What exotic pets are legal in California?

10 Exotic Pets That Are Legal to Own in California
  • Hybrid Cats. ...
  • Zebras. ...
  • Monitor Lizards. ...
  • American Bison. ...
  • Second Generation "Wolfdogs" ...
  • Large Constrictor Snakes. ...
  • Toucans. ...
  • Camels.
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What is illegal to own as a pet in California?

According to the California Code of Regulations (CCR) 671, pet ownership of the following animals is also illegal without a special permit: Raccoons, skunks, alligators, lemurs, zebras, certain venomous reptiles, prairie dogs, wolf hybrids (wolf-dogs), big cats such as bobcats, servals, and cheetahs.
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Can I own a monkey in California?

While monkeys are allowed as pets in neighboring Arizona and Nevada (with a license in the former), they are illegal to keep as pets in California. As is the case with most of the banned-animals list, the reason monkeys are a no go is because of the damage they can do to Californian wildlife and agriculture.
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Are sugar gliders legal in California?

Sugar gliders are illegal to own as pets in California. Unfortunately, people are enamored with these “pocket pets” and illegally acquire them. Regardless of their small size and cute appearance, sugar gliders do not make good pets.
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Can I have a pet fox in California?

Rules on Fox Ownership in California

It's illegal to own a fox in California as the state doesn't issue any permits for these animals. This is due to their wild nature, and they don't usually make good pets. While it's possible to breed foxes as pets, it's hard for this animal to be fully domesticated.
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Exotic Pets Legal in California (Mammals and Birds)



Are Lynx legal in California?

Answer: Yes, they are legal in all 50 states. Question: Can you own a lynx in California? Answer: No exotic cats of any kind are legal except for certain domesticated hybrids.
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Can I own an axolotl in California?

In the United States, axolotls are illegal to own in California, Maine, New Jersey, and D.C., while a permit is required in New Mexico and Hawaii.
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Are savannah cats legal in California?

In California, there are no restrictions on owning a Savannah cat. This includes those from earlier generations, which makes it a great place to be if you want to own a Savannah cat.
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Can I own a Fennec fox in California?

Pet foxes are legal in up to 15 states, but not in California. Rules vary departing on the breed, the most common being the fennec fox. While there are fox breeders in California, they cannot be sold legally within the state.
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Are hedgehogs legal in California?

Unfortunately, California is one of those states where it is illegal to own a hedgehog. As I understand it, a permit for a hedgehog might be issued in California for educational purposes, but it is seldom handed out. If you still want to pursue a permit, call the California Department of Fish and Game.
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Can you have a pet duck in California?

Ducks are legal as pets in California, but you should confirm if your town or city has any restrictions. Even if allowed, ducks require special care and nutrition. When keeping ducks, you should note that they're social and prefer the outdoors. Also, pay attention to cleanliness and their needs.
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Can you have a pet owl in California?

The United States does not allow private individuals to keep native owls as pets--they may only be possessed by trained, licensed individuals while being rehabilitated, as foster parents in a rehabilitation facility, as part of a breeding program, for educational purposes, or certain species may be used for falconry in ...
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Can you own a sloth in California?

It is Illegal to Own a Sloth in California

While states like Nevada and Texas have extremely lenient rules about exotic pet ownership, the Golden State is known for its strict regulations relating to game and wildlife.
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Are wolf dogs legal in California?

The California Department of Health Services (CDHS) requires that if an animal contains any wolf, even one percent, it must be considered a wolf hybrid and handled as an exotic animal. The California Department of Fish and Game, however, only requires a permit for the animal if it is fifty percent or more wolf.
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Are Tegus legal in California?

Tegus are legal pets in California. Argentine tegus are known to be intelligent lizards, and, when kept in captivity, they can form a close bond with their owners. The Tegu reportedly requires human love and affection, and sometimes prefers to spend quality time with its owners instead of eating.
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Are finger monkeys legal in California?

Is it Legal to Have a Monkey as a Pet in California? All primates are illegal as pets in California. They are considered a threat to wildlife and a threat to public safety and health. Other than zoos, a person must have a permit to own a monkey.
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Are chinchillas illegal in California?

Thankfully, domesticated races of chinchillas are legal as pets in the state of California. This means that you can purchase and own one without any issues.
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Can you own a otter in California?

Answer: Yes, but you would have to be granted a permit, which isn't easy. Question: Are otters legal pets in California? Answer: No.
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Can I own a capybara in California?

Capybaras are the world's largest rodents -– they can reach the size of a small dog -– and are often described as a mix between a rat and a guinea pig. They're nocturnal and semi-aquatic, and prefer habits with dense vegetation and access to water. They are illegal to own as a pet in California.
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Can you own a zebra in California?

Can anyone own a zebra? Not in California. In the Golden State you can't own zebras, rhinoceroses, tapirs, or any other odd-toed ungulates (aside from ordinary horses) unless you've worked with exotic species for two years (including one year with animals in the same family as the one you plan to own).
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Are Bengal cats legal in California?

Are Bengals legal in California? Domestic Bengal cats are legal in California, since the state does not restrict the possession of domestic cats and hybrids of domestic cats (source: Michigan State University – Animal Legal and Historical Center).
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Can you own a salamander in California?

It doesn't look like salamanders are illegal to keep in California except for native species. Native species are protected by a separate bill so I would stay away from them. All Axolotls are illegal in California as well.
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Are albino axolotls rare?

1. Leucistic. Leucistic axolotls are a translucent white with shiny gold flecks, red or pink gills, and dark brown or black eyes. They are very rare in the wild because they are easily spotted by predators, but are one of the most common and beautiful morphs in captivity.
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Do axolotls bite?

Yes, axolotls bite everything and anything that moves around in their vicinity, but their teeth are too small to cause much pain. Axolotls aren't aggressive to humans; they are simply hunting for food or nipping out of self-defense.
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Can I own a skunk in California?

Keeping wildlife is prohibited by Fish and Game laws (CCR title 14, section 671) and California health laws due to a high incidence of rabies in skunks in California. All wildlife, even skunks, belong to the citizens of California and cannot be held, domesticated…or have their scent glands surgically removed!
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