Is it true that there is a legal way to keep "exotic animals" as pets in California?

Question

I was told that exotic animals like ferrets and hedgehogs can be bought in another state, but not in California. However, if you bring an exotic animal into California from another state like Nevada, is it legal to keep them as pets in California?

And if not, what is the penalty if an owner was caught with keeping any of these exotic animals as pets?

Answer 1

It is illegal to possess any exotic animal without a permit in California.  If discovered, you are fined heavily and they are confiscated and euthanized, or, if the warden who confiscates it is especially nice, the animal may be transported to Nevada, Oregon, or Arizona to a shelter for re-homing.  Fish and Game does grant permits to keep specific animals, however, usually only for educational purposes.  It is very difficult for a private citizen to get a permit to keep an exotic as a pet.

Answer 2

OK Wounded Duck...If you had any kind of brain you would know that a ferret is not a wild animal.  It has been domesticated for 2000 years now.  This thinking is exactly why they are illegal in California in the first place!

Answer 3

all i know is that paris hilton tried keeping some little monkey from another state but was told she had to give it awaym so my guess is, if paris hilton cant keep one, no one else can haha.

hope that helps=]

Answer 4

It is a large fine for importing ferrets and hedgehogs into California from ANYWHERE! It is also CRUEL and inhumane to keep these wild animals as pets. Get a dog.

Answer 5

Actually Ferrets could not survive in the wild for more than a few days. They are NOT wild animals.

And no, you still can't sneak them in. Although the laws in California regarding ferrets or hedgehogs is completely retarded.

Move to Oregon.