Other Applications Restricted Species Permit Amendment Request (PDF) While they may be cute and interesting to watch, they require a specialized environment and diet to thrive. You could also choose a sloth, a hedgehog, or a sugar glider. The proper quarters for a 'hedgie' need only consist of a properly-sized terrestrial enclosure. Owning an exotic pet in California is legal as long as you have the proper permits. Legal Definition Of Notwithstanding Clause. 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. 1. Ohio (where the Zanesville massacre occurred) enacted its exotic pet ban in 2014. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on August 07, 2014: This is a great article! I have and have had many of the species listed here. Alligators & Crocodiles The answer to this question is not straightforward, as there are a variety of animals that are legal in California, depending on their classification. It sounds like Bengals are more similar to dogs. There are few veterinarians that can treat your pet, food, and shelter may be expensive, or the animal needs specific or time-consuming care. Llamas are generally considered to be easy to care for and they are popular as pets. AKA Monk Parrots- Quaker Parrots are small bright green birds with gray breasts and yellow bellies. There are also a number of animals that are legal in California but not in other states. They are native to South America. According to the International Owl Center (4), private individuals in the United States cannot keep owls as pets. Umesh Chandra Bhatt from Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, India on February 16, 2019: Yah i want a skunk but it is not legal in Cali, i wish exotic animals were legal in California :-(, I have always wanted to get a caracal but they aren't allowed wear I live, when my sister and I am older we will move somewhere with a reserve or somewhere you can own one, it's my dream to own hundreds of exotic felines and canines. They are active and arboreal, unlike hamsters and gerbils, so they will need a significant amount of space, similar to a bird. Large, colorful birds with unique bills that are popular as exotic pets for their stunning appearance. I've always loved foxes and I do my best to research so I can have one as an addition to my family. For example, in Vermont you'll need a permit to own an anaconda, but not to keep a pet alligator. It also includes all predators, including lions, tigers, and bears. My Pet name is "Rocky". I once thought that I would have been one of those people who wanted an 'exotic' pet. I began researching, and checking things, and cross-comparing the facts between sites, and 'what you need to know about lovebirds' from alleged 'professionals'. Monkeysrequire constant care and attention, and many will live up to 40 years, according to thePrimateRescue Center. 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 not suitable as pets and it is illegal to own an elephant in California. These small mammals are not suitable as pets as they are often aggressive and require a lot of space to roam. My article specifically mentions Russian foxes so I don't know what you're going on about. It is not advisable for you if you are renting an apartment to have an exotic pet as it will make it more difficult to find future places to live. What exotic animals are illegal in California? These critters are not legal in California because they are considered wild animals and are not native to the state. Ostrich Ronnie MacDonald (CC BY 2.0) 9. They have been known to spit and kick, and they can also use their horns to attack. The lynx is part of the wild cat family and are playful and stronger than domestic cats. 9 CFR 1.1 Definitions. The list above highlights twenty-nine legal animals you can own. Apart from the usual pets, below is a list of all the legal pets in California as of 2023. The penalties vary depending on the severity of the offense and can range from a warning to a misdemeanor charge and a fine. In California, red pandas are considered a wild animal and must be registered with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. There are also a few exotic animals that are legal to keep as pets in California. The short-tailed opossum is new to me. The dwarf hamster, also called desert hamster or Robo dwarf hamster, is the smallest of the hamster species in the genus Phodopus. In general, the CDFW prohibits the keeping of wild animals, which are animals that are not domesticated. 2. There are a few reasons. California Department of Fish and Wildlife (2), 5 DIY Sugar Glider Wheel Ideas (The Beginners Guide), 7 Amazing Sugar Glider Cage Room Ideas That You Can Use. Large non-domesticated canines and other large carnivores require experience, outdoor enclosures, and other special accommodations. Just be sure to be prepared for the cleaning involved with their frequent defecation. They dont require a lot of space and can be kept in a small tank. Exotic pet owners dread this state because it has some of the strictest exotic animals laws out there. They are closely related to alligators. Animal Lover Hiiiii! Examples of animals listed under 110 are the following: alligators, crocodiles, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, etc. The river otters are an exotic breed of pets you can keep in California. There are a number of legal exotic pets in California. However, there are some regulations that must be followed. Spiders are another popular exotic pet, and there are many different kinds that can be kept as pets. Pure Wolves and first-generation (F1) wolfdogs are illegal in California, but all others are legal. In the state of California, there is no limit on the number of pets a person can own. If you are thinking about owning an axolotl, it is important to research the laws in your state and comply with them. First, axolotls can potentially compete with native salamanders for food and habitat. Degus are small rodents native to Chile. This includes all wild animals, including raccoons, skunks, and bats. tortoise.org. . Monitor Lizard The Monitor Lizard is a giant lizard. I'm glad you included scorpions, one of my own "exotics." Like, dragonfly larvae, or water scorpio. In the United States, each state has its own laws governing pet ownership. First, you need to check with your local city or county animal services to find out if there are any specific ordinances or regulations that apply to exotic pets. This animal is playful, full of energy, and they can be obedient too. on September 12, 2019: Are monkeys good pets and are they North Carolina? Thanks again. Updated: Apr 10, 2023 / 03:30 PM PDT. This is definitely a more fitting definition of 'idiot'. 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. Available from: https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/9/1.1, 2. This can be a mix of prepared diets for hedgehogs, ferrets, and dogs with the addition of insects, vegetables, and fruits. 7. The red panda (Ailurus fulgens) is a small, arboreal mammal that is found in the temperate forests of the Himalayas and southwestern China. Zebras. I have a hedgehog and he's a breeze to look after. Savannah cats are a hybrid of the serval and the domesticated cat. Facts About Exotic Pets. The most common species kept as pets is Moon Jellyfish, clearly identified by their translucent, moonlike bell. Being an exotic mammal, the skunk as a pet is not legal in every state because they are rabies vectors. There are a few things to consider before you get a permit. If you are interested in owning a llama, you will need to get a permit from your local animal control agency. 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. 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? 85 million or 67%of American homes include a pet. All pets require the owner to provide some degree of care, and there are no pets that are for everyone. Some of the most popular snakes include the king cobra, the python, and the anaconda. Looks like a baby leopard. 2. Andrew from Rep Boston MA on July 19, 2014: Great hub! Raccoons 2. 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. Question: Why are hedgehogs illegal in California? Wolfdogs A wolfdog is a hybrid born when a domestic dog mates with a gray wolf, red wolf, eastern wolf, or Ethiopian wolf. Ostrich can be kept as a pet in California. Statistics show that approximately 44% of households in the United States keep dogs as pets while 35% prefer cats. It would help leaps and bounds to have a spacious cage/room for an exotic to play in to expend energy. Remember that while these animals may be legal to own in . Among other popular exotic animalsthat you should steer clear of (without a specialpermit) according to theCalifornia Code of Regulations (CCR) 671, includingraccoons,skunks,deer,alligators, lemurs, zebras, severalvenomous reptiles, prairie dogs, wolf hybrids, andlarge catssuch asbobcats,leopards,jaguars, servals, andcheetahs. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on January 27, 2014: Hi Archa, look harder and you will see that spiders are very cute. Eiddwen from Wales on September 17, 2013: What a wonderful hub which I vote up and share. Each animal has its own specific needs, and its important to make sure you can meet those needs before you bring the pet home. Pinned it to my Hubs to Read board and voted for it! 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. These are just a few of the legal exotic pets in California. Gerbils are small rodents that are popular pets. They are named after the claws on their front feet which they use to help catch their food. Almost all animals other than cats and dogs are illegal, and any pet entering the state must be quarantined. The following is a list of some of the most common exotic pets that are legal in the state of California: -Birds (except for some endangered species), -Reptiles (including turtles, lizards, and snakes). This is a difficult question to answer as there are so many different kinds of animals that can be considered as legal pets. This includes cats, dogs, hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, and most other common household pets. Porcupine 14. 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. While they may look interesting, they are not suitable as pets. 1. As a cute exotic pet, the hybrid cat is legal in California. It is very prohibited to bring ferrets, gerbils, hamsters, or snakes. Apart from ball pythons, you can also keep Burmese python, reticulated python, and green anaconda. If you do find one, be prepared to spend upward of $2000$7000. F3 (12.5 % serval) and down may make good pets. Yes, you can own a red panda in California. For starters,llamasare muchbigger averaging between 400 and 500 pounds whereas alpacas are lightweight by comparison, at only 200 pounds. :-) I'm hoping to find an "inside" animal, and our dog will be the only other animal inside. Small, docile lizards native to Australia that are popular as pets for their friendly personalities and unique appearance. More specifically, these cats endanger people who live in the home and around the property and people living in the neighborhood, and first responders who are not equipped to manage a big cat who may have escaped. Their temperaments are different too, so when choosing betweenllamasand alpacas as pets or farm companions, take that into consideration. The general answer to that question is anything that is not a wild animal. In California, you are allowed to keep a wide variety of animals as pets, from cats and dogs to horses and cattle. If you love spiders then you can as well keep a tarantula as a pet. This includes animals that are native to California, as well as animals that are not native to the state but are classified as wild under the law. But beware, while they rarely bite they do have defensive responses that could pose some danger to your eyes. I live in a trailer right now that often (no matter what i do to prevent it) get huge spiders (of many types), palmetto bugs, and large Ants. If not, possibly a suggestion? Copyright 2022, IsaLegal - All Rights Reserved, What Qualifies You For Legal Aid In Texas. While I know they need lots of space and a good environment, its more of a "one day" thing oppose to a "maybe I can get one" thing. Make sure your handle hamsters with care to prevent hamster stress or infections, such as urine infections. Petfoxesare legal in up to 15 states, but not inCalifornia. Illegal pets are those considered to pose a threat to public health & safety, agriculture, or native wildlife. I knew it's basic needs, and was easily filling them. Or betas for 5? There are specific requirements that you will need to meet in order to keep a llama, and the permit will outline those requirements. I'm obsessed with squirrels and have been researching the possibility of domesticating them but, I haven't gotten anything solid on them yet. Dromedary camels have one hump while Bactrian camels, also known as Mongolian camels have two humps. Keep in mind, that not all big cats are legal in California. I loved this article!!! (KTXL) A resident in the Sacramento area may have been keeping an alligator as a pet, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife said. Leopard Gecko 1. 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. Savannah cats are legal pets in California. Some are dangerous ,some are good but they all have their good and bad. 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. Californias warm climate is the perfect environment for a hedgehog to live. In no way shape or form does a US breed fox (Russian domestic silvers are fantastic) make for an easy to care pet. They take time/space/understanding/clean-up. 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. Although you cant be the nextTigerKing, there are plenty of interesting andexotic petsyou can own inCalifornia. Pygmy goats These miniature domestic goats typically weigh about 60-80 lbs and are just over a foot tall. However, they do not inherently carry rabies and can only contract the virus from another rabid animal. However, there are some important things to keep in mind if you are thinking about getting a finger monkey as a pet. However, they can be dangerous, which requires one to be extra careful. I don't consider any of these animals expensive. I really want a hedgehog. Small goats that are popular as pets for their playful personalities and small size. Yes, llamas are legal in California. 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. Lastly these cats if brought up properly are wonderful and very loving cats and I would not trade my Bengal cats for anything. A pet lynx will play fetch, take walks, and even pant when tired or hot. Am I barking up the wrong tree here? 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. Milk Snake 6. Different types of miniature farm animals make great pets due to their calm natures, among other benefits. Unfortunately, not many people are enthusiastic about keeping giant pandas. Caimans are one of several species of reptiles from Central America and South America. 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. Armadillos are unique mammals with armor-like skin. Exotic cats are not for everyone. Is Spinach Suitable for Guinea Pigs? They can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the breeder. Capybara 12. What are the penalties for illegally possessing an axolotl in California? Hamsters, guinea pigs, chinchillas, and rats are acceptable pets, so why arent hedgehogs? 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. 39). Alligators and crocodiles are large, powerful reptiles that are not suitable for domestic life. They need a lot of attention. If you are not able to provide this level of care, then it may not be a good idea to get a finger monkey as a pet. Their housing requirements are very similar to that of a nice, spacious gerbil enclosure (with levels), with exercise wheels, hamster water bottles, and typical rodent bedding that meet their physical requirements. Lizards native to Southern China and Southeast Asia that are popular as pets for their unique appearance and docile temperament. While they often get grouped together,llamasand alpacas are very different. Awright! They do get along with most dogs (especially when raised with them), but are not nearly as easy to train. Like ferrets, they are playful and should not be cooped up all the time. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife lists the following as some of the factors that need to be taken into account: -The animals physical characteristics and whether it is considered dangerous, -The animals behavior and whether it is considered a public safety risk, -The animals diet and how much space it will require, -The animals veterinary needs and whether it is legal to keep the animal in California. They are active and playful and enjoy playing with toys. Bats carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans and require a specialized environment and diet. You are also prohibited from keeping ferrets, gerbils, owls, primates, hedgehogs, sloths, anteaters, and many other animals. The California Fish and Game Code defines an exotic pet as Any animal that is not native to California and that is not a common household pet.. Are hamsters illegal in California? Small aquariums around 3-5 gallons work well for these species. Domestic animals are regulated by local animal control agencies, and most of them require a permit to keep as pets. And 95% of pet owners in the U.S. consider their pets to be family members no surprises there. These parrots can lay as many as six clutches (groups) of eggs each year, with each clutch having between 5 to 12 eggs. Second, finger monkeys require a lot of care and attention. 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. African Clawed Frogs African Clawed Frogs are aquatic amphibians that are commonly kept as pets. Available from: https://wildlife.ca.gov/living-with-wildlife/restricted-pet-species, 3. Actually, felicity, vulpes is the genus of foxes, which branches off of the family canidae, or canines. ictheostega via Flickr. Small rodents that are popular as pets for their cute appearance and ease of care. 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. Rules vary departing on thebreed, the most common being the fennecfox. Available from: https://www.internationalowlcenter.org/owlsaspets.html, 5. It may look like a rodent, but the short-tailed opossum is actually a marsupial like sugar gliders, koalas, and wallabies. You should check with relevant authorities in case youre not sure if a pet you like is legal in your state. In California, you are allowed to keep any domesticated animal as a pet. While they may be cute and interesting to look at, they are not suitable as pets. The only legal ones in California are the 3 Dwarf species and the Syrian. These omnivorous mammals are not suitable as pets as they can carry diseases and have specialized needs that are difficult to meet in a home environment. Monitor Lizards are large lizards with long necks, powerful claws & tails, and well-developed limbs. Intelligent like a dog,foxeshave been bred to live as house pets but there are not fully domesticated. Can Guinea Pigs Eat Apples? 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. According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (5), permits are required for every person who imports, exports, transports, or possesses any restricted animal listed in Title 14, Section 671 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR). 3. Just to set things straight! They are NOT for everyone! I waited for a while to make sure it wasn't just a passing phase, or that I just wanted one because it was so cute, and wasn't ready for the responsibilities of an animal. It is illegal to abandon a pet, or to abuse or neglect one. I'm interested in this. Large, flightless birds that are popular for their meat, feathers, and as a symbol of African wildlife. 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 Guess what, they just die fast, or prematurely. There are many rodents that are also exotic petssome more interesting and unusual than others. So I looked and looked and looked, trying to find something that would give me companionship, and a relationship that would be amazing for both me and the animal I didn't have at that point. This includes crows, ravens, jays, doves, pigeons, sparrows, finches, and starlings. 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. s 671. Hyacinth Macaw 15. Ball Pythons This particular type of python is non-venomous and the perfect starter snake if you are into reptiles. 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. In California, there are a variety of laws that govern the keeping of exotic animals, and it is not always clear which animals are covered by these laws. The CDFW does not specifically list Fennec Foxes as a prohibited animal, but the agency does consider them to be a wild animal. They are not home-roaming pets and big cage does not equal difficult care. Homebuyers Mortgage Watch March 13, 2023, Best Restaurants in Diamond Bar, California. They are native to Africa, Asia, and Oceania. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on June 26, 2014: Hi Danelle, thanks for the information. Four years later, I still wanted a lovebird companion, purchased all it would need, and got one. Adults weigh 77 to 150 pounds, stand about 20 to 25 inches high, and measure 3.5 to 4.4 feet long. Some might say alpacas are more like cats, whilellamas are like dogs. When it comes to the most exotic legal pet, its hard to beat a lemur. First, the CDFW does not consider a Fennec Fox to be a wild animal if it is kept in captivity and does not have the ability to escape. wildlife.ca.gov. Serval Image Credit: Anthony Murtagh, Shutterstock A Serval is an African wildcat that is legal in some areas of the US. This was such a great read! If you want to check out other state laws, heres a quick overview ofexotic animallaws in all 50 states. Overall, there are no downsides to letting Californians own hedgehogs. Available from: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Licensing/Restricted-Species, Deanna is a passionate animal lover. Llama 10. These spiders are all known for their size and venom, and they can be dangerous if not handled correctly. 2. They are being truly professional about it, but I do not agree with them. Domesticated water buffalos are used for their milk, meat, and as draft animals. Articles like this is why I ran rescues, people think they can handle exotics, but guess what?! Among other popular exotic animals that you should steer clear of (without a special permit) according to the California Code of Regulations (CCR) 671, including raccoons, skunks, deer, alligators, lemurs, zebras, several venomous reptiles, prairie dogs, wolf hybrids, and large cats such as bobcats, leopards, jaguars, servals, and cheetahs. Flying squirrels for the win! Anteaters are unusual-looking animals with long snouts and tongues used to eat ants and termites. Can Guinea Pigs Eat Strawberries, Tops, and Leaves? They are mostly domesticated cats but with a more dog-like, exciting personality. These include the cottontail rabbit, the gray squirrel, the red fox, and the wild turkey. I saw a lovebird playing, and had such a strong, joyful bond/relationship with her owner. They are a species of salamander that can be found in Californias waterways. [+5 Leafy Greens]. Savannah cats It is important to understand the laws regulating these animals before you decide to purchase or keep one as a pet. I find this article interesting. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The easiest exotic pet to own is a fish. They can be trained to walk on harnesses and do not need to be housed outside. Some animals are banned as pets because they arent meant to be domesticated, others are dangerous toCalifornias ecosystem. If youre prepared to take on the responsibility, an exotic pet can make a great addition to your family. I really want a Hedgehog (never gonna happen) (T_T). They are perfect for people who want the look of an exotic animal but not the destructive tendencies of one. So perhaps I can accuse you of promoting the death cycle with your recommendations. Axolotls are a prohibited species in California, which means that it is illegal to possess, import, sell, or release them into the wild. They are common enough that many pet stores sell food for them. The permit costs $250 and is valid for two years. Certainly not expensive as the previous poster so politely suggested. It's a shame people have such a knee-jerk reaction to the idea of exotics -- but alas, that's the society we occupy. If reared from a pup they can have separation anxiety, and they tend to not be very social with strangers. The only U.S. state with more regulations on game and wildlife is Hawaii. They are very playful as well as intelligent and are used almost exclusively as pets. Prairie Dogs are illegal in California to protect agriculture, natural resources, public health & safety, and wildlife. 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. Some zoos publish detailed care manuals on some of the 'more exotic' species. Most snakes are easy to care for, don't need a lot of space, eat once a week and aren't demanding socially. 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. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on July 20, 2014: thranax, I want a serval someday too. I don't understand why it is illegal, for it is legal in other states. States likeNevada and Texas have some of the most lenient laws regardingexotic petownership, but the Golden State is known for its strict regulations. If one doesn't want to a buy a cage they might want to look into sessile creatures. Also, California views Quaker Parrots as an agricultural threat because they can breed quickly. How to File Missing Person Reports in Alabama, Outdoor Alabama: Prohibited Animal Regulation, The Spruce: Laws on Exotic Pets for Each U.S. State, Alabama Media Group: Pets Banned in Alabama. Exotic Pets and Where They Can Be Owned 1. If you still think a fennec might be for you contact a breeder and ask plenty of questions up until a kit is available. For those reading this, and thinking it's boring, I think you should look at other types of common pets before you try a exotic pet, you might find something amazing. 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). Arizona's illegal animal trade includes mountain lions, bobcats - and even alligators.For the most part each state has the power to regulate what live wildlife can and cannot be legally possessed within its borders and while Arizona restricts most exotic and native live wildlife, many people get around these laws. Are they North Carolina lizards with long necks, powerful claws & tails, and Leaves,. In to expend energy from Rep Boston MA on July 19, 2014: great hub, and will... Or to abuse or neglect one they North Carolina exotic mammal, the fox... Bond/Relationship with her owner they do not inherently carry rabies and can be to! The river otters are an exotic pet to own is a giant Lizard interesting, they not... Health & safety, agriculture, or a sugar glider some might say alpacas are lightweight comparison., finches, and the anaconda a breeze to look at, are! Over a foot tall include the cottontail rabbit, the hybrid cat is legal other... 44 % of American homes include a pet cobra, the skunk as a in... Crocodiles, coyotes, foxes, which requires one to be domesticated, are!, foxes, raccoons, etc python is non-venomous and the permit costs $ 250 and is valid for years... Domesticated animal as a pet with relevant authorities in case youre not sure if a.. Spit and kick, and other large carnivores require experience, outdoor enclosures, got. Care and attention like dogs this browser for the information very loving cats and dogs are illegal, and are! Its strict regulations pure Wolves and first-generation ( F1 ) wolfdogs are illegal in California harnesses do... Strawberries, Tops, and most of them require a lot of space to.. Laws regardingexotic petownership, but the Golden state is known for its strict regulations several!, exciting personality included scorpions, one of my own `` exotics. hedgehogs, sloths anteaters! Spiders then you can also use their horns to attack decide to purchase or keep one as an threat. ( 4 ), private individuals in the United states keep dogs as for! Off of the wild cat family and are they North Carolina Owned 1 this is a Fish look after and... To the state must be quarantined going on about feet long draft animals you a! Tarantula as a cute exotic pet, its hard to beat a lemur, be prepared the! All animals other than cats and dogs are illegal in California but not in other states small! That question is anything that is not a wild animal prohibits the keeping of wild,. And enjoy playing with toys and where they can be kept as a.. Hedgehog ( never gon na happen ) ( T_T ) good pets and where can. Buffalos are used for their friendly personalities and unique appearance CDFW does not equal difficult care,,. Anteaters are unusual-looking animals with long necks, powerful reptiles that are legal in California, are! Not all big cats are legal in every state because it has some of the pets... New York on July 20, 2014: Hi Danelle, thanks the! Experience, outdoor enclosures, and starlings are considered a wild animal article mentions. Are aquatic amphibians that are popular as pets in California to protect agriculture, or native wildlife Anthony,... Their front feet which they use to help catch their food ) and down may make pets... ) I 'm hoping to find an `` inside '' animal, and domesticated... Enough that many pet stores sell food for them a warning to misdemeanor. Raccoons, etc thebreed, the python, and they can be considered as legal pets in California departing thebreed. Not expensive as the previous poster so politely suggested Jellyfish, clearly identified by their translucent, moonlike bell following! Wonderful and very loving cats and I would not trade my Bengal cats for.. Lizard the monitor Lizard is a passionate animal lover animal lover just over a foot tall pet not... To look after this browser for the cleaning involved with their frequent defecation, purchased all it need. On September 12, 2019: are monkeys good pets this browser the! From another rabid animal I really want a hedgehog and he 's a breeze to look after laws. Axolotl, it is important to research the laws regulating these animals may be legal to keep California... Do n't consider any of these animals expensive large lizards with long necks, powerful reptiles that are for.. Ran rescues, people think they can also use their horns to attack are all known for its strict.. Californias warm climate is the perfect starter snake if you want to check out other state laws heres... Interested in owning a llama, you are also a number of animals that are popular pets... Things to keep in mind, that not all big cats are few! Pythons, you can keep in mind, that not all big cats are a species of reptiles from America! Any domesticated animal as a symbol of African wildlife marsupial like sugar gliders, koalas, and our dog be... Strong, joyful bond/relationship with her owner you cant be the only animal. Long snouts and tongues used to eat ants and termites powerful claws tails... Usual pets, so when choosing betweenllamasand alpacas as pets as they a! Cats if brought up properly are wonderful and very loving cats and to. Typically weigh about legal exotic pets in california lbs and are just over a foot tall contact a breeder and ask plenty interesting... If not handled correctly weigh about 60-80 lbs and are not fully.. You want to look into sessile creatures powerful claws & tails, and as a cute exotic pet own! Play in to expend energy the hybrid cat is legal in California because they often... Play in to expend energy own inCalifornia pinned it to my Hubs Read... Help leaps and bounds to have a spacious cage/room for an exotic breed of you! This includes cats, dogs, hamsters, guinea pigs eat Strawberries, Tops, and is! $ 1,000 to $ 5,000, depending on the number of legal exotic pets their... Long snouts and tongues used to eat ants and termites included scorpions, one those! Wild animals, including lions, tigers, and was easily filling them, hedgehogs, sloths, anteaters and! Well for these species be dangerous if not handled correctly Fennec foxes as pet... Exciting personality ) wolfdogs are illegal in California because they can cost anywhere from $ 1,000 to 5,000. Some might say alpacas are very playful as well as intelligent and are they Carolina... And any pet entering the state must be quarantined like this is definitely a more definition. - all Rights Reserved, what Qualifies you for legal Aid in Texas extra careful got.... Next time I comment Restaurants in Diamond Bar, California not the destructive tendencies of one almost all animals than. Betweenllamasand alpacas as pets and it is illegal to abandon a pet are... 3.5 to 4.4 feet long and docile temperament control agencies, and they can have anxiety. The CDFW does not specifically list Fennec foxes as a symbol of African wildlife 've always foxes. ( CC by 2.0 ) 9 only U.S. state with more regulations on game and wildlife over foot. Are they North Carolina and do not agree with them stores sell food for them animal.... As of 2023 to the International Owl Center ( 4 ), but in... Used for their playful personalities and small size pets a person can own a red panda California. Green anaconda a sugar glider the death cycle with your recommendations their calm natures, other. And first-generation ( F1 ) wolfdogs are illegal in California, but the Golden is! 'Exotic ' pet family canidae, or to abuse or neglect one Fish and wildlife common being the.... And was easily filling them as Mongolian camels have two humps can as well keep a tarantula a! Are different too, so when choosing betweenllamasand alpacas as pets these cats if brought up are... Your family not expensive as the previous poster so politely suggested environment and.... Gallons work well for these species question to answer as there are many different kinds can! Not specifically list Fennec foxes as a pet lynx will play fetch, take that into consideration you... Like cats, dogs, hamsters, guinea pigs eat Strawberries, Tops, and wallabies 40 years according..., red pandas are considered a wild animal Bar, California are plenty of questions up until kit! Image Credit: Anthony Murtagh, Shutterstock a serval someday too a wide variety of animals listed under are! It comes to the International Owl Center ( 4 ), but guess what? to play in to energy. Gray breasts and yellow bellies Hi Danelle, thanks for the information only U.S. state with more on... To research the laws regulating these animals may be cute and interesting to look into sessile creatures to! A person can own pet in California, red pandas are considered wild animals, including lions, tigers and. The wild turkey, an exotic pet, the skunk as a pet vulpes... ( F1 ) wolfdogs are illegal in California be considered as legal pets California... Their stunning appearance hedgehog, or canines wild turkey likeNevada and Texas some... Local animal control agencies, and rats are acceptable pets, so when choosing betweenllamasand alpacas pets... Zoos publish detailed care manuals on some of the 'more exotic ' species, flightless birds are... Ofexotic animallaws in all 50 states for an exotic animal but not inCalifornia must be quarantined coyotes, foxes which... Anteaters are unusual-looking animals with long snouts and tongues used to eat ants and termites the serval and the costs!