I have some questions about exotic pet permits in California.?

Question

Ok here goes:
1. Are you allowed to have an exotic pet permit/wildlife permit or license in California for a house pet? (not zoo/aquarium)
2. Where do I apply? (can I print out the form on the web?)
3. How much would that cost?
4. So if I have the permit for instance an illegal prairie dog, I can still get one right?

Answer 1

Hard question, lots of answers:

1) Start here: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/licensing/pdffiles/fg1518.pdf It's a lot to read but it will give you a rather inclusive list of not only what animals are illegal in CA but what steps you need to take to get a permit for those that you can own privately. Also, look up the website for your county, as county laws also apply to what kind of exotic pets you can own and in what part of the state. What may be legal in Orange County could be illegal in Imperial County.

2) Depending on the animal, there could be multiple departments of the government tha tyou need to contact to get the right forms for the pet that you want.

3) Fees vary by county but they're much less than the $500 to $10,000 fine you can incur for owning an exotic pet without a license.

4) You can't get a permit for an illegal animal period. You can get one without a permit, but applicable laws can be very heavy handed if you are caught with one and for good reason. Many of the exotic animals that are illegal in CA could wreak havoc on the natural environment in the state if accidently one escaped into the wild, was abandoned, or carried diseases specific to its species. If you have a permit for an exotic animal, you have the right to own one.

If you mean you have currently, an animal that is exotic and do not have a license for it but would like to obtain one and want to know if that would make it legal - yes once you have the permit you are no longer breaking the law. Unfortunately, it isn't retroactive so you still conmitted a crime.

Here's a list of sites that will help you determine what to do to make sure the pet you have (or get) is perfectly legal and can't be snatched away from you at a later date:

http://www.dfg.ca.gov/
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/sregs/ca.html

Also you can call:
[phone]. - Veterinary Public Health Section of DHS for CA for more information on obtaining permits
[phone]. - Wildlife Protection Branch of Department of Fish and Game for information on permits for wild animals and birds and whether or not they are prohibited.

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
I have some questions about exotic pet permits in California.?
Ok here goes:
1. Are you allowed to have an exotic pet permit/wildlife permit or license in California for a house pet? (not zoo/aquarium)
2. Where do I apply? (can I print out the form on the web?)
3. How much would that cost?
4. So if I have the permit for instance an illegal prairie dog, I...

Answer 3

California Exotic Pet Laws

Answer 4

For the best answers, search on this site https://shorturl.im/avgtU

Well, i know this doenst really relate to your question, but just wondering...why exactly are you getting a tiger cub? By the time it is 2 years old it will be way to large for you to handle without owning an animals sanctuary or a zoo with helpers...But all i ask is for you to please not get this. Cause almost 99% of ppl who get these animals are unable to take care of them and they then are shipped of to a place where, well, no tiger would want to be! And these creatures are also endangered. Which is very critical, and since you are getting one, you just decreased the amount in the wild. But this is all a different story if you are Nursing it back into care. Include more details next time please, and agian, dont get it cause you wont be able to take care of it the right way and meet the full standards of care.

Answer 5

Its almost impossible to obtain a permit to keep exotic animals in CA.

Answer 6

Sound arguments here.

Answer 7

Sorry, not sure about this