Is there any way to have a ferret in california? like a license? or something of the sort?

Question

Is there any way to have a ferret in california? like a license? or something of the sort?

Answer 1

Lots of people  in California have pet ferrets.  I haven't heard of any licensing.  You may need some vaccinations for them (not sure).

Answer 2

No, the licensing for having a ferret in CA was cancelled four years ago.

You're out of luck unless you move away.

Answer 3

No you cannot, they are illegal. Permits are given for research or sheltering and public exhibition only and the fish and game is very strict on the issue. I have never heard of anyone getting a permit for public exhibition and the law has been in effect since 1933, California has never issued permits or licenses for ferrets as pets.  

The 1933 California Law Prohibiting Importation of Ferrets

The sections of the original 1933 statute and regulation relating to prohibiting importation of animals, including the domestic ferret, are as follows:

"REGULATION 1. TOTALLY EXCLUDED SPECIES

The Fish and Game Commission absolutely prohibits the importation of the following wild birds and animals, and permits for their importation will not be issued under any circumstances: . . . weasel, stoat, ferret and fitch; mongoose of any kind . . ."

http://www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/species/n...

California is worried that ferrets will be turned loose by owners who can no longer keep them and then the state will be overrun with ferrets. There is a huge misunderstanding about the domestic ferret and California wants to make sure that they do not make a hasty decision that they will later regret. There is also the concern that if the ferret is lifted from the ban, people who want hedgehogs and other exotics will want the same rights.

You cannot obtain a permit to house a ferret for a pet so if you do bring one in illegally and someone turns you in or it escapes or you are on your way to the vet and you get stopped...It is the ferret who will suffer. The only permits that are issued are for laboratory animals and rescue people who must take the micro chipped ferret out of state and if the animal is found in California again, it will be destroyed.

You can help the situation by joining groups to lobby for a change in the law. People who are willing to help are always needed and appreciated.

http://www.legalizeferrets.org/

Ferrets are also illegal in Hawaii.

Here is an up to date site on the issue.

http://home.netcom.com/~redshoes/