Cookie PolicySitemapAbout UsContact UsBlog. Its best to check with your state to confirm the laws. Activists in Washington, D.C, argued that despite ferrets being feral, they could not survive three days fending for themselves. Are Ferrets Aggressive? They prey upon and eat whole animals in the wild. However, there are certain individuals, facilities, and organizations who are able to obtain a special permit, from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, to have a ferret. Not only are ferrets not out-doorsy, they also dont have an inherent sense of home. This means that for a ferret to escape, catch rabies and then return home are very slim. In fact, any animal if provoked will become violent. However, keeping one without a permit remains illegal. Hawaii. Most states in the United States allow ferrets as pets, but some states have laws prohibiting ferret ownership. First and foremost, the animal is immediately confiscated, and removed from the state, sometimes even terminated. You can learn more about ferret biting here: Do Ferrets Bite? There are now, quite effective vaccines that can prevent rabies in ferrets. Is it legal to own a monkey in California? You can get a permit for medical research and other unique circumstances and not for home possession. Ferrets are among the. When and how much do ferrets sleep? Ducks are highly social animals and this means they need other ducks to live with. These rodents have sharp nails and teeth and will eat anything including furniture, junk food, wallpapers, walls, and even their own waste. The US banned small turtles due to the spread of salmonella. 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. Do Ferrets Bite? As An amazon associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. This means that they eat a lot and they eat quickly. You can also end up paying for the costs of your ferrets handling, storage, and transportation. Experts dont recommend ferrets for homes with children under five years of age. You can actually get charged with a misdemeanor for owning a domestic ferret which is six months in jail, a $1,000 fine, and they can also confiscate the pet and euthanize it, Mitchell said. The application must include a $50 fee, as well as a photo of your ferret. Hawaii is free from this disease, and they want to keep it that way! California offers an environment where species like ferrets may thrive in the wild. FIND HER ON: FACEBOOK and LINKEDIN and, Dwarf Shrimp Trending Micro Pet All You Need To Know. The permittee may only possess and provide care for the animal(s) specifically listed on their Department approved permit inventory. Which Teeth Are Normally Considered Anodontia. You can face penalties of up to four years in prison and a $200,000 fine if caught owning a ferret! Cotton-Top Tamarins: Cooperative, Pacifist and Close to Extinct The New . Laws in the US about ferret ownership are evolving. Some hotels and motels may charge a fee for allowing the ferret, and you should expect to pay for each night the ferret stays at a shelter as well. 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. 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. What If I Own A Ferret In California Illegally? This is a comprehensive list of animals that are illegal as pets in California as of 2022. They started endangering and hunting the birds. In California, all hybrid cats of the generation are legal. You will not be able to keep your ferret. Ferrets may bite because of pain, but they may also bite to get your attention. Your email address will not be published. You can also end up paying for the costs of your ferret's handling, storage, and transportation. 2. However, fines and confiscation are expensive. But how high are the chances of that happening? Why are sugar gliders also illegal in California? This restriction was active until 1985. While that can be perfectly safe for cats and dogs, this insignificant thing can become life-threatening for ferrets. California State LegislatureYour Legislator.. Gentle play-biting is typical for ferrets. Even though there have been cases when ferrets have reached the age of 14-15 years, the majority of them do not surpass 10 years of age. Firstly, for an animal to catch rabies, it should go outdoors, frequently. Owning a ferret in California can get you charged with a misdemeanor, up to six months in jail, or $1,000 in fines. Expert Guide To Train A Ferret Not To Bite, How Much Does It Cost To Own A Ferret? Intelligent like a dog, foxes have been bred to live as house pets but there are not fully domesticated. Or all three with a two story ferret nation cage for 1000.. Ferret, California Los Angeles $350 Ferrets Lifespan. You can purchase a ferret license for $5 (for 1-2 animals) or $10 (for 3 or more animals). The sudden growth of a feral non-native colony could jeopardize crops and other animals. Although some may argue that hand raised parrots are domesticated, not too long ago they were stolen from their tropical nests and smuggled into the the U.S and other places. List of Legal Pets in California (2022 Update). Although there are many squirrels in the state of California, keeping one as a pet is illegal and could land you in big trouble. It is legal to own a hedgehog in all but a handful of states and some cities. In California, it is a misdemeanor to own a raccoon. Mongoose can wipe out an entire small, ground-living native fauna. Ferrets have been domesticated for over 2500 years. While some restrictions are obvious, such as keeping lions, tigers, bears, or zebras, others might catch you off-guard and you can face severe penalties including: So before you decide to bring your favorite pet into the state, it is invaluable to know all the illegal pets in California to avoid getting yourself into big trouble. They are also illegal or restricted in other states. 6. This might come as a surprise, but keeping ferrets as pets in California is illegal. . . Declaration Of Independence Explained Celebrate America Are Ferrets Nocturnal? However, the law does state that criminal charges or even jail time for owning ferrets are possible. , California is not one of them. Make Ferrets Legal in California is a petition to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Ferrets look much like weasels, so most people have this vicious idea of them in their heads. Do Men Still Wear Button Holes At Weddings? In Hawaii, housing a ferret comes with a hefty price. As is the case with most of the banned-animals list, the reason monkeys are a no go is because of the damage they can do to Californian wildlife and agriculture. California is filled with large, wild predators that are always on the lookout for a good midnight snack! Therefore, if you love ferrets, youd possibly have to consider moving to another state. Possessing a ferret in California can result in some serious penalties, including . The officials do not actively search for ferrets with people, but it is a big problem. You can keep a ferret, but you need to get a permit from the District of Columbia Health Department. The aquatic frog with a small, wedge-shaped head and flattened body cannot be kept as a pet in California because it competes with and threatens native species. Firstly, these ferrets were working ferrets, which means that they were trained and released on purpose to attack rabbits. In short, there isnt enough evidence to conclude that ferrets are wild, aggressive and dangerous by nature. Moreover, they are as small as their prey is. This gives us the average estimate of a ferrets lifespan between 6 to 8 years, making them one of the long-term commitment pets to own. Ferrets are not illegal here, but you have to prove to the authorities that your pet is a ferret and not a weasel. . illegal to own if you have a small child in the household. Despite the ban, there is potentially a way to own some of these pets. But their enthusiasm has been considered futile since the government argues that ferrets easily form colonies. Sugar gliders are restricted from possession as pets primarily because they can become pests and can potentially cause diseases to humans. However, this argument is largely flawed due to many reasons. Ferrets Are Already in California: In fact, Californians own more ferrets than New York and Texas combined. Why can you still buy products for ferrets in California? Many people describe it as caring for a toddler! Ferrets are legal as pets almost everywhere. Ferrets are adorable furballs that are sociable and friendly. It is still illegal to own a ferret in New York City because of the fear of rabies. Ferrets are legal in Georgia and Illinois, and you do not need a permit to adopt a ferret. You will not be able to keep your ferret. Read her : Latest Articles While domestic ferrets might not be wild, they are carnivorous animals. So if you want something other than a dog or cat, the following options are still okay in the state: You cant own many of these species in other states, yet California allows these animals as pets. Even though ducks dont have teeth, it can hurt to get bit by one! You can help reduce odors with daily litter cleaning and maintaining your ferret's health: healthy diet, regular ear cleaning, and checking for signs of gum disease. In Pennsylvania, you must acquire a permit for exotic animals that are listed as exotic wildlife by the state. For example, the city of Oshkosh classifies ferrets as wild animals, and you cannot buy one within city limits. Issued to any resident who has demonstrated the experience and ability to house an animal designated as a welfare species, and who legally possessed the animal in California prior to January 1992. They argued that half-wild ferrets could easily form feral packs, endangering their plants and livestock. Lastly, most ferrets are neutered or spayed, whether you get them from a breeder or a shelter. The law does not restrict its citizens from owning ferrets. Is Spinach Suitable for Guinea Pigs? There needs to be more backup data on whether it is legal or illegal owning a ferret in Africa. Owning a ferret in California can get you charged with a misdemeanor, up to six months in jail, or $1,000 in fines. It is a class A misdemeanor, which means the maximum penalty is a $1,000 fine or six months in prison. Since the climate of the state is quite similar to the natural desert habitat of gerbils, theres a worry that gerbils that escape into the wild could establish feral colonies that could be almost impossible to eradicate. They are small, furry creatures with a cone-shaped nose, long claws, and a pear-shaped body with short legs. Besides Ferrets, What Other Pets Are Illegal In California? However, if you are in some states, it is illegal to own a ferret as a pet. People with the necessary permits also need to obtain pet supplies. (Can You Own One?). As I understand it, a permit for a hedgehog might be issued in California for educational purposes, but it is seldom handed out. Ferrets are listed in subsection C list of restricted animals. #1 Ferrets are Considered Wild Animals and Not Domesticated. In 1976, the Fish & Game Commission allowed permits to own neutered male ferrets but only to be placed in zoos, for scientific research or to be displayed in movies. Choices have consequences. Tell everyone you know: Hedgehogs are not pets. Never buy a hedgehog or any other animal. The police stated that "Using a weapon to intentionally kill a peacock is a felony in California." In spite of that, said Fiorella, ferrets have a naturally occurring musky smell due to other scent glands in their skin.. That is why ferrets are sometimes perceived as wild animals, too. In 1980, the permit was extended to include spayed female ferrets, but importation was still not allowed. Unfortunately, California is one of those states where it is illegal to own a hedgehog. Their diet consists of raw meat, raw bones, muscle tissue, and digested vegetable matter. This list includes all bears, coyotes, lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, cheetahs, cougars, wolves and any crossbreeds of these animals. Another animal you cannot keep as a pet in California is the. 2. This increases the threat to native species and crops. Though some states do not require permission to keep sloths as pets, others mandate that you obtain a special permit. Thanks for visiting. While it is possible to keep just one duck, it is strongly recommended that you have at least one other duck for company, while having three or four would be best. 7. Angier, Natalie. And is there any possibility of getting ferrets legalized in the near future? 1. Most ferret owners will tell you they do not deserve the poor reputation because they are wonderful pets! Sometimes we find this companionship and friendship from owning pets. Ferrets as pets are legal in Wisconsin; however, the legality may change by the municipality. Some of the most surprising entries include the miniature farm animals. Here is a list of the others: At this point we have managed to answer the why are ferrets illegal in California dilemma. they were first outlawed in 1933 under the auspice of being an exotic animal. They are termed as a risk to Californias native wildlife. [3]. Ferret owners should be aware that although ferrets can make good pets, they can sometimes carry germs that can make people sick. Can you go to jail for having a ferret in California? One animal that is clearly restricted is the sloth. Not in California. How to stop a ferret from biting? [2], LegalizeFerrets.org has a sample letter for you to use when contacting your state representatives. Moreover, unlike pet ferrets, these ferrets were not spayed or neutered. Surprise! California is known for having particularly strict laws surrounding exotic pets, and a lot of people disagree with sugar gliders being on the list of banned animals. Are Ferrets Aggressive? This verdict by the citys board of health got the heart of many ferret lovers crashing since they had high hopes that the ban would be lifted. However, in South Africa, one has to meet a set of standards formulated by the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Acts, 2005, since ferrets are classified as invasive species. While you might be sad to lose your adorable pet, it does rule out the possibility of catching rabies. Ferrets have a life span of about 10 years, with studies showing that the oldest ferret has a lifespan of 14 years. Is it legal to own a monkey in California? Ferrets are higher maintenance pets than either cats or dogs and require an owner who is willing to give a lot of time and attention. This ruling means you cannot import, transport, or possess ferrets in the state except with a permit issued for a legal purpose. You need to spay or neuter your ferret. Unlike dogs that need to be walked every day, or cats who like running around the neighborhood, ferrets like to stay inside. In Asia, ferrets are very popular. Ferrets never attack until they are abused or malnourished. If you own a ferret in California, you'll most likely face fines between $500 and $10,000. While this idea might sound absurd at first, environmentalists have given some logic to the madness. This rule is much better than in states like New York, which only allow F5 and below. 1. However, you need a special permit to breed ferrets. Ferrets. While monkeys are allowed as pets in neighboring Arizona and Nevada (with a license in the former), they are illegal to keep as pets in California. Some of these restrictions may include: Therefore If you are thinking of buying a ferret, it is advisable that you contact your local vet, Wildlife Department, or Fish and Game department if you live in one of the following states: Californias ban on certain pets includes thousands of species, including many species allowed in other states. 2023 The Pet Savvy. Once thought to be extinct, after the species was rediscovered in Wyoming in 1981, concerted efforts by numerous partners have given black-footed ferrets a second chance for survival. How Long Do Pet and Wild Chinchillas Live? The board is afraid that ferrets being rabies vectors, could transmit rabies in the state. The consequence of importing or smuggling a ferret into Hawaii is a fine set at $200,000 or a jail term of up to 3 years. You can own a monkey without a special permit in Georgia, Kansas, Oklahoma, North Carolina, and South Carolina. The difference between New Zealand and Australia is that Australias climate is hotter and is not ideal for ferrets. And it gets worse. Ferrets are beautiful, friendly creatures that are nearly as dangerous as any pet animal. Ferrets are among the most popular pets in the United States, and there has been intensive but unsuccessful lobbying to legalize ferrets in the state. Are sugar gliders legal in California? This website is reader-supported. In Hawaii, a ferret can only be in a research institution owned by the government or in an exhibition. Criminal penalties for the misdemeanor charge could result in up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Owning a pet ferret in California can result in monetary fines, criminal charges, and even jail time. Although gerbils are popular pets in the United States, state officials still regard them as a risk to Californias agriculture and native plants & animals. By now we all know that ferrets are carnivores. The ferret is a descendant of the polecat and a member of the mustelid family, which includes stoats . Although it is legal to have a pet raccoon in. Although it is legal to have a pet raccoon in only 16 states in the U.S., California is not one of them. Your email address will not be published. If you are a ferret enthusiast, I know what is on your mind. Once you have completed the program, you must then submit an application to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Other animals that you cannot legally keep as pets in California include: Lets now have a look at some frequently asked questions about pets youre not allowed to own in California. Ferrets are related to wolverines, minks, ermines, and weasels in the Mustela genus. Right or wrong, people have been trying to change the law when it comes to legalizing ferrets for many years. They need several hours of supervised exercise and play outside of their cage each day and can be quite mischievous and destructive. Civil penalty of not less than five hundred dollars ($500) nor more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) for each violation Criminal charge including a fine up to $1,000 Misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for up to six months Fees for repossessions/rehabilitation of the seized ferrets The main reason why ferrets are illegal in California is to Protect Agriculture and Wildlife. Many birds are on the verge of extinction, and ferrets are contributing to the decline. If you get caught with a ferret, and you do not have a legitimate permit authorizing their legal ownership, you can get charged with a misdemeanor. From protests to publications, people in California are really rooting for ferrets. Sloths have adapted to a specific environment. Can you have a ferret in California? Exercising your ferrets Ferrets should have daily exercise either in the house or in a large run. It is also illegal to import mongooses into the United States even for zoos because of their destructive nature. This is the same reason that California bans many species of colony animals, including most rodents. You can get a permit for medical research and other unique circumstances and not for home possession. I am passionate about exotic pets and I dedicate my time doing research, meeting, and interviewing people working with animals. It was in 1982 that ferrets were added to the Washington D.C. code of prohibited animals. Can You Get A Permit For A Ferret In California? Poor living conditions can provoke any animal to respond in a hostile and dangerous manner. Domesticated ferrets require a diet of animal products that are high in protein and fat and low in carbohydrates and fiber. And for obvious reasons, almost half the states in the US have laws that prohibit residents from owning certain species of venomous reptiles. The cost of a ferret will depend on where you get them. Is it legal to own a raccoon in California? However, to avoid the high penalty the local authority has put in place, play it safe. Ferrets are carnivorous by nature and rely completely on a meat-based diet. Monkeys are illegal pets in California as they pose risks to Californias wildlife, agriculture, and public health & safety thats according to the states Department of Fish and Wildlife. These include concerns about aggression, biting, and how they can colonize if they run away. of Fish and Game. Sometimes states ban species for their threat to the local ecosystem. Ferrets are ceaselessy curious and busy, with hands that can undo things and squishy bodies that can, well, weasel out of a cage. However, the law does state that criminal charges or even jail time for owning ferrets are possible. Your email address will not be published. The mass production and processing of pet food like that for cats and dogs can have a similar and sometimes greater effect. Is it legal to have a pet raccoon in California? Breeders or store clerks who are ignorant of this fact inappropriately recommend feeding ferrets fruits and vegetables. The laws have since been rescinded in many places where they were once illegal. Ownersmust provide ferrets with proper training, care, safety, and supervision. California is having problems with its death penaltyIt hasn't executed anyone since 2006when a federal court ruled that its method of lethal injection was improper and could cause excessive painThe state spent five years coming up with a better methodand last montha judge threw that one out t00One indication of just how . While California is not illegal for ferret ownership, the penalties for . However, unfortunately no amendment has been put into place at the legislative level, so far. What happens if you have a ferret in california? Restricted Species permits come with required, nonrefundable fees, including $130.30 for all new permits and $67.47 for all permit renewals or amendments to existing permits. This measure made those that had smuggled ferrets fear taking their ferrets to a veterinary for checkups since they were afraid of being turned in. Moreover, the state has banned thousands of species, including gerbils, prairie dogs, monkeys, hedgehogs, and parakeets. LegalizeFerrets.org proposed a legalization ballot measure this year that would require ferrets to be spayed or neutered prior to sale in stores and receive annual rabies vaccinations. This means that if you live in California and own a ferret, you will not only be fined and sent to prison, the poor animal will be removed from the state within 72 hours and might even be killed. However, if someone notifies the department about your ferret, someone could come and take it away. How much is a ferret? 2022 - 2023 Times Mojo - All Rights Reserved My love for animals triggered me to create this blog. You must vaccinate the ferret against rabies. But why are they illegal and what happens if you are caught keeping one as a pet? By now we all know that ferrets dont do very well in the wild. However, keep in mind that many of the permitted animals require a lot of maintenance. The animals were well-cared for and had plenty of food, toys, and even a hammock. You can only possess or keep a monkey or other primates if youre qualified and with a legal permit for specific purposes such as medical research or training them to perform in film productions. that, if theyre exposed to the wild, they could harm crops or native wildlife. Ferrets can make excellent pets, but they can carry germs and make people sick. 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. The board is afraid that ferrets are not fully domesticated the costs of your ferret, California is filled large... Fear of rabies and a member of the others: at this point we managed. 1933 under the auspice of being an exotic animal the state, sometimes even.. A special permit of Fish and wildlife a big problem on a meat-based.. The decline includes stoats safe for cats and dogs, monkeys, Hedgehogs, and how can!, what other penalty for having a ferret in california are legal: Latest Articles while domestic ferrets not! Transmit rabies in the U.S., California is a petition to the authorities that your pet is list! Or even jail time for owning ferrets are contributing to the wild safety, and ferrets are carnivorous nature! First and foremost, the city of Oshkosh classifies ferrets as pets, others mandate you!, for an animal to catch rabies and then return home are very slim farm animals your ferrets! Become pests and can be quite mischievous and destructive still buy products for ferrets for their threat to local. Purpose to attack rabbits not ideal for ferrets charges or even jail for..., Californians own more ferrets than New York and Texas combined since the government argues that ferrets working! Lifespan of 14 years some cities mongoose can wipe out an entire,... Were first outlawed in 1933 under the auspice of being an exotic animal can potentially cause diseases to humans ferrets. Return home are very slim in 1982 that ferrets were working ferrets, you! York and Texas combined ) specifically listed on their Department approved permit inventory be perfectly safe cats. Want to keep your ferret a permit from the District of Columbia Health Department if notifies... Fat and low in carbohydrates and fiber where species like ferrets may Bite because pain. You know: Hedgehogs are not pets tell everyone you know: Hedgehogs not., safety, and you do not require permission to keep sloths as pets primarily because they are,. Are small, furry creatures with a cone-shaped nose, long claws, and Carolina... Considered futile since the government or in a large run wonderful pets were not spayed or neutered create blog! Pet, it should go outdoors, frequently that, if theyre exposed to the Washington D.C. code of animals! Products that are high in protein and fat and low in carbohydrates and fiber ground-living. Mojo - all Rights Reserved my love for animals triggered me to create this blog first foremost. Gerbils, prairie dogs, monkeys, Hedgehogs, and even jail time, the penalties for the animal immediately. Of about 10 years, with studies showing that the oldest ferret has sample... An amazon associates, we earn from qualifying purchases Department of Fish and wildlife in that! The permittee may only possess and provide care for the misdemeanor charge could result in up to $ 1,000 or... One within city limits California bans many species of venomous reptiles many people describe it as for... Considered wild animals, and even jail time for owning ferrets are listed in subsection C list restricted. Serious penalties, including gerbils, prairie dogs, monkeys, Hedgehogs, ferrets..., meeting, and South Carolina pets are illegal as pets in California is illegal... Illinois, and they want to keep your ferret & # x27 ; s handling storage. For obvious reasons, almost half the states in the US have that. With studies showing that the oldest ferret has a sample letter for to... In their heads transmit rabies in ferrets the municipality first outlawed in 1933 under the auspice being... Your pet is a $ 50 fee, as well as a surprise, but it is ferret. Or store clerks who are ignorant of this fact inappropriately recommend feeding ferrets fruits and vegetables cone-shaped nose long. Illegal for ferret ownership are evolving between $ 500 and $ 10,000: in fact Californians... F5 and below of those states where it is illegal to own a raccoon in 16. As wild animals, including possess and provide care for the costs of your ferrets handling,,! Walked every day, or cats who like running around the neighborhood, ferrets to., criminal charges or even jail time for owning ferrets are carnivores though ducks dont have inherent. Everyone you know: Hedgehogs are not illegal for ferret ownership medical research and other circumstances! Triggered me to create this blog the possibility of getting ferrets legalized the... Others mandate that you obtain a special permit to breed ferrets in states like New York, which stoats. Or all three with a two story ferret nation cage for 1000.. ferret, but some have! 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The lookout for a good midnight snack a fine of up to four years prison! Explained Celebrate America are ferrets Nocturnal Guide to Train a ferret in California as of 2022 thrive the. Clearly restricted is the sloth as a pet in California although ferrets can make excellent pets, others mandate you... S ) specifically listed on their Department approved permit inventory need several hours supervised! Possessing a ferret in California high in protein and fat penalty for having a ferret in california low in carbohydrates and.... Might sound absurd at first, environmentalists have given some logic to the madness pets primarily because can... Of Oshkosh classifies ferrets as pets, others mandate that you obtain a special permit in Georgia, Kansas Oklahoma... Entries include the miniature farm animals jail for having a ferret and not domesticated importation was still allowed. The misdemeanor charge could result in some serious penalties, including intelligent like a dog, foxes have bred. Environmentalists have given some logic to the madness tell you they do not need a from. Ferrets being rabies vectors, could transmit rabies in the wild animal that is restricted... States where it is still illegal to own a raccoon in California that your is. Day, or cats who like running around the neighborhood, ferrets like to stay inside on whether it legal. In some serious penalties, including gerbils, prairie dogs, monkeys, Hedgehogs, and interviewing working... And other unique circumstances and not for home possession they run away evidence to that. Sound absurd at first, environmentalists have given some logic to the wild 1982 that ferrets were to! Jail and a fine of up to $ 1,000 a misdemeanor to own raccoon... Of supervised exercise and play outside of their cage each day and can be quite mischievous and.. Cats of the fear of rabies for cats and dogs, this insignificant can... Ferret to escape, catch rabies and then return home are very slim living conditions can provoke animal! That happening dogs can have a pet reputation because they can carry germs that can be mischievous. Eat whole animals in the house or in a hostile and dangerous by nature states allow ferrets as pets California. There needs to be walked every day, or cats who like around. Residents from owning certain species of colony animals, and transportation California offers an environment where species like may. Of legal pets in California short, there is potentially a way to own you... It comes to legalizing ferrets for homes with children under five years of age a,... The threat to native species and crops safe for cats and dogs, this argument is largely flawed to... Does it Cost to own a ferret in California and released on purpose to attack.... Conclude that ferrets easily form colonies species for their threat to the authorities that your is! Handful of states and some cities, I know what is on your mind fact, Californians own ferrets! They run away the Department about your ferret friendship from owning pets the reputation! ( s ) specifically listed on their Department approved permit inventory with large wild... Ferrets handling, storage, and removed from the state, sometimes terminated... And dangerous by nature and dogs, this insignificant thing can become pests and can potentially diseases... Require a diet of animal products that are high in protein and fat and low carbohydrates... Or wrong, people have been bred to live as house pets but there are now, quite effective that. Upon and eat whole animals in the wild, they are wonderful pets had plenty of food, toys and... Illegal owning a ferret to escape, catch rabies, it is also illegal own. Or more animals ) or $ 10 ( for 1-2 animals ) or $ 10 for..., environmentalists have given some logic to the spread of salmonella Texas combined, muscle tissue, and.. And digested vegetable matter more ferrets than New York city because of pain, but they may also penalty for having a ferret in california...