African Clawed Frogs can be easy to care for and live for up to 25 years. Large, hairy spiders that are popular as exotic pets for their unique appearance and low maintenance care. 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. According to the International Owl Center (4), private individuals in the United States cannot keep owls as pets. Arachnids with a venomous sting that are popular as exotic pets for their unique appearance. Keep in mind that violating pet laws in California can land you in big trouble, which includes a criminal prosecution where you can serve up to 6 months in jail or having to pay a civil fine of up to $10,000 on top of other subsidiary charges. 1. Full List of All Illegal Pets in California (2023 Update), How to Get a Dog to Drink Water (Easy Tips), 5 Reasons Why Hamsters Bite and How to Prevent It, How to Tell if a Cat is in Pain (Plus Ways to Help), Hamster FAQs: Everything You Need to Know. The dwarf hamster, also called desert hamster or Robo dwarf hamster, is the smallest of the hamster species in the genus Phodopus. So next time, think before spewing impulsive nonsense. I believe the biggest problem is Fennec Foxes also love to climb. These small mammals are often kept as pets for their fur, but they are not suitable as pets as they require a lot of space to roam and are known to be escape artists. 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. There are more than 35 animals that are illegal as pets in California. In addition to the animals that are legal in California, there are a number of animals that are legal in other states but not in California. . They are legal to own all over the country except a few states like Washington, Minnesota, Missouri, and Nevada. 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. I actually do domestic skunk rescue now. Hedgehogs are already legal in numerous states and should be legal pets in California too. I have twin Bengals now that are just over a year and I would always recommend getting 2 so they have a constant companion. However, there are some important things to keep in mind if you are thinking about getting a finger monkey as a pet. This might come as a surprise, but rats are legal pets in California. Some silver foxes that are referred to as domesticated have actually been domesticated for the fur trade, and not for companionship. The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers to this website may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. s 671. This means that, in most cases, it would be illegal to keep a Fennec Fox in California. If youre not interested in owning them yourself, you can visit one of thesealpaca farms in SouthernCalifornia. These small mammals are not suitable as pets as they are often aggressive and require a lot of space to roam. This includes most non-venomous snakes, tarantulas, and parrots. International Owl Center. It doesn't matter how 'easy' they are. Some, though labeled exotic, are actually native to North America! One of my favorites made it onto the list! 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. Hybrid cats are from Asia; their other name is the Bengal cat. Adults snakes are easy going (set up expensive), but again rearing a baby snake has its ups and downs (usually involving shedding). They are originally from northern Syria and southern Turkey and have a lifespan of 2-3 years. Large, flightless birds that are popular for their meat, feathers, and as a symbol of African wildlife. Bearded Dragon That's why they appeal to me. Ferrets, pygmy hedgehogs, and chinchillas are sometimes considered, Lower house destruction potential (or lack of need to free roam in the house), Non-excessive social needs (most birds and mammals will need, Many other qualities that make it simpler to provide them sufficient well-being, Reasonable caging requirements (no outdoor or large cage requirements), Little or no destructive tendencies (house manners). In California, there are a number of legal exotic pets that can be kept as long as their owners adhere to the state's laws and regulations. Ferrets are small mammals that are popular pets. If one doesn't want to a buy a cage they might want to look into sessile creatures. I knew it's basic needs, and was easily filling them. However, there is a lengthy list of legal pets in California. They are suitable for those who do not want a long-lived pet since their lifespan is an accommodating 57 years. Not so with Tarantulas. 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. Bringing a new pet into your home is a great way to build your emotional attachment to your living space. Pygmy goats behave a lot like a dog because they are full of energy, enjoy being handled, and will follow you around if you let them. Thanks for confirming that hedgehogs are not hard to care for. Emperor scorpion with claws. Red pandas are not typically aggressive and make good pets for people who are interested in exotic animals. Exotic cats are not for everyone. 7. It is illegal to possess a wild animal as a pet. Interesting and informative. Pets must be provided with food, water, and shelter. All members of the Equidae family are legal in California. Available from: https://tortoise.org/general/permit_rev.html, 4. 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 . Some animals that are technically exotic (not domesticated or little change from their wild ancestors) are not viewed as such, like many birds and fish. Lastly these cats if brought up properly are wonderful and very loving cats and I would not trade my Bengal cats for anything. Small pigs that are popular as pets for their docile temperament and small size. Both the lesser and giant pandas can be kept as pets in California. When it comes to the most exotic legal pet, its hard to beat a lemur. I have had 1 before and yes he was a high energy Bengal but he could become destructive if not played with and interacted with. A DMIN. While they may be cute and playful, they require a specialized diet and environment to thrive. The following is a list of the most common pets and the corresponding laws in California: Dogs. Large, shaggy bovines that are popular for their meat, milk, and as pack animals in high-altitude areas. Thats why its important for you to be aware of the legal status of an animal before taking it in as a pet. California pet laws allow keeping chinchillas as pets. The alligator . These small marsupials are often kept as pets for their cute appearance, but they are not suitable as pets as they have specialized diets and require a lot of attention and socialization. There are many rodents that are also exotic petssome more interesting and unusual than others. Fish can be low-maintenance and relatively easy to care for. My article specifically mentions Russian foxes so I don't know what you're going on about. Unfortunately, not many people are enthusiastic about keeping giant pandas. Potty training is nearly impossible, but I heard it can be done. Heres a list of each unique pet that is legal in each individual state in the United States. Adults weigh 77 to 150 pounds, stand about 20 to 25 inches high, and measure 3.5 to 4.4 feet long. If farm animal descendants are not as exotic as youd like, there are still a handful of interesting pets legal in California for the adventurous. However this is not a cat for everyone. Ball Python 3. This includes tigers, lions, and bears. What exotic pets are legal in California? Are axolotls legal in California? It is illegal to abandon a pet, or to abuse or neglect one. However, "exotic pets" are so popular across the country many states have had to ban them. Small, docile lizards native to Australia that are popular as pets for their friendly personalities and unique appearance. Because our climate is so similar to agerbils natural habitat in the desert, officials are concerned that abandoned and escaped pets could endangerCaliforniasnative wildlifeand plants by creating feral colonies. Your email address will not be published. These marsupials are not suitable as pets as they require specific diets and are not typically social animals. 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. Theyre intelligent, social animals that can be trained to do tricks. A pet lynx will play fetch, take walks, and even pant when tired or hot. 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. Small lizards found in warm climates around the world that are popular as pets for their unique appearance and ease of care. The smallest recommended cage for fennecs is a multi-level ferret nation cage. It is illegal to own an alligator or crocodile in California without a permit. :)))). Their temperaments are different too, so when choosing betweenllamasand alpacas as pets or farm companions, take that into consideration. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on July 23, 2014: Thanks melbel for commenting. Do You Need An Exotic Pet License In California? Gerbilsare a very common pet in the United States and some might be surprised to find them on the list of illegal pets inCalifornia. Red-Footed Tortoise 7. They are named after the claws on their front feet which they use to help catch their food. They are mostly domesticated cats but with a more dog-like, exciting personality. Llamas can be quite dangerous if they feel threatened. The easiest exotic pet to own is a fish. No, it is illegal to own a pet sloth inCalifornia. Outdated and completely false information that hedgehogs will become invasive in the state also contribute to their illegal status. Third, they can potentially be released into the wild and establish a breeding population, which could disrupt the balance of the local ecosystem. 3. A wolfdog is a hybrid born when a domestic dog mates with a gray wolf, red wolf, eastern wolf, or Ethiopian wolf. Or betas for 5? Miniature horses A benefit of miniature horses is that you will never have to worry about fleas in your home since their skin naturally repels fleas, they effectively keep your lawn mowed, and they dont get very big; on average, they weigh between 55 and 80 pounds and are about 34 to 38 inches tall, or roughly 3 feet. 25 inches high, and parrots to roam ) from new York on July 23, 2014: thanks for!, feathers, and parrots pounds, stand about 20 to 25 years visit of. Play fetch, take walks, and was easily filling them it onto the of!, you can visit one of thesealpaca farms in SouthernCalifornia I would always recommend getting 2 so they have constant... Animal before taking it in as a symbol of african wildlife inches high, and shelter know what 're. Giant pandas legal exotic pets in california be quite dangerous if they feel threatened be easy care! 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