CDFW receives frequent inquiries about why various non-native species are restricted from being kept as pets in California. In California, having a pet ferret can lead to monetary penalties, criminal prosecution, and even prison time. Besides ferrets, quite a few pets are banned across the country. We strongly recommend not breaking this lawit simply isn't worth it for you or the ferret! Owning a ferret in California can get you charged with a misdemeanor, up to six months in jail, or $1,000 in fines. Now that we know why ferrets are illegal in California, lets look a little deeper into how and when it all happened. (Can You Own One?). You can also find out more about our online application process here. Sadly, ferrets cannot survive at very high temperatures. Activists in Washington, D.C, argued that despite ferrets being feral, they could not survive three days fending for themselves. Although gerbils are popular pets in the United States, state officials still regard them as a risk to Californias agriculture and native plants & animals. In california, having a pet ferret can lead to monetary penalties, criminal prosecution, and even prison time. Perhaps it is their appearance since they resemble weasels. Ferrets should enter via an authorized route and live under quarantine for six months upon arrival. Unfortunately, California is one of those states where it is illegal to own a hedgehog. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. You can find online petitions to legalize ferrets, sugar gliders, and hedgehogs. Cookie PolicySitemapAbout UsContact UsBlog. The ferret is a descendant of the polecat and a member of the mustelid family, which includes stoats . In California, where having a ferret can net a $500 fine or six months in jail, Wright estimated between 50,000 and 500,000 pet ferrets live a clandestine existence. They should also have vaccinations for distemper and rabies (ferret approved vaccines). Ferrets that are less than 3months old are not subject to import restrictions of any kind. Once your ferret is removed from your possession, it may be sent to a rescue organization, released into the wild, sold to a laboratory, sold into the pet trade, or sadly, euthanized. In Pennsylvania, you must acquire a permit for exotic animals that are listed as exotic wildlife by the state. Although it is legal to have a pet raccoon in. Another animal you cannot keep as a pet in California is the African clawed frog. Civil fine of between $5,000 and $10,000 plus the cost of the animals removal, storage, and care. The regulations regarding ferret ownership are not as strict as the regulations in other states. Besides that the following penalties are imposed on the perpetrator: California is not the only state where ferrets are illegal. That is why ferrets are sometimes perceived as wild animals, too. Are sugar gliders legal in California? We strongly recommend not breaking this lawit simply isn't worth it for you or the ferret! You won't find a more playful pet out there today than the ferret (sorry dog and cat owners!). Hawaii is another state banning the ownership of ferrets. This restriction could also be a result of the few cases that had been reported about ferrets biting children due to their aggressive nature. The government institutions in Hawaii believe that ferrets are rabies vectors, which would cost them the rabies-free zone title. Ferrets have become a popular choice of pet in the United States, next to cats and dogs. You can get a permit for medical research and other unique circumstances and not for home possession. According to California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 14, Section 671- Importation, Transportation and Possession of Live Restricted Animals: It shall be unlawful to import, transport, or possess live animals restricted in subsection (c) below except under permit issued by the department. [1]. You just cant own most birds of prey without a license. In 1999, Mayor Rudolph Giuliani banned ferrets, regarding them as vicious relatives to weasels that pose health risks to people living in densely populated areas. Additionally, some pet stores are part of nationwide chains that carry most of the same inventory across their various locations. You must pay this fee at the DFG office. They can bite, and they can carry diseases harmful to humans. Supporters of the California ferret ban often use this trait to prove that ferrets can seriously threaten wildlife in the state. Ferrets are legal in Georgia and Illinois, and you do not need a permit to adopt a ferret. Hawaii. Portugal is the only European countrywhere having a ferret is illegal. Also, most ferrets are spayed and neutered so they cant breed. Required fields are marked *, Comment *document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute("id","a2f94c75af1c03960dc22276bec3f386");document.getElementById("df03d7b18c").setAttribute("id","comment"). Likewise, most states dont allow residents to own monkeys and other primates, but there are exceptions. You also need a permit to keep a ferret as a house pet. You should be well equipped with information before owning a ferret as a pet. If you live in one of these areas, it's best to consider getting another type of pet. This can result in six months in jail, a fine of around $1,000, and the permanent confiscation of your pet (s). Keep in mind that if you want to transport, import, or possess any of these animals then you will need a legal animal permit. Exercising your ferrets Ferrets should have daily exercise either in the house or in a large run. But are these reasons good enough for the authority to ban the possession of ferrets? You can help reduce odors with daily litter cleaning and maintaining your ferret's health: healthy diet, regular ear cleaning, and checking for signs of gum disease. Keeping a mongoose is also illegal in California. When did it become illegal to own a ferret in California? Still, the government should consider rabies vaccines for ferrets, as there are rabies vaccines for dogs and cats. You also need to follow the Animal Welfare Code of Practice and meet all their requirements. This verdict by the citys board of health got the heart of many ferret lovers crashing since they had high hopes that the ban would be lifted. If youre an avid fish lover, live in California, and have been considering having a fish as a pet, you should stay away from the piranhas. Native to Europe from the Mediterranean to Scandinavia, ferrets are slender-bodied, carnivorous mammals. The Quaker parakeet is an example. These vaccines are not mandatory, but ferret owners can specifically ask vets for them, just to be on the safe side. What helps their case is an event that happened in New Zeeland years ago, where ferrets hunted rabbits in abundance. These animals are termed, Its also illegal to keep as a pet any animal that has been declared endangered and in need of animal welfare. Owning a ferret in California can get you charged with a misdemeanor, up to six months in jail, or $1,000 in fines. The only reason that ferrets are illegal in Portugal is that you cannot use them for hunting. Unfortunately, they dont issue permits for ferrets. This is a comprehensive list of animals that are illegal as pets in California as of 2022. 10 Things You Should Know Before Adopting a Ferret as a Pet, bearing all the costs of the removal and extermination of the ferret. In the 1880s, ferrets were introduced in New Zealand to control the spread of rabbits after people imported rabbits, and since rabbits had no predictor, they bred very fast. They also like to sleep in hammocks which can be hung inside their enclosure. Ferrets are illegal in the Northern Territory. Nevertheless, hybrid cats carry a great stigma. Breeders or store clerks who are ignorant of this fact inappropriately recommend feeding ferrets fruits and vegetables. Many organizations have come ahead for the legalization of ferrets. Pet foxes are legal in up to 15 states, but not in California. They are termed as a risk to Californias native wildlife. If a ferret gets bitten or scratched by an infected animal, it can catch rabies. What is so bad about these innocent little creatures that you are not allowed to keep one at home? Expert Guide To Train A Ferret Not To Bite, How Much Does It Cost To Own A Ferret? You also require a vaccination certificate from a vet. Most people have a negative idea of ferrets. California is filled with large, wild predators that are always on the lookout for a good midnight snack! California State LegislatureYour Legislator.. While many people disagree with this, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife does classify them as wild animals. Ducks are highly social animals and this means they need other ducks to live with. If you own a ferret in California, you'll most likely face fines between $500 and $10,000. California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Therefore, these are currently the states/cities where ferrets are illegal as pets: California. The main reason why ferrets are illegal in California is to Protect Agriculture and Wildlife. Under a policy adopted in 1986 by the Fish and Game Commission, neutered male ferrets were made illegal as pets in California, except for those which were already pets at that time. By now we all know that ferrets are carnivores. But should we keep our minds open to the possibility of this ban being lifted in the near future? If you are travelling by plane, check with the airline what their requirements are for the carrier. The main reason prairie dogs are illegal in California is to protect public health & safety, wildlife, and other natural resources. Restricted Species permits come with required, nonrefundable fees, including $130.30 for all new permits and $67.47 for all permit renewals or amendments to existing permits. Yes, its true that they could eat a few small animals to stay alive, but domesticated ferrets can barely survive in the wild. Are Ferrets Aggressive? Ferrets are carnivorous by nature and rely completely on a meat-based diet. Also, ferret fur-farming became popular in the last century, and escapees from these farms contributed to their wild population. Get some recent updates in this video and learn what you can do. The first thing you can do is to contact your California State Senate and State Assembly representatives requesting them to consider a ferret legalization bill. In California, all hybrid cats of the generation are legal. In spite of this, the dire predictions from the California Fish and Game Commission have failed to materialize. This measure made those that had smuggled ferrets fear taking their ferrets to a veterinary for checkups since they were afraid of being turned in. They carry creatures in their fur such as mosquitos which could pass on to humans. However, if you are in some states, it is illegal to own a ferret as a pet. 2022 - 2023 Times Mojo - All Rights Reserved Since 1975, you cannot sell or own turtles with shells measuring less than four inches. EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Limited Or Anthology Series, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Lead Actress In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Lead Actor In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie. of Fish and Game. You think its absurd that the animal that gives you companionship and friendship could be illegal in some states. This ferret legal in California issue is very complicated and if you want to learn more about it, read my post on why are ferrets illegal in California. While most California residents that are caught with pet ferrets are not usually criminally prosecuted, they are many times charged with fines that can add up to costly amounts. Right or wrong, people have been trying to change the law when it comes to legalizing ferrets for many years. To keep ferrets as pets, you need permission from California's Dept. In case you live in New Mexico or Hawaii, you need a permit to keep an axolotl. We believe that pets are not just animals but members of the family, and we strive to provide the best possible advice and support for pet lovers. Ferrets make great pets for people who have the time for them and who bond with animals. This meant that ferrets could neither be imported nor kept in ones possession as pets. Despite being dangerous, ferrets are not harmful to the environment and are not more dangerous than cats or dogs. Upon arrival the house or in a large penalty for having a ferret in california be on the perpetrator:.... Plus the cost of the animals removal, storage, and care generation... And are not mandatory, but not in California specifically ask vets for and... California Fish and wildlife species are restricted from being kept as pets in is. 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