What weird pets are legal in California?

Did you know these pets are legal to own in California?
  • Pot Belly Pigs.
  • Pygmy Goats.
  • Miniature horses.
  • Tarantulas.
  • Ball Python (these type are non-venomous)
  • Chinchillas.
  • Lynx.
  • Lizards (non-venomous)
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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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Are guinea pigs legal in California?

Certain races of dwarf hamsters, mice, golden hamsters, and guinea pigs are also legal as pets. However, gerbils are not legal as pets in California.
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Can I own a 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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Are Quokkas legal in California?

No; it's actually illegal to pet a quokka.
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Exotic Pets Legal in California (Mammals and Birds)



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 hedgehogs legal in California?

There are at least 17 known species of hedgehogs. All species are restricted from possession as pets in California primarily because they can become pests where introduced into the wild where they don't naturally occur.
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Can I own a sugar glider 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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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.
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Can I 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 finger monkeys legal 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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Can you own an 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 kangaroo in California?

Kangaroos– Kangaroos are only legal to keep as pets in thirteen states,/ and California is not one of them. Kinkajous– Kinkajous are tropical rainforest mammals that are related to raccoons. These critters are not legal in California because they are considered wild animals and are not native to the state.
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Can I own a red panda in California?

IT IS ILLEGAL!

Being an endangered species, it is illegal to trade in them. If someone was caught with a live red panda they could be fined or even sent to prison!
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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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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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Are otters legal 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 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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Can you own a capybara in California?

There are some states where they are legal to own, while in California and Florida the capybara is strictly banned.
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Can I own a raccoon in California?

In California, it is a misdemeanor to own a raccoon. Penalties include: $500 to $10,000 civil fine, with additional costs for removing the animal and its care. Maximum penalty of up to six months in jail, a $1,000 fine or both.
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How can I get a pet hedgehog?

To meet their exercise needs, pet hedgehogs need an enclosure large enough to accommodate an exercise wheel and space for natural foraging behavior. The enclosure also needs smooth sides (so the hedgehog isn't able to climb out) and a hiding spot for sleeping. A 2-foot by 3-foot enclosure is considered a minimum size.
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Why are ferrets illegal 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.
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Can you have a possum as a pet in California?

Laws and Regulations

Opossums are not native to California. It's a violation of California law for any wildlife to be kept as pets.
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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.
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