Are ferrets legal in California?

Domesticated originally for vermin control, they now make extremely popular pets and are legal in all or parts of every state except California and Hawaii. Despite intensive lobbying to legalize ferrets in California, however, you cannot legally keep a ferret in California without a permit.

Why ferrets are illegal in California?

The old California law was put into place to protect local ecosystems. The primary reason pet ferrets are banned in California is “because they pose a threat to our native fish and wildlife, agriculture or public health and safety.” Other exotic animals are forbidden as pets for the same reason.

Are ferrets still illegal in California?

Ferrets have been illegal to own in California since the year 1933.

What happens if I get caught with a ferret in California?

Even now she's worried because she knows what can happen if she's caught. “You can actually get charged with a misdemeanor for owning a domestic ferret which is six months in jail, a $1,000 fine, and they can also confiscate the pet and euthanize it,” Mitchell said.

How much is a license for a ferret in California?

LegalizeFerrets.org proposed a legalization ballot measure this year that would require ferrets to be spayed or neutered prior to sale in stores and receive annual rabies vaccinations. Owners would pay a $100 one-time license fee.

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How can I own a ferret in California?

California Ferrets are illegal in California except by special permit issued by the Dept. of Fish and Game. From www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/species/nuis_exo/ferret/: “In California, domestic ferrets are legal to import, transport, or possess only by permit.

What animal are illegal 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.

Why are ferrets so stinky?

What causes that distinctive ferret smell in the first place? Ferrets, like other carnivorous (and some omnivorous) animals, have anal glands that secrete a scent particular to their species. “Their anal glands are very strong smelling scent and territory marking glands,” said Fiorella.

How much is a ferret?

Although the cost of the purchase of a ferret and its scheduled care will vary depending on the area, you can usually plan on spending anywhere from $75 to $250, with the average being around $100, for the ferret itself, depending on the pet store or breeder.

Are chinchillas legal 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.

Are hamsters illegal in California?

Hamsters are popular pets, but they're illegal in some parts of the world. This includes California, which has some of the world's strictest pet laws. Some hamster species, such as the Chinese hamster, are banned in California to protect the native plants and wildlife.

Can I take my ferret to the vet in California?

They can also carry canine distemper — and there's a vaccine for that, too. While it's legal for veterinarians to treat ferrets in California, many ferret owners are afraid to seek veterinary care for their little fugitives, which puts both people and pets at risk.

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.

What is the penalty for owning a ferret in California?

California is one of two states in the nation that prohibits possessing a ferret. It's considered a misdemeanor, punishable by a $1,000 fine or 6 months in jail.

How are ferrets so bendy?

Ferrets are mammals with extremely flexible spines. Ferrets have 15 thoracic vertebrae, 5 lumbar, and 3 sacral vertebrae, which allows them to bend their long bodies in unnatural positions. Those positions may look extremely painful to us, but to them, they are as common as standing straight or sitting in a chair.

What states are ferrets illegal?

There are two states where ferrets are completely illegal: California and Hawaii. That means they are legal in the remaining 48 states, but local laws (depending on city or county) can choose to follow their state guidelines or provide a stricter law.

Do ferrets like to cuddle?

Even Vet Street describes ferrets as “cuddly” pets that love to spend as much quality time with their human companions as possible. You can think of cuddling and similar forms of physical interaction as a critical “love language” shared between you and your fur-baby.

Do ferrets bite hard?

A new spouse or baby, longer working hours for an owner, the addition of another ferret or other pet, and a new home can all make a ferret feel stressed and cantankerous. More often than not, though, ferrets bite hard because they are afraid and are trying to protect themselves.

Do ferrets sleep with you?

There isn't a right answer to this question because it depends on the owner. You can let your ferret sleep with you on the bed. It is extremely adorable to snuggle your little fuzzy the entire night, but I wouldn't recommend that. I am a little paranoid I will hurt my ferrets when I roll in the bed and squeeze them.

Do ferrets like baths?

Generally, ferrets hate baths and getting wet, but there are always exceptions that can confirm the rule. They are more prone to water during summer since it keeps them cooled down. Also, one of their favorite activities is digging in the water bowl. That could mean there is too much water in the bowl for them.

Can you toilet train a ferret?

Just like cats and dogs, ferrets can be housebroken. And that's good news for two reasons: A litter-trained ferret can spend more free time outside of her cage, which means more opportunities for enrichment and more time spent together. You won't have to worry as much about cleaning up accidents.

What small pets can you have in California?

If you like gerbils and want to consider other similar wild rodents as a pet, there are several that are legal in California, including hamsters, rats, mice, guinea pigs, and chinchillas.

What pets are not illegal in California?

Are ferrets good pets?

Ferrets make excellent pets for people who have the time for them, and who bond well with animals. Ferrets are naturally quiet, friendly, inquisitive, intelligent, and companionable. At certain points in the day, they are also exceedingly active and capable of getting themselves into trouble unless they are supervised.