Exotic Pets Legal In California

It s legal to own a hedgehog in most states around the united states.

Exotic pets legal in california. Ronnie macdonald cc by 2 0 9. If you are thinking about keeping an exotic almost any exotic unless it is lagomorph reptile fish bird or the occasional more common rodent basically if you are thinking about keeping a. Animal rights advocates advise against keeping most wild animals in captivity but that hasn t stopped exotic pet lovers from legally owning. The list of animals that cannot be kept as pets is long and detailed and maintained by the california department of fish.

Several ungulate species are legal in california although most are actually domesticated even though they are considered exotic. Some animals are banned as pets because they aren t meant to be domesticated others are dangerous to california s ecosystem. The laws regarding exotic pet ownership vary by state. The california fish and game code makes it a misdemeanor to keep as a pet any animal that is endangered or which the department considers a threat to public health and safety or to native fish wildlife or agriculture.

However there are only a few exotic pets legal in california. They include the water buffalo yaks pot bellied pigs alpaca and llamas. However there are a few places where it s still illegal pennsylvania hawaii california georgia and maine but you may be able to own one with a permit in these states. This post was updated on january 9 2020 to note that hedgehogs are now legal in arizona.

California has some of the strictest laws in the nation on animal ownership. California has very strict laws about what types of animals homeowners can keep as pets. You are also prohibited from keeping all non domestic canines and felines elephants crocodiles and more. Only hawaii s laws are more restrictive.

The california natural resources agency has banned most wild animals including seals bighorn sheep and falcons from being as kept as pets in california. These odd animals can truly make a great pet but make sure to do lots of your own research. What pets can you own in california.