Like I said, many of them don't even make it that far because they die. I just think new or prospective owners need to do research before purchasing or adopting a Bengal! Skunks 3. Exotic pet ownership, small or large, is a big responsibility and its a long-term commitment. True domesticated foxes do not have an offensive smell, have a tamer personality, and more easily accept humans as companions (reportedly). Chipmunks require a specialized environment and diet and can be difficult to care for. Next, you need to get a permit from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Illegal pets are those considered to pose a threat to public health & safety, agriculture, or native wildlife. 2017 [cited 2022 Apr 28]. 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. Buying a home provides enough space to have any pet you like as approved by your city. They are part of the camel family and closely related to the alpacas. They are a species of salamander that can be found in Californias waterways. But, if you are prepared for it, owning an exotic pet is a very rewarding experience. It is legal to own bothllamasand alpacas inCalifornia, however, unlike the other unusual pets on our list, these unique animals are best kept in herds aslivestockinstead of as individual pets. I believe the biggest problem is Fennec Foxes also love to climb. Just be sure to be prepared for the cleaning involved with their frequent defecation. The smallest recommended cage for fennecs is a multi-level ferret nation cage. Lizards are another popular exotic pet, and there are many different kinds that can be kept as pets. 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. For example, it is illegal to own a lion, tiger, or leopard in California without a special permit. 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. Check out this comprehensive guide to learn about the 29 exotic animals that are legal to own and the 35 that are illegal. Hedgehogs have a simplistic diet that can be composed of a high-grade prepared food and/or fruits and insects. So perhaps I can accuse you of promoting the death cycle with your recommendations. Each of these animals has its own unique personality and requires a different level of care. I am suggest with you, all pet animals take care, and Owner have many responsibility. This includes all wild animals, including raccoons, skunks, and bats. Egyptian Tortoise 13. I'm glad you included scorpions, one of my own "exotics." Ostrich Ronnie MacDonald (CC BY 2.0) 9. Keep in mind thatCaliforniahas much stricter laws than most states regarding legal pets. Large, colorful birds with unique bills that are popular as exotic pets for their stunning appearance. Luckily, there are many exotic animals that are legal to keep as pets in California, a state known for its robust animal protection laws. Full List of Legal Pets in California (2023 Update). They are also used as working animals, particularly in the farming industry. Maybe your financial situation is different, but most people spend as much or more on dogs as they would with fennec foxes, hybrid cats, and skunks. :)))). California: Savannah Cats. Certainly not expensive as the previous poster so politely suggested. But the idea you mentioned on 6th point is really scary. That's why they appeal to me. Mississippi Map Turtle 11. Alligators & Crocodiles Llamafiber, on the other hand, is commonly made into rugs. Feeding a wild animal including a squirrel is animal harassment according to theCaliforniaFish and Game Code with a fine of up to $1,000 for feeding one! 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. They require a specialized diet and environment and can be dangerous to humans. The river otters are an exotic breed of pets you can keep in California. This improved mine and my Lovebird Sky's relationship immensely, and it is now the relationship I had wanted, and I don't think I could ever go back to a common pet. If I was to ever get a cat I would love one of those Savannah cats. I then talked to people who I knew had birds before for a very very long time, and were very successful with them. And 95% of pet owners in the U.S. consider their pets to be family members no surprises there. Illegal Pets in California California aims to protect its native wildlife by placing strict state laws on animals that people can and can not keep as pets. 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. It is important to check with your local municipality to make sure that there are no restrictions on keeping these animals in your area. Llamas can be quite dangerous if they feel threatened. I have not looked for another pet since. It also includes all predators, including lions, tigers, and bears. I'm interested in this. Tarantulas rarely bite but their defensive responses can be risky for you or anyone holding them at the time. They are suitable for those who do not want a long-lived pet since their lifespan is an accommodating 57 years. Also, California views Quaker Parrots as an agricultural threat because they can breed quickly. Large, hump-backed ungulates that are used for transportation, milk, meat, and as pack animals. Make sure your handle hamsters with care to prevent hamster stress or infections, such as urine infections. They are originally from northern Syria and southern Turkey and have a lifespan of 2-3 years. Chipmunks are small rodents that are native to North America. If not, possibly a suggestion? These include certain species of rodents, rabbits, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. Actually, felicity, vulpes is the genus of foxes, which branches off of the family canidae, or canines. You can keep a wolfdog as a pet in California provided it is not first generation. They are named after the claws on their front feet which they use to help catch their food. 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! Do You Need An Exotic Pet License In California? Wild animals are limited to birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, crustaceans, gastropods (slugs/snails), bony fish (Osteichtyes), and lampreys (Monorhina). Non-venomous constrictor snakes are legal in California, including Green Anacondas (grow to an average of 20 to 30 feet long and weigh more than 550 pounds), Burmese Pythons (grow to an average of 16 to 23 feet long and weigh up to 200 pounds), Reticulated Pythons (grow to an average of 20 feet long and weigh an average of 150 pounds) and Boa Constrictors (grow up to 13 feet long and weigh more than 100 pounds). Required fields are marked *. . 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. When cleaning the cage or handling your tarantula, its advisable to wear protective eye gear. African Clawed Frogs African Clawed Frogs are aquatic amphibians that are commonly kept as pets. Chinchillas are slightly larger than ground squirrels and prefer to live in herds. According to the California Turtle & Tortoise Club (3), Californias law states that a permit is needed to possess a Desert Tortoise and any other species of Gopherus such as a Texas Tortoise or a Gopher Tortoise. Some zoos publish detailed care manuals on some of the 'more exotic' species. For instance, a first-generation (F1) wolfdog means that either the mom or the dad is a pure wolf to the wolfdog and a second-generation (F2) wolfdog means one of the grandparents is a pure wolf to the wolfdog. They are illegal to have in California because they are an endangered species. Ostrich You are also prohibited from keeping ferrets, gerbils, owls, primates, hedgehogs, sloths, anteaters, and many other animals. They can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the breeder. 8. 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. In no way shape or form does a US breed fox (Russian domestic silvers are fantastic) make for an easy to care pet. These mammals are often kept as pets for their distinctive scent glands, but they are not suitable pets as they can be unpredictable and require a lot of specialized care. If you love chinchillas then why not keep one or a few as pets? In general, the CDFW prohibits the keeping of wild animals, which are animals that are not domesticated. Large, flightless birds that are popular for their meat, feathers, and as a symbol of African wildlife. 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. 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), 29 Legal Exotic Pets in California You Can Own. So, the answer to the question what animal is legal in California? is that it depends on the animals classification. The American bison is a rather large animal to be kept as an ordinary pet. Alpacas, though more cuddly-looking, are more aloof. 1. Only non-first-generation savannah cats can be kept as pets in California. My Pet name is "Rocky". Some of the most popular snakes include the king cobra, the python, and the anaconda. According to the International Owl Center (4), private individuals in the United States cannot keep owls as pets. Could you recommend any good sources? They are happy with LARGE spaces (so again. not that 'easy') the ones I have owned required much attention. You can actually keep rats as pets but will definitely need more attention than large pets such as cats, dogs, and gerbils. They love water and will play in their water dishes. The best way to get a bad law repealed is to enforce it strictly. While they will sit on your shoulder or in your hand, they prefer to hang out in their cage eating crickets. It is a hybrid cat breed from mating between a domestic and serval cat. The only U.S. state with more regulations on game and wildlife is Hawaii. This article is accurate and true to the best of the authors knowledge. Anteaters are unusual-looking animals with long snouts and tongues used to eat ants and termites. These are imperative steps to take to ensure that you know what you're getting into so you can care for your animal for the duration of its life. In California, red pandas are considered a wild animal and must be registered with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. They need an omnivorous diet that is higher in animal protein. Large, powerful bovines native to North America that are famous for their meat and as a symbol of the American West. They are being truly professional about it, but I do not agree with them. They require a diet that is high in fiber and low in sugar and carbohydrates. I began researching, and checking things, and cross-comparing the facts between sites, and 'what you need to know about lovebirds' from alleged 'professionals'. I would not classify most of these pets as "EASY" to care for. 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. My skunks are one of my most favorite pets ever. Some of the most popular legal exotic pets in California include hedgehogs, sugar gliders, parrots, non-venomous reptiles, and small primates such as marmosets and tamarins. I would personally like to have a pet skunk though. Overall, there are no downsides to letting Californians own hedgehogs. 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. There are a number of exotic animals that are legal in California. Theyre intelligent, social animals that can be trained to do tricks. A great source to read about these animals would be a group on yahoogroups called FennecFox, but the board is largely dead. I don't understand why it is illegal, for it is legal in other states. Your email address will not be published. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on August 09, 2013: The bengal cat looks nice! There are a few exceptions to this rule as well, however. Gerbilsare a very common pet in the United States and some might be surprised to find them on the list of illegal pets inCalifornia. A summary of exotic pet laws and discussion on which states prohibit the private possession of specific exotic animal species, including monkeys, tigers, raccoons, birds, wolves, and others. Apart from ball pythons, you can also keep Burmese python, reticulated python, and green anaconda. If you still think a fennec might be for you contact a breeder and ask plenty of questions up until a kit is available. you are so grate. Here are 10 exotic animals that are legal to own in the state of Texas. What can you have as a pet in California? These rodents are not suitable as pets as they require a lot of space to climb and play, and are known to be very difficult to care for. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is the agency responsible for regulating the keeping of exotic animals in the state. 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. If you are thinking about keeping a pet, it is important to check with your local city or county government to make sure that there are no restrictions on the type of pet that you can keep. However, before you decide to add a llama to your family, there are a few things you should know. 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! They are not suitable as pets and it is illegal to own an elephant in California. In this advance era of technology we have credit to produce software which is so affluent in terms of reducing your efforts. Cute Chinchillas: Discover These Little Companions [Photos], Dwarf Shrimp Trending Micro Pet All You Need To Know. Each animal has its own specific needs, and its important to make sure you can meet those needs before you bring the pet home. It pays to read the old messages and gain insight on what owning an animal like this may entail. The lower generations of these animals provide a great substitute for the cheetah look in the package of a mostly domesticated but interesting cat. When shes not writing, Deanna loves listening to country music, or watching Dancing With The Stars. They are also easy to handle, which makes them ideal starter pets for those into reptiles. In fact, my mother is caring for my dog because I don't want to put my dog in a bad living environment. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Animal Lover Hiiiii! Available from: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Licensing/Restricted-Species, Deanna is a passionate animal lover. She is the mom of several guinea pigs and sugar gliders. Effectively addressing this question strictly depends on what the owner is willing to provide for the animal, what the owner expects of the animal, and what they are willing to spend. You can actually keep rats as pets but will definitely need more attention than large pets such as cats, dogs, and gerbils. 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). 2023 Petsvills | All Rights Reserved. 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). You can keep them as pets if you live in California. These include: Ferrets Monkeys Gerbils (although hamsters, mice, rats and Guinea pigs are allowed) Squirrels Hedgehogs Sloths Foxes Skunks Raccoons Jaguars Cheetahs Bobcats Deer Alligators Zebras Lemurs Prairie Dogs Any Wolf hybrid Leopards 2. There are few veterinarians that can treat your pet, food, and shelter may be expensive, or the animal needs specific or time-consuming care. Wolfdogs A wolfdog is a hybrid born when a domestic dog mates with a gray wolf, red wolf, eastern wolf, or Ethiopian wolf. Hamsters, guinea pigs, chinchillas, and rats are acceptable pets, so why arent hedgehogs? Savannah cats are a hybrid of the serval and the domesticated cat. These spiders are all known for their size and venom, and they can be dangerous if not handled correctly. African Clawed Frogs can be easy to care for and live for up to 25 years. Are axolotls legal in California? Do you think 'easy' pets don't end up in rescues? Anteaters require a specialized diet and environment and can be dangerous to humans. 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. Other smaller exotics like porcupines, genets, sloths, wallabies, kinkajous, tamanduas, and coatimundis require large caging relative to their sizes and may be harder to promote the well-being of under traditional animal care standards. Profiles of the small and medium-sized exotic or wild cats that are sometimes kept as pets in the United States. Hybrid cats are from Asia; their other name is the Bengal cat. Some of the most popular lizards include the gecko, the chameleon, and the iguana. If you want to check out other state laws, heres a quick overview ofexotic animallaws in all 50 states. Exotic pet forums are an excellent resource for reading the experiences of seasoned pet owners and you may even be able to converse with them and ask questions. Pure Wolves and first-generation (F1) wolfdogs are illegal in California, but all others are legal. By the standards of most, there are a few animals that can be declared not easy to care for: These animals often stress more easily and are difficult to re-home. 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. The peacock, also known as the Indian peafowl, common peafowl, or blue peafowl, is a beautiful bird species native to the Indian subcontinent and is legal as a pet for those living in California. The only other class of animals that is not regulated by the CDFW is called exotic animals. Exotic animals are animals that are not native to California, and most of them are regulated by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). For example, in Vermont you'll need a permit to own an anaconda, but not to keep a pet alligator. Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink 9. Second, finger monkeys require a lot of care and attention. I recently learned that hedgehogs are illegal in some states. How many pets can you legally own in California? I have twin Bengals now that are just over a year and I would always recommend getting 2 so they have a constant companion. Pinned it to my Hubs to Read board and voted for it! 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. If you are interested in owning a llama, you will need to get a permit from your local animal control agency. Foxes are wild animals that are not suitable as pets. According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, non-native species are restricted from being kept as pets to protect public health and safety . While children flit in and out of the house, more so as they get older, your pets are there as constant companions. on September 12, 2019: Are monkeys good pets and are they North Carolina? This is a state that bans ferrets under the guise of protecting the environmenteven though its inhabitants regularly defy the law, and invasive ferrets have not been observed. In no way shape or form does a US breed fox (Russian domestic silvers are fantastic) make for an easy to care pet.". They are not home-roaming pets and big cage does not equal difficult care. The first time someone is found to have kept an endangered animal as a pet, the person may have to pay a fine of up to $3,500. There are infinite possibilities because they mutate so fast, and so many new domesticated forms could be made. Most snakes are easy to care for, don't need a lot of space, eat once a week and aren't demanding socially. Cousins tocamels, alpacas are kept for their fine wool, andllamasare commonly kept on farms as guard animals because of their large size to keep awaycoyotesand other preditors. Required fields are marked *. It is very prohibited to bring ferrets, gerbils, hamsters, or snakes. They are super spunky and sweet (to those they like). Both the fennec fox along with specifically Russian domesticated silver foxes appear on this list, but with a note of caution. They have been known to spit and kick, and they can also use their horns to attack. Actually, Fennec foxes are not canine (related to dogs/wolves), they are vulpine, which refers to foxes. Large, colorful birds that are popular for their stunning feathers and unique appearance. Like other Bengals, she's very vocal and requires almost constant human attention or she'll get lonely and cry. As cats, dogs, and green anaconda promoting the death cycle with your recommendations several guinea and. Named after the claws on their front feet which they use to help catch their food for live! To ever get a permit from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife not home-roaming pets big... Pets for those into reptiles purchasing or adopting a Bengal hand, they prefer to live in.! Level of care breed quickly rats as pets if you are prepared the... Their lifespan is an accommodating 57 years then talked to people who I knew birds... Passionate animal lover will need to get a bad living environment includes all predators, including lions,,. A diet that can be kept as an agricultural threat because they mutate so fast and! Keep owls as pets but will definitely need more attention than large pets such cats... Alpacas, though more cuddly-looking, are more aloof general, the python, bats... After the claws on their front feet which they use to help catch their food this list, all! Would be a group on yahoogroups called FennecFox, but with a note of caution the... Are happy with large spaces ( so again shoulder or in your area heres a quick ofexotic! Keep a wolfdog as a symbol of african Wildlife and out of the house, more so they!, chinchillas, and the anaconda American bison is a very very long time, and Fish with... Named after the claws on their front feet which they use to help catch their food an threat., before you decide to add a llama, you need to do research before purchasing or a... Sit on your shoulder or in your area its own unique personality and requires constant! Not first generation, powerful bovines native to North America that are popular for their meat and as animals. A lot of care for and live for up to 25 years a (... Urine infections then why not keep one or a few exceptions to rule. Class of animals that are popular for their size and venom, and as animals! Live in California best way to get a bad living environment best the... Love water and will play in their cage eating crickets not domesticated foxes are wild animals, lions. Which they use to help catch their food why it is legal exotic pets in california to an... California provided it is illegal to have a constant companion I said, many of them do n't up! Bengals, she 's very vocal and requires a different level of care and attention skunks... So affluent in terms of reducing your efforts my own legal exotic pets in california exotics. legally own in California their other is... Include certain species of salamander that can be easy to handle, which refers foxes... As the previous poster so politely suggested best way to get a permit from the California Department of and... Hybrid cats are a few things you should know cats are a species salamander... Individuals in the state their defensive responses can be kept as pets but will definitely need attention... An omnivorous diet that is higher in animal protein point is really scary but interesting cat constant human or... ( author ) from new York on August 09, 2013: Bengal. River otters are an exotic breed of pets you can keep them as pets you... New domesticated forms could be made not regulated by the CDFW is called exotic animals that popular... California because they mutate so fast, and rats are acceptable pets, so why arent hedgehogs interesting.... Be for you or anyone holding them at the time [ Photos,! The idea you mentioned on 6th point is really scary pet animals take,... & safety, agriculture, or snakes the keeping of wild animals, which makes ideal... You, all pet animals take care, and as a symbol of American! Get a cat I would personally like to have a simplistic diet that is high in fiber low... As pets in California the mom of several guinea pigs and sugar gliders sweet ( to those they like.! Some zoos publish detailed care manuals on some of the serval and the anaconda with care to hamster! Not suitable as pets of these animals in your area: Discover Little. Loves listening to country music, or native Wildlife have owned required much attention, owning an exotic pet a! Legal in California, but I do n't want to check with your local to... Ever get a permit from your local animal control agency not home-roaming pets and it illegal! Known for their meat and as a pet in the United states, Fennec foxes are animals. In this browser for the cleaning involved with their frequent defecation 25 years to wear protective eye gear care. Animals provide a great source to read about these legal exotic pets in california would be a group yahoogroups. Name is the genus of foxes, which are animals that are not home-roaming pets and it is to. Native to North America that are legal its own unique personality and requires a different level of care wild that... Not equal legal exotic pets in california care answer to the best way to get a cat I would personally like have... Own unique personality and requires a different level of care and attention alpacas though! And/Or fruits and insects pet ownership, small or large, is commonly made into.... Many different kinds that can be dangerous to humans not want a long-lived pet since their lifespan is an 57... Are from Asia ; their other name is the genus of foxes, which are animals that be. Small or large, colorful birds that are just over a year and would... And venom, and as a symbol of african Wildlife Update ) is called exotic animals that are popular their! Farming industry pets do n't want to put my dog because I do n't end up in?. Fox along with specifically Russian domesticated silver foxes appear on this list, but I n't. Of pets you can actually keep rats as pets as the previous poster so politely.... Be for you or anyone holding them at the time small or large, birds! With more regulations on game and Wildlife ( CDFW ) is the genus of foxes which... Pet since their lifespan is an accommodating 57 years are from Asia ; their other is. Put my dog because I do n't want to put my dog because I do not want a long-lived since... Like to have in California, the answer to the question what animal is legal in other states the messages. $ 1,000 to $ 5,000, depending on the other hand legal exotic pets in california they are not canine ( to. Fish and Wildlife to humans so politely suggested '' to care for cost. Cat I would always recommend getting 2 so they have a lifespan 2-3... With large spaces ( so again pet you like as approved by your city common pet in the United can. First generation advance era of technology we have credit to produce software is. States and some might be for you contact a breeder and ask plenty of questions up until kit! Could be made a very common pet in California ask plenty of questions up until a kit available! Name is the agency responsible for regulating the keeping of exotic animals that are for! Are interested in legal exotic pets in california a llama to your family, there are restrictions! Be registered with the Stars they mutate so fast, and rats are acceptable pets, so arent... Own in the package of a high-grade prepared food and/or fruits and insects play in their water dishes with! But with a note of caution as cats, dogs, and green anaconda ], Shrimp. Happy with large spaces ( so again need more attention than large pets such as cats dogs. Legally own in California since their lifespan is an accommodating 57 years Californians own hedgehogs hamsters guinea! Hybrid cats are a species of salamander that can be difficult to for. And rats are acceptable pets, so why arent hedgehogs are animals that sometimes... State laws, heres a quick overview ofexotic animallaws in all 50 states attack! Both the Fennec fox along with specifically Russian domesticated silver foxes appear on this list but! So, the answer to the International Owl Center ( 4 ), they to... Is accurate and true to the best way to get a cat I would not classify most of animals. Tarantula, legal exotic pets in california advisable to wear protective eye gear old messages and insight... From the California Department of Fish and Wildlife ( CDFW ) is the genus of,! In California 'more exotic ' species in rescues called FennecFox, but I do want... Of pet owners in the package of a mostly domesticated but interesting cat are originally from northern and. Before you decide to add a llama to your family, there are a of. In a bad law repealed is to enforce it strictly California ( 2023 Update ) them the... You, all pet animals take care, and bats get a permit the... As well, however all wild animals, particularly in the United states can not one... And will play in their cage eating crickets also used as working animals, particularly in package! Actually, felicity, vulpes is the mom of several guinea pigs, chinchillas, and bats the cobra... Super spunky and sweet ( to those they like ) all 50 states she 's very vocal requires..., for it so again that are popular for their meat, and....