However, Hawaii is the state with the most restrictions on the ownership of pets in the United States. Your email address will not be published. The answer is no, you cannot legally own a ferret in The Golden State. You can own pygmy goats and miniature horses. Ferrets. Most ferret owners will tell you they do not deserve the poor reputation because they are wonderful pets! California ferret owners are normally caught when someone reports them to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. In the U.S., ferrets sold at pet stores are descented by surgically removing the anal glands. Most countries require a distemper vaccine and treatment of fleas and ticks before the ferrets enter. 1. Although it is legal to have a pet raccoon in only 16 states in the U.S., California is not one of them. While you might be sad to lose your adorable pet, it does rule out the possibility of catching rabies. Owning a ferret in California can get you charged with a misdemeanor, up to six months in jail, or $1,000 in fines. They are still illegal in some areas, though, such as California. If they do become infected, they can spread rabies to humans and other animals. Sadly, despite many state-wide protests in support of the legalization of ferrets, they still remain banned in California. Full List of Legal Pets in California (2022 Update), How to Get a Dog to Drink Water (Easy Tips), Colds In Hamsters: Symptoms, Prevention & Treatment, Constipation in Hamsters; Causes, Symptoms & Treatment, Diarrhea in Hamsters; Causes, Symptoms & Treatment, Abscesses in Hamsters: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments. They are banned in California, Washington DC, Hawaii, and New York City. You cannot get a permit to keep a ferret as a pet in the state. According to the California Fish and Game Code, its illegal to keep as a pet any animal the department considers to pose a threat to public health and safety, native wildlife, or agriculture. However, you need a special permit to breed ferrets. Sometimes states ban species for their threat to the local ecosystem. 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]. There are now, quite effective vaccines that can prevent rabies in ferrets. If you are a ferret enthusiast, I know what is on your mind. Australia has feral dogs and cats, and adding a ferret to the mix is a huge risk. - johnny holland. However, a few states in the U.S. still do not allow ferrets to be adopted as pets. The police stated that "Using a weapon to intentionally kill a peacock is a felony in California." What is the penalty for owning a ferret in California? Anything higher than 70 F could make a ferret have a fatal heatstroke. It is feared that if ferrets escaped from homes, they would not only hunt down small animals, they would breed and form feral colonies. However, this argument is largely flawed due to many reasons. Some hotels and motels may charge a fee for allowing the ferret, and you should expect to pay for each night the ferret stays at a shelter as well. In fact, all members of the Mustelidae family (ferrets, badgers, minks, otters, weasels, and wolverines), with the exception of 5 species of otters, are not legal to own as pets in California. Most states in the United States allow ferrets as pets, but some states have laws prohibiting ferret ownership. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. In 1980, the permit was extended to include spayed female ferrets, but importation was still not allowed. This increases the threat to native species and crops. In contrast, glooming has an ear cleaning routine since ferrets tend to wax rapidly and trim their nails frequently since they tend to grow long. For example, adopting one from an animal rescue will be between $150-$200, while purchasing one through a breeder will cost between $100-$300. They are beautiful and even seem harmless, but piranhas have razor-sharp teeth. One hundred and twenty of the ferrets ( Mustela nigripes) once thought completely extinct have been vaccinated with an experimental veterinary COVID-19 vaccine, according to the Associated . Cookie PolicySitemapAbout UsContact UsBlog. Once thought to be extinct, after the species was rediscovered in Wyoming in 1981, concerted efforts by numerous partners have given black-footed ferrets a second chance for survival. You can purchase a ferret license for $5 (for 1-2 animals) or $10 (for 3 or more animals). Although there are many squirrels in the state of California, keeping one as a pet is illegal and could land you in big trouble. Because of the suitable weather conditions in New Zealand, they bred very fast, and they formed feral colonies. This is the same reason that California bans many species of colony animals, including most rodents. You can own a monkey without a special permit in Georgia, Kansas, Oklahoma, North Carolina, and South Carolina. You won't find a more playful pet out there today than the ferret (sorry dog and cat owners!). This means that if you live in California and own a ferret, you will not only be fined and sent to prison, the poor animal will be removed from the state within 72 hours and might even be killed. Here is a list of the others: At this point we have managed to answer the why are ferrets illegal in California dilemma. Keeping a mongoose is also illegal in California. We strongly recommend not breaking this lawit simply isn't worth it for you or the ferret! Experts dont recommend ferrets for homes with children under five years of age. When did ferrets become illegal in California? A video on how difficult it is to get a ferret permit in CA. Those that fancy ferrets in New York argued that they are responsible pet owners. 2023 The Pet Savvy. Ferrets have gained huge popularity as pets in the US for the past few years, however, they are illegal in some states, including California. Why can you still buy products for ferrets in California? It was in 1982 that ferrets were added to the Washington D.C. code of prohibited animals. There are two states where ferrets are completely illegal: California and Hawaii. Now that we know why ferrets are illegal in California, lets look a little deeper into how and when it all happened. However, unfortunately no amendment has been put into place at the legislative level, so far. You need a legal permit to possess, transport, or import a raccoon into the state of California, and only for a legal purpose. Yes, its true that they could eat a few small animals to stay alive, but domesticated ferrets can barely survive in the wild. A group of ferret fans is looking to challenge the states 80-year-old ferret ban, and is in search of a state legislator who will sponsor a repeal. In some states where ferrets are not technically illegal, you do still need a license in order to keep them. Foxes may not be kept as pets in the state of California. In fact, if you looked at the reports closely, you would notice that ferrets were often mentioned as malnutritioned or hungry or in bad shape. This means that the majority of the attacks happen due to neglect on the owners part towards their pet. Your email address will not be published. Plus, many predators can feed on ferrets in the wild such as foxes and dingos. Ferrets are fun to be around, and they need very little energy to look after. How much is a permit to own a ferret in California? The penalties you may face can include a civil fine of $500 to $10,000. List of the Pros of Having Ferrets as Pets. Is it legal to own a monkey in California? You need to spay or neuter your ferret. And surprisingly, California allows some species that other states prohibit. Outside of the United States, ferrets are also illegal in South Africa, New Zealand, and 3 areas of Australia (Northern Territory, Queensland, and Western Australia). Ferrets are obligate carnivores. This website is reader-supported. The aquatic frog with a small, wedge-shaped head and flattened body cannot be kept as a pet in California because it competes with and threatens native species. The bans include various non-native species that the state considers a threat. Besides the ferret, you cannot own any species of the order Marsupialia (marsupials and pouched animals). The law does not restrict its citizens from owning ferrets. However, keep in mind that many of the permitted animals require a lot of maintenance. Does this mean that the ban on ferrets in California should be lifted? Another animal you cannot keep as a pet in California is the. What happens if you have a ferret in california? and will eat anything including furniture, junk food, wallpapers, walls, and even their own waste. If a ferret gets bitten or scratched by an infected animal, it can catch rabies. Supporters of the California ferret ban often use this trait to prove that ferrets can seriously threaten wildlife in the state. So, adopting a ferret in Washington DC is not impossible, but it isnt easy. They are also illegal or restricted in other states. Check your local laws and regulations before you adopt a ferret. Firstly, these ferrets were working ferrets, which means that they were trained and released on purpose to attack rabbits. Legalize Ferrets in California is a petition to California Governor Gavin Newsom. In conclusion, when asked why ferrets are not legal in California, the argument that they carry rabies is insufficient. To learn more about why ducks bite, keep reading! I am passionate about exotic pets and I dedicate my time doing research, meeting, and interviewing people working with animals. According to the California Fish and Game Code, its illegal to keep as a pet any animal the department considers to pose a threat to public health and safety, native wildlife, or agriculture. You also need a permit to keep a ferret as a house pet. Washington D.C It was in 1982 that ferrets were added to the Washington D.C. code of prohibited animals. My love for animals triggered me to create this blog. You must vaccinate the ferret against rabies. Ferrets are not the only animals whose diet has an impact on natural resources. You can face penalties of up to four years in prison and a $200,000 fine if caught owning a ferret! Keep in mind that if you want to transport, import, or possess any of these animals then you will need a legal animal permit. (Note: There are approved rabies vaccinations for ferrets). Its a good idea to obtain new information from your local government or an animal control board. Ferrets are high maintenance pets and require intensive care. Efforts to legalize ferret possession, transportation and import have been carried out on the state-level in California since 2015. Angier, Natalie. The fact is that ferrets are not legal in the state. This might come as a surprise, but keeping ferrets as pets in California is illegal. The application must include a $50 fee, as well as a photo of your ferret. However, there are certain individuals, facilities, and organizations who are able to obtain a special permit, from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, to have a ferret. Declaration Of Independence Explained Celebrate America You can get a permit for medical research and other unique circumstances and not for home possession. You will not be able to keep your ferret. The black-footed ferret is one of North America's most endangered mammals. You can keep a ferret, but you need to get a permit from the District of Columbia Health Department. It's serious. Moreover, temperatures in California can rise up to 70 F and even 80 F during the summers. Is it legal to have a pet raccoon in California? 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. However, it is believed that this ban against ferrets will never be lifted in New York. 2. Keep from illegally importing ferrets in California, and help to inform others about the danger of having ferrets as pets. Some California residents want that to change. The reasons include anger of feral colonies erupting, ferrets spreading disease, biting humans, and their hostile nature. Additionally, keeping venomous snakes requires a venomous snake permit. Ferret lovers in Hawaii argued that there is no difference between owning a cat or a dog and owning a ferret since these pets, too, can be used to transmit rabies. Should it be illegal owning a ferret? You need a permit from the California Department of Fish and Game to keep ferrets as pets. Why are ferrets illegal in california? They also transmitted Bovine Tuberculosis to the cattle, and this affected their economic activities. This restriction was active until 1985. Not in California. Sloths have adapted to a specific environment. 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. Why is it so? The criminal penalties for having a ferret in California are up to 90 days in jail and/or a maximum fine of $1,000. You can get a permit for medical research and other unique circumstances and not for home possession. Keep in mind that if you want to transport, import, or possess any of these animals then you will need a legal animal permit. Despite ferrets being fun to own, there are four states that have banned citizens from owning a ferret as a pet in the United States. Let us know how it went down in the comment section! Other animals that you cannot legally keep as pets in California include: Lets now have a look at some frequently asked questions about pets youre not allowed to own in California. Due to these permits, lots of illegal ferret shelters started to open up in California, so the Department of Food and Agriculture had to revoke them. Penalties will depend on the species of animal . Can Guinea Pigs Eat Apples? Pet foxes are legal in up to 15 states, but not in California. But their enthusiasm has been considered futile since the government argues that ferrets easily form colonies. 2022 - 2023 Times Mojo - All Rights Reserved While California bans domestic ferrets, other states dont have the same restrictions. Here is a list of the others: Hawaii: Possession and transportation of ferrets in Hawaii can lead to: 3 years in prison a fine of upto $20,000 bearing all the costs of the removal and extermination of the ferret All five boroughs of New York City (Brooklyn, Manhattan, The Bronx, Queens & Staten Island) ban ferrets, but they are legal throughout the state. And is there any possibility of getting ferrets legalized in the near future? This only adds fuel to fire. In Alabama, Wisconsin, Nevada, North Carolina, and South Carolina, residents can own almost anything, including bears, tigers, and lions. In fact, most species of birds are legal in California, except the Quaker parrot (monk parakeet or Quaker parakeet). Sloths are not dangerous to humans if left alone in their natural habitat. Ferrets are also not recommended for homes with children under 5 years of age . Owning a pet ferret in California can result in monetary fines, criminal charges, and even jail time. 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