I'm moving to California and I own a pygmy hedgehog. I read they are illegal there.what can I do?

Answer 1

You will probably have to sell it before moving. I just seen where hedgehogs are not legal at all in California. I wonder why? Hmmm..... Anyway, I'm sorry that you won't be able to take it with you. They sure are adorable! If you lived near me, I'd buy it from you!

Answer 2

I like mammals a bunch plus I like California, This article suggests reasons on the rather odd sounding law http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/eid/vol11no01/04-0752.htm
I'm guessing that it is to protect California's cattle n ecosystem. California has many ranches.

If you are the kind of person that must follow the rules but must have your hedgehog you might apply for a research or commercial use permit. You just have to think of a research purpose for hedgehogs.

I think that if you go to freecycle your hedgehog will find a wonderful place to live. http://www.freecycle.org/
The nifty thing is that you could ask freecycle at your new city to provide a different pet.

a rich conscientious objector could have their hedgehog tested for all of the diseases listed at the CDC website, cure them, write the government a letter of objection to the law. Then either get arrested or be ignored.

Answer 3

I live in California.
They are not going to be looking for you. Keep your hedgehog at home and nobody will bother you. You can even find a vet that will treat your hedgehog discretely, just call around. You can probably get whatever you need for your pet, since the paraphernalia are not illegal, just the actual animal. I have noticed ferret supplies in the pet stores; they probably have hedgehog food also. (Ferrets are illegal here.) If not, you can order it online or by phone to be sent to you. As long as it's not bothering anybody, nobody cares.
If I thought your hedgehog would cause any harm, I wouldn't be encouraging you; but I don't see how it could.

Answer 4

If you drive there, what's the harm? no one will search your apartment or home unless you put a big sign out that says, " I have illegal animals". Since hedgehogs are so small and stay inside, they are low profile. If you can keep him, do it.
But, if you are worried, contact the local ASPCA and ask for suggestions. You can always put up a classified ad in the paper or on craigslist.

Answer 5

don't know about the legality.
ferrets are illegal, so we left ours w/ my sister before moving to ca. ironically, driving through donner pass, we were not stopped "no agricultural test" due to the snow storm. later on, i did a search and found a route around the donner pass agricultural stop. it's like the exit right before...do a search; it was one of the ferret ca legalization sites. it can be done! an easy way is to get a friend to drive out of ca and drive the ferret in; if you have ca plates, you can fly right through w/o stopping, especially if you're coming from tahoe.

Answer 6

Many states are starting to outlaw exotic pets for various reasons. There is nothing you can do- if they catch you with it, they'll confiscate it, fine you, and possibly euthanize it if they don't have the resources to rehome it in a different state. I suggest you start looking for a good home for him now.

Answer 7

well according to this site you cannot sell them. http://www.enumclawexotics.com/hedgehogs/legality.htm

but suprised to see ferrets illegal in California as well. I think its an environment issue take it to your pet store and they might to be able to sell it for you.

Answer 8

Hi,

If you hop over to Utah on your way over .. you can actually eat your hedghog there.. it's legal.. then go to California..

Why waste a good hedgehog

Answer 9

do not tell anyone anyone says anything you did not know