What are the Top 10 Illegal Pets to Own In the United States? The Exotic Pet Amnesty Program rehomes surrendered animals to approved adopters. Skunks are popular for exotic mammals, and they are said to be one of the "easier" exotic animals to care for. The list of mammals legal to import into the islands consists of guinea pigs, chinchillas, rabbits, mice, and rats. They're prevalent and we've seen a few Joeys on our front porch. This fox is similar to a small playful dog, but they are still wild animals and will have wild instincts. Permit: Required. They tolerate handling very well, and some even like to perch on their owners shoulders. You can own many types of exotic pets in New Hampshire, including bison, wild boars, camels, sugar gliders, and zebras. There are special rules that allow you to show or exhibit them in the state. 20 Most Venomous Snakes: Deadliest Snakes Ranked By Venom. BANS conditional species as pets. Ocelots generally have a tan coat with black spots and stripes. Additionally, it is illegal to fence in or impound any wild ones, even if you think it has been abandoned. regulates the entry of many livestock and poultry breeds and most exotic species into Florida and into shows and exhibitions in the state. Answer: You need a permit to keep a wild raccoon in Florida. As they fall into the realm of Class 3 wildlife, sloths, which are receiving a lot of interest from the public as pets, are legal with the permit, although they are expensive and difficult to care for. We've all seen those headlines about people's pet gators escaping, but they aren't the only unexpected wildlife you can keep in the Sunshine State. These animals should never be purchased by first-time exotic pet owners, and they require a large enclosure and specific temperatures. Unfortunately, Florida has recently decided to consider them to be wild animals, but they've been placed as Class 3 wildlife, so they are still obtainable. The Hedgehog is a cute and unique animal that is relatively easy to care for. hbbd```b``" ULIkow?`L> R93$20mm' \m Question: Is it legal to have a pet opossum in Florida? This animal needs someone who has previously cared for unusual animals. These Sliders are active during the day and will spend most of their time swimming or basking. You shouldnt adopt a Llama if you live in a city or town as they will not have enough space to be happy. PERMIT required for personal possession, exhibition, sale and import of captive wildlife.BANS wild-caught fox, skunk, bat, raccoon, or whitetail deer for personal use. While these canids are not suitable for everyone, their higher maintenance is not unlike other active breeds of dogs. The California Natural Resources Agency has banned most wild animals, including seals, bighorn sheep, otters, elephants, and falcons from being as kept as pets in California. These American snakes have a very wide native range and can be found as far north as Canada and as far south as Venezuela! According to MSN, these pets are banned in the Sunshine State: chimpanzees, tigers, lions, crocodiles, jaguars, leopards, venomous reptiles. Many people love their small size and adorably oversized ears. All businesses must be located in Florida to be included. Capybara The Capybara is one of the largest rodents in the world and can weigh up to 140 pounds, but they sure are cute! White-tailed deer, axis deer, and the smaller dog-sized muntjac deer are examples of deer that are kept as pets. These and many other smaller primates (squirrel monkeys, tamarins, owl monkeys, lemurs, bush babies) are legal with a Class 3 permit. Of course, if you don't think you're up to owning one, you can let them love on you at this Florida animal sanctuary. Do you have enough experience and space to keep one? They are very intelligent, so they need lots of space and lots of things to do. Sign up for our newsletter and get a curated list of the top g9Zsm #\;"441p3@T)Z+bV2cH pcqwo)8X( v+pJ"`P:[B6N@$#;a:>N!9LE b(]f=Mb"I|-EtY%:."O1|rf,|,]`=&e'0O8pfx|8oI:{. $%^HAeqy6(2"t'jzgEB'"Y%gxvMe8)y4X~O)|QepEEg,U ZFc7gK%5cz#aC You can own African lions, bison, camels, yaks, alpacas, and many others without a permit. It is illegal to own Burmese, reticulated, African rock and Amethystine pythons, green anacondas, Nile monitors, green iguanas, and tegus. %%EOF A special permit is needed for any dog that might be crossed with a wolf. If you want to keep rats, someone must have raised them in a lab. They are more cuddly than many other exotic pets and can be cared for by beginners, but you should watch out for their quills! They are used to wondering free and not being leashed and do not do well in an urban setting. Depending on the species, exotic pet ownership can entail a great many risks. African monitor lizards, ill. As their name implies they are commonly found in Mississippi. Look what Burmese pythons are doing to the American alligator. Anyone may complete the application to become an approved adopter. The state issues 11 types of special permits, with most applying to a very select group of individuals. The laws are very relaxed in Wisconsin, where people are allowed to keep almost all animals as pets without a permit. Some live for many years, need large enclosures, and have very specific diets. It is important to know the laws in your state before you decide to purchase an exotic pet. Tarantula 2. To see the full list, click here and look at "Class II Wildlife.". What makes tortoises difficult to care for is that they require consistent care to keep them healthy. You can own many types of wildlife in Mississippi, but you will have to buy a permit from the state and meet very stringent requirements. Despite the states leniency, you need a Class I permit to own many others where no permit is required in other states, including many rabbits. You are also prohibited from keeping ferrets, gerbils, owls, primates, hedgehogs, sloths, anteaters, and many other animals. Skunks cannot be taken from the wild and possessed as pets. The only special permits required are to move llamas, cattle, bison, domestic dog, horses, ferrets, goats, poultry, sheep, and pigs on the states roads. The one you need depends on what you intend to do with the animal. Many pet stores in Florida even sell these animals. The most common species of bat that people keep as pets are fruit bats. There are special licenses that allow you to keep wildlife for rehabilitation, falconry, or scientific collection. This exotic pet is not for an inexperienced cat owner. Birds of prey for falconry, hedgehogs, and sugar gliders can be owned in Idaho, along with cats and dogs. I appreciate this article, but the opening statement, that these animals are restricted "for no logical reason" is clearly a misstatement of fact. The state sells at least nine different types of exotic pet permits. They also require a license to keep. None of these classes require a special permit. Some of those permits cover only one animal while others cover up to five individuals of the same species. Most turtles, tortoises, and birds can live for over 50 years. Skunks are popular for exotic mammals, and they are said to be one of the "easier" exotic animals to care for. In Alabama for example, it's illegal to own mongooses as pets. These playful and beautiful animals are legal, again, with a Class 3 permit. Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming. You can own one alligator snapping turtle, two razor-backed musk turtles, and two box turtles. You cannot own any dangerous exotic animal or any animal that is usually wildlife in the state. Florida Statutes Florida Administrative Rules. A permit may be given for scientific and educational purposes by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Different sexes must be kept in separate cages. hWnF}L{Rh H@Y^DJD+ Alaska, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Florida is one of the few states that allow bats as pets, provided they are not taken from the wild (you wouldn't want to take in a potential rabies vector from the wild, anyway). Like most tortoises, they do need a lot of space to walk and exercise. Remember that just because a pet is legal to keep, it does not mean that you are equipped to care for one. Chapter 68A-6. BANS take of candidate species except as specifically authorized. Answer: Yes, a Class 2 permit is required and will only be given with rather stringent requirements. Im not gonna find this is Petsmart am I? Tori Spelling famously cares for a chicken named Coco who sleeps in her bed. You cannot own bears, non-domestic felines, and primates in Minnesota. endstream endobj startxref Florida also has an Exotic Pet Amnesty Day, which allows people to turn in unwanted or illegal exotic pets while educating the public about pet care. Ultimate Beach Guide to St Pete Florida Area Beaches, Florida Smart Guide to Disney World Resorts, The Best Places to Learn about Floridas African American History, Laws on harvesting marine life and sea shell collecting, Floridas Original & Famous Cuban Sandwiches. The Bodyguard by ken wilson lee is licensed under CC BY 2.0. You can get a variety of licenses if you want to sell, breed, or transport them. MSN also provided a story of two people who were sentenced after their pet Burmese python escaped its cage and killed a woman's 2-year-old child. Tarantulas are great pets, but not for handling. For this reason, they need a secure enclosure! And this is only just a handful of all the exotic pets you can own legally in the state of Florida. This article is accurate and true to the best of the authors knowledge. 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. New Jersey issues 11 different types of wildlife permits. Captive-bred raccoons do not pose much of a threat with rabies like wild raccoons do (which are not legal), especially if they are kept indoors. Class I animals are illegal to possess: Chimpanzees, Gorillas, Gibbons, Drills and mandrills, Orangutans, Baboons, Siamangs, Gelada baboons, Snow leopards, Leopards, Jaguars, Tigers, Lions, Bears, Rhinoceros, Elephants, Hippopotamuses, Cape buffalos, Crocodiles (except dwarf and Congo), Gavials, Black caimans, Komodo dragons while others have banned more obscure creatures. Only research facilities, special permit exhibitors, and some veterinarians are allowed to process wildlife in Maryland. Question: Do you need a permit to own a squirrel? They have a prehensile tail, unusual appendages, and a famously long and sticky tongue used for catching prey. There's your "some risk". The list of animals that people are allowed to own in Hawaii is extremely limited. Pythons can be fussy eaters, so they may require an owner that is more patient. They are also more readily available and are not endangered in the wild. You can own many animals in Nevada that it is illegal to own in other states, including tigers, lions, monkeys, and zebras. For More Detailed Information: Conditional/Prohibited/Nonnative Species Permits, Native fish are allowed to be kept in aquariums up to the fishing possession limit for each species(Department Correspondence Native Fish). If you want a low-maintenance exotic animal, and do not have arachnophobia (fear of spiders), this may be the pet for you! Skunks cannot be taken from the wild and possessed as pets. If a resident chooses to move out of Arizona, it is against the law to take the pet with you in most cases. Patagonian cavys arent aggressive and they are pretty small! Question: Is it illegal to own an African porcupine in Florida? And this is only just a handful of all the exotic pets you can own legally in the state of Florida. It is now illegal to export them from their habitat, but they are one of the most captive-bred reptiles in the world. Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Tennessee, Texas, Nevada, Idaho, Wisconsin, Alabama, North and South Carolina, West Virginia, North and South Dakota, Oklahoma, Arizona, Indiana, Pennsylvania and Maine. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on February 05, 2018: Anyone who has any familiarity with my articles knows I repeatedly say that "some risk" is not an acceptable reason to ban something. As such, there are different regulations that apply to them. Indiana is one of the most lenient states when it comes to owning exotic pets. If you are going to sell wildlife or an exotic pet, then you need a commercial license. If their enclosure is set up properly the Red-Footed Tortoise is a low maintenance pet that can live for up to 50 years in captivity. Sand boas are small and dont require huge enclosures or high humidity. Fennec Fox 16. More animals are also on the prohibited list, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. They tend to form a strong bond with their handler for up to 50 years. REGISTRATION (Aquaculture Certificate of Registration) from Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services required to raise aquatic species for commercial sale.