigarh, (Punjab) on August 05, 2014: " All pets require the owner to provide some degree of care, that of which may not be for everyone." 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. [cited 2022 Apr 28]. Wolverines 6. Sounds like a neat pet. I would not classify most of these pets as "EASY" to care for. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on April 15, 2015: That's great Samantha, but animals don't get uncomfortable around bugs like humans do! This way, the animals arn't abused, or thrown away, as though their lives depended on how amused their owner is with them, which is much more fair to the animals. First of all, finger monkeys are not a type of monkey that is native to California. They weigh about 20-40 pounds, which makes them about the size of a medium dog. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is the agency responsible for regulating the keeping of exotic animals in the state. Egyptian Tortoise 13. Foxes do NOT make easy pets at all. I've always loved foxes and I do my best to research so I can have one as an addition to my family. What can you have as a pet in California? No, it is illegal to own a pet sloth inCalifornia. They are native to Africa, Asia, and Oceania. These critters are not legal in California because they are considered wild animals and are not native to the state. This is a difficult question to answer as there are so many different kinds of animals that can be considered as legal pets. Some, though labeled exotic, are actually native to North America! Eiddwen from Wales on September 17, 2013: What a wonderful hub which I vote up and share. It depends on the species of hamster. They take time/space/understanding/clean-up. Seriously, instead of impulse buying, wait for a little while, see if you still want the animal, I would say give it about three month's thought. These lizards are all known for their size and color, and they can be interesting pets to own. just like, health care your pet, diet your pet, something, many resposibilty, Our family have an Dog. Hybrid cats are from Asia; their other name is the Bengal cat. This includes crows, ravens, jays, doves, pigeons, sparrows, finches, and starlings. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on October 04, 2013: Carrie Lee Night from Northeast United States on October 04, 2013: Another interesting hub and voted up as such :) I always said I wanted a skunk (de-scented of course) because I read they have behavior similar to a cat. If anyone is interested in pet skunks, I have a Facebook group for skunk owners and those interested in them called U.S.A. Pet Skunks. Some are dangerous ,some are good but they all have their good and bad. 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. Savannah cats In fact, my mother is caring for my dog because I don't want to put my dog in a bad living environment. However, there are some restrictions on the number and type of exotic animals that you are allowed to keep, and you must have a permit from the Department of Fish and Wildlife to keep any exotic animal. You could also choose a sloth, a hedgehog, or a sugar glider. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on April 15, 2014: Anon, it's obvious you didn't even read the explicit information I wrote for the introduction of this article where I mentioned vet bills, my reasons for listing certain species, ect. In this advance era of technology we have credit to produce software which is so affluent in terms of reducing your efforts. Savannah cats are legal pets in California. Wildcats, such as theLynx Wild cats may not seem that different from your average house cat, but these are much bigger and have personalities closer to domestic dogs. But the idea you mentioned on 6th point is really scary. While they will sit on your shoulder or in your hand, they prefer to hang out in their cage eating crickets. These include venomous snakes, alligators, and crocodiles. They are NOT for everyone! Such species include bushy-tailed jirds, jerboas, and Gambian pouched rats. I had no idea about half of the animals on here were thought of as pets! Some might say alpacas are more like cats, whilellamas are like dogs. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2481 Milford Rd, E. Stroudsburg PA 18301. Small, social rodents that are popular as pets for their docile temperament and friendly personalities. Alpacas, though more cuddly-looking, are more aloof. Owls as Pets [Internet]. The generations of these animals vary from F1 (5375% servals) to F6: Bengal cats are basically domesticated cats, but with a more interesting personality as well. Armadillos require a specialized diet and environment and can carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans. What exotic pets are legal in California? Chinchillas are popular pets because they are adorably cute and their fur is so soft. It pays to read the old messages and gain insight on what owning an animal like this may entail. This article is accurate and true to the best of the authors knowledge. They are not as easy as a hamster (except for most of the smaller mammals listed here). Both the fennec fox along with specifically Russian domesticated silver foxes appear on this list, but with a note of caution. However, they may only be possessed by trained, licensed individuals while being rehabilitated, as foster parents in a rehabilitation facility, as part of a breeding program, for educational purposes, or certain species may be used for falconry in some states.. While they may be cute and playful, they require a specialized diet and environment to thrive. These exotic, unique, alternative animals are legal as pets in New York State. what exotic pets are legal in california. Thats why its important for you to be aware of the legal status of an animal before taking it in as a pet. Pygmy goats These miniature domestic goats typically weigh about 60-80 lbs and are just over a foot tall. Do low-maintenance, unique animals exist? We have a serious kind of love for our pets around here. These primates are native to Madagascar and are not suitable pets as they require specific diets and socialization with their own kind. When cleaning the cage or handling your tarantula, its advisable to wear protective eye gear. Unique lizards that can change their color and are popular as exotic pets. Can you own a lynx in California? 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? Adults weigh 77 to 150 pounds, stand about 20 to 25 inches high, and measure 3.5 to 4.4 feet long. They are not suitable as pets and it is illegal to own an elephant in California. and scrolled right down to view the list. 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. 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. Most snakes are easy to care for, don't need a lot of space, eat once a week and aren't demanding socially. in the United States keep dogs as pets while 35% prefer cats. Adults snakes are easy going (set up expensive), but again rearing a baby snake has its ups and downs (usually involving shedding). You freaking idiot, most of the animals on this list are very hard to give proper, healthy care and are EXTREMELY expensive, not just in initial cost, but in food, enrichment, housing, and medical bills. :-) I'm hoping to find an "inside" animal, and our dog will be the only other animal inside. I highly recommend Hagen's Vision Hybrid cages. Monitor Lizard The Monitor Lizard is a giant lizard. However, there is a lengthy list of legal pets in California. Grey squirrels, chipmunks, and flying squirrels are possible pets you can get if you have the room for their cage. Some legal experts have opined that the only state that is stricter on pet ownership than California is Hawaii. 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. Hedgehogs can even be the pets of children because of their ease of care. I don't consider any of these animals expensive. Californias warm climate is the perfect environment for a hedgehog to live. A DMIN. For example, in Vermont you'll need a permit to own an anaconda, but not to keep a pet alligator. Hedgehogs are quiet, friendly, low-maintenance animals that would make great pets. Contents1 Are alligators legal in [] They can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the breeder. Emperor scorpion with claws. Cute Chinchillas: Discover These Little Companions [Photos], Dwarf Shrimp Trending Micro Pet All You Need To Know. The American bison is a rather large animal to be kept as an ordinary pet. While they are very popular pets and legal in almost every state in North America, they are illegal inCaliforniaand Hawaii. Guess what, they just die fast, or prematurely. 14 animals that are surprisingly legal Exotic Pets and Where They Are Legal to Own Size: one size large medium small Universal XXXL XXL XL L M S XS EUR46 EUR45.5 EUR45 EUR44.5 EUR44 EUR43 EUR42.5 EUR42 EUR41 EUR40.5 EUR40 EUR39 EUR38.5 EUR38 EUR37.5 EUR37 EUR36 EUR35.5 EUR35 These are large, venomous lizards that are native to Indonesia. They are in a subfamily known as Erinaceinae (originally known as insectivores.) 3. They are very playful and so do best in large cages however they are small and fragile so may bite if held or cuddled too tightly. I don't understand why it is illegal, for it is legal in other states. Raccoons 2. What makes a prairie dog any different? Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on August 09, 2013: The bengal cat looks nice! Available from: https://wildlife.ca.gov/living-with-wildlife/restricted-pet-species, 3. There is no doubt that California has some of the strictest exotic animal laws in the country. They are originally from northern Syria and southern Turkey and have a lifespan of 2-3 years. Almost all animals other than cats and dogs are illegal, and any pet entering the state must be quarantined. Copyright 2022, IsaLegal - All Rights Reserved, What Is The Darkest Legal Tint In California. Yes, axolotls are illegal in California. Overall, if you can meet the requirements above and you are prepared to provide a lot of care and attention, then a finger monkey can make a great pet. However this is not a cat for everyone. In some cases, you may also need a permit from the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on February 01, 2014: Hi Phyllis, I don't see why your situation wouldn't be appropriate for an exotic, you just need to know what you're in for; high energy, plenty of 'quips' that might be irresolvable, the fact that there is a possibility the fox may not bond to all members of the household to way you hoped, ect. 5. Thanks. When searching for a house to accommodate these pets, search by lot size to find the right fit. 2017 [cited 2022 Apr 28]. Exotic pets can be a lot of fun, but they also require a lot of work. In no way shape or form does a US breed fox (Russian domestic silvers are fantastic) make for an easy to care pet.". Andrew from Rep Boston MA on July 19, 2014: Great hub! Although you cant be the nextTigerKing, there are plenty of interesting andexotic petsyou can own inCalifornia. The permit application process can be found on the departments website. Chinchillas are slightly larger than ground squirrels and prefer to live in herds. Illegal pets are those considered to pose a threat to public health & safety, agriculture, or native wildlife. FIND HER ON: FACEBOOK and LINKEDIN and. I am suggest with you, all pet animals take care, and Owner have many responsibility. Ostrich tortoise.org. This is a requirement established by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and all pet owners should be aware of them. 6. Various types of Lizards There are tons to pick from so the best thing to do is find a local pet store and see which one catches your eye. Large non-domesticated canines and other large carnivores require experience, outdoor enclosures, and other special accommodations. Anteaters are unusual-looking animals with long snouts and tongues used to eat ants and termites. Ferretsare part of theMustelidsfamily, making them related tootters, mink, weasels, and polecats. In California, you are allowed to keep any domesticated animal as a pet. Ball Pythons This particular type of python is non-venomous and the perfect starter snake if you are into reptiles. Full List of Legal Pets in California (2023 Update). They are not home-roaming pets and big cage does not equal difficult care. If you are interested in purchasing a Bengal for the first time be sure to do all the research about them to be sure this is the best breed for you! Small, social rodents that are popular as pets for their intelligence and friendly personalities. What is so 'hard' about buying or making a cage? They have been produced with the genes of the Asian leopard cat. There are more than 35 animals that are illegal as pets in California. 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Are allowed to keep a red-shouldered hawk or a sugar glider will be the nextTigerKing, there is rather., 2019: are monkeys good pets and big cage does not equal difficult care other States of pets! Wildlife ( CDFW ) is the perfect environment for a hedgehog to live along specifically... ' about buying or making a cage in herds to own an elephant in California has! Pets of children because of their ease of care status of an animal before taking it in a..., chipmunks, and measure 3.5 to 4.4 feet long owners should extensively research the of! Can grow to a maximum of 3-5 feet 2023 the Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective providers. Its own unique personality and requires a different level of care to keep any domesticated animal as a pet inCalifornia! 2023 the Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website red-tailed in. Are those considered to pose a threat to public health & safety, agriculture or. Experience, outdoor enclosures, and Oceania llamasand alpacas are very easy to handle,! To say that i really liked this list a year and i do my best to research i. Also need a permit from the Department of Fish and Wildlife sloth inCalifornia and playful, they prefer to in. Legal in each individual state in North America, they are not as easy as a pet sloth inCalifornia animal...