Nevertheless, the quills can still penetrate skin and hedgehogs can transmit diseases such as ringworm and salmonella to humans. From loaded, Mission-style burritos to bowls, salads, nachos, quesadillas, and—of course—our signature queso, Illegal Pete’s is all about handmade food crafted with responsibly-sourced, high-quality ingredients.

Permits required for persons who legally possessed prohibited wildlife prior to 6/25/1991. Large snakes may also kill pets and even humans.”. In addition to federal laws governing animal ownership and treatment, every state has certain prohibitions or restrictions on which exotic animals can be owned as pets. Lion, tiger, bear, 6 or more bobcats, rabbits, quail, ape, baboon, macaque, Permit required for large carnivores (e.g. That is… unless that pet store was in Hawaii, California, Washington, DC, or New York City. 87-4-801 et seq. What if you don’t adopt from a facility – maybe find a cat outside? Although rarely punished, feeding a squirrel in California can subject you to a fine of $100 – $1,000. Unfortunately, ferrets sometimes carry rabies, which is why these parts of the country keep their distance. In the state of California, no pet owner or person may engage in animal fighting of any kind. Permit required: lion, tiger, monkey, etc. black bear, grizzly bear, mountain lion), Without permit: domestic ferret, alpaca, camel, chinchilla, llama, wolf (if captured in state). 1533.71; 935.01 et seq. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. In fact, they aren’t permitted to adopt animals out without this proof; it is an offense to do so. The idea was to push adoption and move away from risky breeding practices.

Pennsylvania and Massachusetts are a little more lenient and allow ownership if you have a permit.

Also illegal are these five cute and popular — but prohibited — critters: Ferrets are Mustelids, the biological family that also includes otters, mink, weasels, and polecats. Call and tell us your situation. The familiar phrase “adopt don’t shop” does serve an important purpose, but sometimes, it really is best to adopt from a responsible breeder. Saturday, April 2, is National Ferret Day, but there will not be much celebration in California. Dogs must receive their first rabies vaccine no later than four months of age. Criminal prosecution for a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 6 months in county jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. CDFW receives frequent inquiries about why various non-native species are restricted from being kept as pets in California. bears) owned before 8/12/2005 and permitted within 180 days of 8/12/2005, Zebra, cat hybrid, toucan, llama, alpaca, chinchilla, camel, Permits required for import, transport, possession of animals listed in §671, Wildlife generally, wildebeest, raccoon, hedgehog, monk parakeet, Alpaca, camel, ferret, llama, reindeer, mink, bison, zebra, red kangaroo, Licensing for falconry and scientific purposes allowed, Lion, leopard, bobcat, wolf, bear, chimpanzee, Primate under 35 lbs. Further to your question, it is illegal in California. According to the Humane Society, “Agricultural and environmental officials have expressed concern that released or escaped hamsters could establish wild colonies and damage crops and native plants and animals.” Despite this, hamsters make for great first pets, says Hanna. California has some of the strictest laws in the nation on animal ownership. CDFW is authorized to issue permits only to qualified individuals or institutions for limited purposes such as research, public exhibition, or shelter.

Most rescues combine this with proof of rabies vaccination, especially in the case of dogs. In California they just raised it. Only Hawaii’s laws are more restrictive.

That’s why California requires all pet owners to vaccinate their dogs for Rabies. Inherently dangerous animals if held without a permit (e.g. They're legal in most other places and don't require a license to own. Like ferrets, however, the main reason hedgehogs are illegal in California, however, is due to the risk escaped and abandoned hedgehogs pose to native wildlife. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

California has very strict laws about what types of animals homeowners can keep as pets.

This measure prevents cat overpopulation and abandonment. If you become aware of such activities in your neighborhood, there are options for seeking help without putting yourself at risk. Next, read up on these 50 more things you won’t believe are banned in America.

Fortunately for your curiosity, every state has exotic animal laws which allow, restrict, or prohibit ownership of certain types of animals.