Not so with Tarantulas. However, you should take a little extra time to know which pets are legal in California and the ones that arent. 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. Most snakes are easy to care for, don't need a lot of space, eat once a week and aren't demanding socially. 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. For example, in Vermont you'll need a permit to own an anaconda, but not to keep a pet alligator. They will, however, have higher energy needs that should be met. Do you think 'easy' pets don't end up in rescues? That's why they appeal to me. Well, the simple answer is no. Unlike the other small animals that are legal here, hedgehogs do not have dander and are actually hypoallergenic and would make great pets for people that want a small animal but suffer from allergies. Hyacinth Macaw 15. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Pets must be kept in a safe and sanitary environment. Although you cant be the nextTigerKing, there are plenty of interesting andexotic petsyou can own inCalifornia. When shes not writing, Deanna loves listening to country music, or watching Dancing With The Stars. Monitor Lizards are large lizards with long necks, powerful claws & tails, and well-developed limbs. just like, health care your pet, diet your pet, something, many resposibilty, Our family have an Dog. Some of the most popular spiders include the tarantula, the black widow, and the brown recluse. Richard Warren from London, United Kingdom on June 17, 2014: Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on June 09, 2014: Kathleen Odenthal from Bridgewater on June 09, 2014: What a cute and interesting piece! Both the fennec fox along with specifically Russian domesticated silver foxes appear on this list, but with a note of caution. Hedgehogs are not social, so only one should be housed per enclosure. This article is accurate and true to the best of the authors knowledge. Domesticated water buffalos are used for their milk, meat, and as draft animals. There are a few exceptions to this general rule, however. Melanie Palen from Midwest, USA on July 23, 2014: I have a bengal mix and while she's a really cute cat (and I love her spots), she's really high maintenance compared to my other cats. These small, burrowing mammals are not suitable as pets as they have specialized needs and are not meant to be kept in captivity. So, the answer to the question what animal is legal in California? is that it depends on the animals classification. Some of the most popular lizards include the gecko, the chameleon, and the iguana. Some of the animals on California's banned-as-pets list are familiar: alligators, raccoons, skunks, hedgehogs, chipmunks and squirrels. One of my favorites made it onto the list! They are illegal to have in California because they are an endangered species. Hedgehogs can be somewhat temperamental, but they tame down with the right handling and habituation. There are also a number of animals that are legal in California but not in other states. But, if you are prepared for it, owning an exotic pet is a very rewarding experience. Permits to Own Exotic Animals In addition to prohibitions and restrictions on exotic pet ownership, the majority of states have some sort of permit, license, or registration requirement to possess certain animals. They are part of the camel family and closely related to the alpacas. Bushbabies require a specialized diet and environment and can be dangerous to humans. So perhaps I can accuse you of promoting the death cycle with your recommendations. Chipmunks are small rodents that are native to North America. Axolotls are an aquatic species of salamanders with tiny eyes and no eyelids. While they may be cute and interesting to watch, they require a specialized environment and diet to thrive. 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). on September 12, 2019: Are monkeys good pets and are they North Carolina? Emperor scorpion with claws. The following is a list of the most common pets and the corresponding laws in California: Dogs. They are in a subfamily known as Erinaceinae (originally known as insectivores.) Adults snakes are easy going (set up expensive), but again rearing a baby snake has its ups and downs (usually involving shedding). 503, 110 are prohibited from private ownership except if the animal was in possession prior to February 28, 1994. 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. 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. HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. 2023 Petsvills | All Rights Reserved. If youre looking for unusual pets legal inCalifornia, know youve got a fun selection to choose from. Since I live in an apartment with a secure entrance door, and have a knee that is prone to dislocation, a pet that I had to bring outside all the time was not a good idea. I would like to look more into that cute critter. Tarantula 2. 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. Exotic Pets In California: Know The Laws It is critical to be cautious when purchasing an exotic pet in California. These are not aggressive, have living requirements that are easier to accommodate, and have simple diets (supplemented insects.) Tales of Tails: Share Your Favorite Pet Moments With Us! True domesticated foxes do not have an offensive smell, have a tamer personality, and more easily accept humans as companions (reportedly). However, there are some regulations that must be followed. 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. There are more than 35 animals that are illegal as pets in California. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on August 09, 2013: The bengal cat looks nice! They weigh about 20-40 pounds, which makes them about the size of a medium dog. 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. You should check with relevant authorities in case youre not sure if a pet you like is legal in your state. Small, docile lizards native to Australia that are popular as pets for their friendly personalities and unique appearance. As stated in your article they are very very active and if that need is not fulfilled they can and will become destructive. These lizards are all known for their size and color, and they can be interesting pets to own. While they may look interesting, they are not suitable as pets. LII / Legal Information Institute. You are also allowed to keep any livestock animals as pets, including horses, cows, pigs, and chickens. Required fields are marked *. tortoise.org. Chinchillas are popular pets because they are adorably cute and their fur is so soft. 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)-Rabbits-Hamsters-Gerbils-Fish-Reptiles (including turtles, lizards, and snakes)-Insects. In general, the CDFW prohibits the keeping of wild animals, which are animals that are not domesticated. They average between 4.5-5 centimeters and 20-25 grams when fully grown. Californiahas very strict laws about what types of animals homeowners can keep as pets. Hedgehogs deserve the number one spot on this list for being the easiest to care for while being 'exotic' (although the forms you'll find in pet stores are somewhat changed from the wild forms, making them domesticated). Can Guinea Pigs Eat Apples? Savannah cats are legal pets in California. Actually, Fennec foxes are not canine (related to dogs/wolves), they are vulpine, which refers to foxes. Most apartment buildings will not allow pets like pygmy goats or ball pythons. Wolverines 6. Guinea pigs are ideal for those who love tiny pets but looking for hamster alternatives. So, if you are thinking about getting a Fennec Fox as a pet, it is important to check with the CDFW to make sure that it is legal to do so in your area. Stay informed and avoid legal issues by knowing the facts before you bring home an exotic pet. California: Savannah Cats. Third, finger monkeys can be very expensive. Dont risk getting in trouble with the law. Pets must be provided with food, water, and shelter. I would personally like to have a pet skunk though. Provide toys and make sure they don't mistake your property as such! Importation, Transportation and Possession of Live Restricted Animals. This might come as a surprise, but rats are legal pets in California. They are super spunky and sweet (to those they like). A great source to read about these animals would be a group on yahoogroups called FennecFox, but the board is largely dead. Exotic pets aren't for everyone. The most common species kept as pets is Moon Jellyfish, clearly identified by their translucent, moonlike bell. 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 can also be noisy and play rambunctiously. Some examples include: fennec fox, porcupine, serval, wallaby, boa constrictor, rainbow crab, bush baby, zebra, squirrels, ostrich, kinkajou, macaws, springhare, lemur, leopard gecko, tarantula,. They are semi-aquatic animals, so if you're looking to adopt a capybara, they'll definitely need access to water to swim around. 1. You should check with relevant authorities in case youre not sure if a pet you like is legal in your state. The only legal ones in California are the 3 Dwarf species and the Syrian. Lizards are another popular exotic pet, and there are many different kinds that can be kept as pets. They also can become territorial and aggressive around other animals. Domestic animals are regulated by local animal control agencies, and most of them require a permit to keep as pets. Your email address will not be published. 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. How many pets can you legally own in California? The river otters are an exotic breed of pets you can keep in California. Bengals for the most part are not lap cats! :-) I'm hoping to find an "inside" animal, and our dog will be the only other animal inside. FIND HER ON: FACEBOOK and LINKEDIN and. I guess I thought it was reserved for royalty or something. So if you are on a tight budget, a finger monkey may not be the best pet for you. This is a requirement established by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and all pet owners should be aware of them. However, some of the most exotic legal pets include snakes, spiders, and lizards. They are also horrendously expensive. Can I own a monkey in California with a permit? Check out this video for a quick recap of legal exotic pets in California: Did you know that compared to other states, California has far more laws regarding pet ownership? This includes most non-venomous snakes, tarantulas, and parrots. 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. This includes cats, dogs, hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, and most other common household pets. I'm obsessed with squirrels and have been researching the possibility of domesticating them but, I haven't gotten anything solid on them yet. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on January 27, 2014: Hi Archa, look harder and you will see that spiders are very cute. Ohio (where the Zanesville massacre occurred) enacted its exotic pet ban in 2014. Spiders are another popular exotic pet, and there are many different kinds that can be kept as pets. Outdated and completely false information that hedgehogs will become invasive in the state also contribute to their illegal status. Ball Python 3. I loved this article!!! While there are nineteen officially recognized hamster species, only five are commonly kept as pets. Thats why its important for you to be aware of the legal status of an animal before taking it in as a pet. But I had never had a bird before. I might even start my own reserve or sanctuary. AKA Monk Parrots- Quaker Parrots are small bright green birds with gray breasts and yellow bellies. Andrew from Rep Boston MA on July 19, 2014: Great hub! Some legal experts have opined that the only state that is stricter on pet ownership than California is Hawaii. Arachnids with a venomous sting that are popular as exotic pets for their unique appearance. Contents1 Are alligators legal in [] 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. They are not home-roaming pets and big cage does not equal difficult care. Ostrich can be kept as a pet in California. Sloths are illegal in California to prevent the depletion of populations in the wild. 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