You need a permit from the California Department of Fish and Game to keep ferrets as pets. The UK allows the legal import of ferrets under the EUs pets travel scheme. Ferrets as pets are legal in Wisconsin; however, the legality may change by the municipality. Ferrets are illegal in the Northern Territory. Ferrets are big weasels, not as big as a skunk, but skunks are less slithery. California has some of the strictest pet ownership laws in the country. 2023 The Pet Savvy. Ferrets have a life span of about 10 years, with studies showing that the oldest ferret has a lifespan of 14 years. However, in-state ferret owners can turn in their pet to the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) without prosecution fears. It was in 1933 that the California Department of agriculture took a stand and banned ferrets. The main reason why ferrets are illegal in California is to Protect Agriculture and Wildlife. This ferret legal in California issue is very complicated and if you want to learn more about it, read my post on why are ferrets illegal in California. Veterinarians can treat any animal and dont need to report it to the authorities. So, unless you intend to use the ferret for research, teaching, or exhibition, the permit doesnt apply to you. In Washington, ferrets are illegal to keep as pets, but the District of Columbia Health Department issues waivers case by case. Ferrets. Some California residents want that to change. Ferrets are related to wolverines, minks, ermines, and weasels in the Mustela genus. Ferrets as pets are completely illegal in california. Civil fine of between $5,000 and $10,000 plus the cost of the animals removal, storage, and care. Criminal penalties for the misdemeanor charge could result in up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. These include animal handlers accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), conservation societies, medical research facilities, qualified commercial/educational exhibitors, and universities, for the purpose of public health and/or scientific research. Right or wrong, people have been trying to change the law when it comes to legalizing ferrets for many years. Under a policy adopted in 1986 by the Fish and Game Commission, neutered male ferrets were made illegal as pets in California, except for those which were already pets at that time. And for obvious reasons, almost half the states in the US have laws that prohibit residents from owning certain species of venomous reptiles. While you might be sad to lose your adorable pet, it does rule out the possibility of catching rabies. Mongoose can wipe out an entire small, ground-living native fauna. Ferrets can travel freely within the EU under the pet passport scheme. This comes at no extra cost to you. My love for animals triggered me to create this blog. California West Coast Ferret Rescue Sacramento, CA westcoastferrets.com weazelluv@westcoastferrets.com (916) 992-3132 Colorado Ferret Dreams Rescue and Adoption Denver, CO ferretdreams.org matthew@ferretdreams.org (303) 953-0733 Connecticut Ferret Association of Connecticut Hartford, Connecticut ferretassn.org info@ferretassn.org (860) 247-1275 The cost of a ferret will depend on where you get them. Your email address will not be published. This is because ferrets are considered to be non-native, wild animals. However, keeping one without a permit remains illegal. By now we all know that ferrets dont do very well in the wild. The cost of removing, storing, and caring for the animal, A misdemeanor criminal charge punishable by up to six months in jail, A criminal charge including a fine of up to $1,000. While California bans pet ferrets, other states don't have the same restrictions. In Hawaii, a ferret can only be in a research institution owned by the government or in an exhibition. That is why you cant own one as a pet in Maine, Hawaii, Arizona, Georgia, New York City, or California. You must vaccinate the ferret against rabies. The main reason prairie dogs are illegal in California is to protect public health & safety, wildlife, and other natural resources. Additionally, keeping venomous snakes requires a venomous snake permit. While in theory this relation between ferrets and climate change works, in practicality it hardly exists. Once your ferret is removed from your possession, it may be sent to a rescue organization, released into the wild, sold to a laboratory, sold into the pet trade, or sadly, euthanized. Plus, there are strict regulations regarding the number of ferrets allowed per household. Read her : Latest Articles As I understand it, a permit for a hedgehog might be issued in California for educational purposes, but it is seldom handed out. How to stop a ferret from biting? Although it is legal to have a pet raccoon in. In addition, there is also no proof that shows that the bite of a ferret is worse than that of other pet animals like cats and dogs. Ferrets have a slightly shorter lifespan than cats and dogs. You should be well equipped with information before owning a ferret as a pet. Basically, the laws protect the following: In addition, California also prohibits the possession of animals considered endangered or protected in other regions. How Long Do Pet and Wild Chinchillas Live? For example, one household can only have two ferrets. It all started around 100 years back, in 1933 when the first law banning the domestic ferret in California was put into place. Besides ferrets, quite a few pets are banned across the country. Also, most ferrets are spayed and neutered so they cant breed. There are a few different reasons that authorities give for not allowing ferrets inside California. What Ferret Bans Are Enforced In Other American States? In California, however, the ban on ferrets is only in effect for the state of California, and not the individual states. You must pay this fee at the DFG office. There are a few things that anyone can do to push to make ownership of ferrets legal in the Golden State. Because of this, there are many state laws regarding the pet ferret. Ferrets may bite because of pain, but they may also bite to get your attention. Required fields are marked *, Ferret & Me - Proudly Powered by WordPress. Still, the government should consider rabies vaccines for ferrets, as there are rabies vaccines for dogs and cats. Related: List of Legal Pets in California (2022 Update). You will not be able to keep your ferret. However, if you are in some states, it is illegal to own a ferret as a pet. However, the law does state that criminal charges or even jail time for owning ferrets are possible. Lastly, most ferrets are neutered or spayed, whether you get them from a breeder or a shelter. Moreover, they are as small as their prey is. Another thing you can do is to sign a petition for legalizing ferrets. They are still illegal in some areas, though, such as California. The F stands for filial and traces the lineage of the pet. See also: How Is Northern California Different From Southern California? Despite them being domesticated, ferrets are considered half-wild. Hawaii is free from this disease, and they want to keep it that way! Once you have completed the program, you must then submit an application to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Where Are Ferrets Illegal. Ferrets are illegal in New Zealand. Sadly, despite many state-wide protests in support of the legalization of ferrets, they still remain banned in California. Ferrets have gained huge popularity as pets in the US for the past few years, however, they are illegal in some states, including California. When and how much do ferrets sleep? In the Golden State you cant own zebras, rhinoceroses, tapirs, or any other odd-toed ungulates (aside from ordinary horses) unless youve worked with exotic species for two years (including one year with animals in the same family as the one you plan to own). Studies show that there are restrictions on species resembling any legal animal in Hawaii. Why can you still buy products for ferrets in California? While most California residents that are caught with pet ferrets are not usually criminally prosecuted, they are many times charged with fines that can add up to costly amounts. Besides California, nine other states ban this little bird, as it may fly off and create its own flock, disrupting the local wildlife. Why are ferrets illegal in california? but also for its tough laws on exotic pets. Ferrets are naturally quiet, curious, friendly, intelligent, and affectionate. The efforts of the activists in Washington D.C were successful, and this law was revised 36 years later, on 30th March 2018. Therefore, these are currently the states/cities where ferrets are illegal as pets: California. Ferret ownership is illegal in all but two states in the United States, and California is one of those states. For example, hedgehogs are cute little nocturnal animals that many states ban. Keep in mind that if you want to transport, import, or possess any of these animals then you will need a legal animal permit. In case you live in New Mexico or Hawaii, you need a permit to keep an axolotl. You won't find a more playful pet out there today than the ferret (sorry dog and cat owners!). 2. Australia has feral dogs and cats, and adding a ferret to the mix is a huge risk. Can Guinea Pigs Eat Apples? What If I Own A Ferret In California Illegally? Therefore, if you love ferrets, youd possibly have to consider moving to another state. California ferret owners are normally caught when someone reports them to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The native wildlife, such as the kakapo and kiwi, cant cope with these new predators. Answer (1 of 19): There's a reason why we say: "Ferret out the answer". Ferrets are legal in Western Australia, but their close cousins are not. 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 What Are Their Health Benefits? Monkeys. California recently became the first state to prohibit all pet stores from selling dogs and cats that dont come from shelters to help shut down unlicensed breeding facilities. District of Columbia housing law lists dogs, rabbits, cats, domesticated rodents, cats, non-poisonous snakes, turtles, turtles, fish, caged birds, and racing pigeons as the only legal animals to keep as pets. Moreover, temperatures in California can rise up to 70 F and even 80 F during the summers. Is it legal to own a monkey in California? You need a legal permit to possess, transport, or import a raccoon into the state of California, and only for a legal purpose. The officials do not actively search for ferrets with people, but it is a big problem. While California bans domestic ferrets, other states dont have the same restrictions. Have it in mind that the capybara is a semi-aquatic animal, so if you desire to adopt a capybara, you must create a little pond in which the capybara can easily swim. Ferret owners should be aware that although ferrets can make good pets, they can sometimes carry germs that can make people sick. Possessing a ferret in California can result in some serious penalties, including . While domestic ferrets might not be wild, they are carnivorous animals. Here's why non-native animals like hedgehogs, sometimes desired as pets, are not a good idea or legal under current regulations. I am Eddie, animal journalist and founder of ThePetSavvy. What exotic animals can I own in California? By now we know why ferrets are illegal in California and when and how the ban was placed. 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]. What is the penalty for owning a ferret in California? Sloths are not dangerous to humans if left alone in their natural habitat. 1. It is therefore believed that New Zealand is the only country with a legitimate reason to ban ferrets. forbidden in specific towns by the local authorities. Fact:Hawaii is the only state free of rabies because they have strict quarantine laws. Having a ferret as a pet can essentially be like having a toddler. Ferrets are not the only animals whose diet has an impact on natural resources. Luckily for New Yorkers, fennec foxes are the only species from The Big 5 that are legal to own in the state. Studies show that despite the efforts put in place, ferrets can only partially domesticate. A movement, which failed, was formed recently to make having ferrets as pets legal in California. Knowing how to tell when a duck feels threatened and when it may apt to bite you can help you take the necessary actions to de-escalate the situation. You need a permit to import ferrets from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency Animal Health Office. You can learn more about ferret biting here: Do Ferrets Bite? Ferrets. California offers an environment where species like ferrets may thrive in the wild. In Hawaii, housing a ferret comes with a hefty price. It is, therefore, essential to seek information that is up to date from the local government before settling on owning a ferret. They are beautiful and even seem harmless, but piranhas have razor-sharp teeth. Do Men Still Wear Button Holes At Weddings? It is also, illegal to import mongooses into the United States. If you are not sure about the requirements and local and/or state laws governing pet ownership in California, we recommend you refer to Californias Animal and Pet Custody Laws. According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, stray ferrets are detrimental animals and pose a significant risk to the rare native birds and animals of California. In 1980, the permit was extended to include spayed female ferrets, but importation was still not allowed. Why can't I have a hedgehog, sugar glider, ferret, or other restricted, non-native . There are 3 main reasons why it is currently illegal to have a ferret in the state. The ferret is a descendant of the polecat and a member of the mustelid family, which includes stoats . that, if theyre exposed to the wild, they could harm crops or native wildlife. You can get a ferret permit at the California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) office in person or online. Sadly, ferrets cannot survive at very high temperatures. illegal to own if you have a small child in the household. The answer is, no. Why is it so? In California, you can own almost any variety of hybrid cats. Here are some useful legal basis you will need to know before owning a ferret. The depletion of natural resources is directly linked to climate change. When owners are busy and the ferret wants to play, it is common for them to nip their feet or ankles. Where Are Ferrets Illegal Around the World? This increases the threat to native species and crops. The sudden growth of a feral non-native colony could jeopardize crops and other animals. 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