What is the Legality of owning a Caracal or Serval in Michigan or Illinois?

Question

I have been wanting to own either a Caracal or a Serval for quite some time...Wanted to know if I need special permits or special enclosures in order to have one domesticated in the MIDWEST...

Answer 1

Hi there...the state of Illinois does require USDA/APHIS permits issued by DNR to maintain exotic cats: http://www.bigcatrescue.org/statelawsexoticcats.htm#IL

Also check your county government for information on licensing and zoning. And if you are within city limits, you may need city agency licensing also. On a federal level you will need a U.S.D.A. license issued through APHIS (Animal and Plant Heath Inspection Service). They will have an inspector come out and see your enclosure prior to approval. Through them you will need to keep records of diet, vet care, and have annual inspections (also subject to "drop" inspections throughout the year) prior to renewal. They also require that your vet make at least biannual visits. The other regulating agency is U.S.D.I. (U.S. Dept. of Interior). They require licensing on endangered species only.

Exotic cat care index: http://www.exoticcatz.com/care.html

Answer 2

I live in Illinois but I am not actually answering about the legality issues you were asking about. I need to comment on her having an abortion. When I was 21 I had an abortion in another state. But I was very clear about what I was doing and the ramifications of it. It was the only option that I could see at the time and to this day I don't regret it -- I regret the sex that got me pregnant! Anyway, I really feel I need to caution your mother against forcing your sister to have any abortion. That will cause her great mental trauma that may take year if ever to get over. Abortion -- no matter how you slice is murder -- I knew that going in and chose to accept that but if you are forced to murder someone especially someone as dear as your own child -- that's just not something you can forgive! I also want to say that now there are a number of churches that are involved in teen mother programs so that girls have alternatives to abortion. Look up Lakeland Evangelical Free Church in Gurnee, IL and they should be able to tell you where there is a program close to you. Actually, I stuck the link below. It doesn't mention teen mother's so we might be working another church with it but call the office and they will know better how to direct you. Best of luck but be careful!

Answer 3

You need permits(in MI) and have to have the animal spayed/neutered and vet checked regularlly and a special license. I know this because we had a wolf-hybred and had to have all of this plus with exotics you usually have to sign a disclaimer when getting vacinnations because they are for domesticated animals not exotics.

Answer 4

I don't know the actually how it works, but you want to own an exotic animal, and you should research both state and federal laws pertaining to those two species.

Here's a site to get started with:

http://www.api4animals.org/b4_legislation.php

Answer 5

You'll have to check your local city ordinances about 'exotic' animals. The city clerk would be the one to ask, and you should also check with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) about state laws.

Answer 6

These are wild animals. No matter what the legality is, wild animals are best left in the wild.