Are rodent pets legal in California?
John Parsons
Updated on March 15, 2026
If you like gerbils and want to consider other similar wild rodents as a pet, there are several that are legal in California, including hamsters, rats, mice, guinea pigs, and chinchillas. Takedown request View complete answer on firstteam.com
Can you own a gerbil in California?
Cute as they are, however, gerbils aren't legal to own as pets in California. One possible reason for this is that California's climate is similar to what gerbils enjoy naturally. That means that if they escape, there's a higher likelihood that feral colonies could arise that can cause damage to local flora and fauna. Takedown request View complete answer on mylawcompany.comCan you have a squirrel as a pet in California?
Wild squirrels are abundant in California, but it is illegal to own a pet squirrel in the state. Squirrels do not make good pets. They will eat almost anything, and they have incredibly sharp teeth and nails. It is also illegal to feed wild animals like squirrels in California. Takedown request View complete answer on missionlegalcenter.comCan I own a capybara in California?
For some examples, capybaras are banned as pets in California and Georgia. However, they are legal to possess in Texas, Pennsylvania, and New York. Even if a state allows it, some cities may not. Capybaras are considered illegal pets in the five boroughs of New York City. Takedown request View complete answer on thesprucepets.comAre hamsters illegal in California?
Animals you cannot own as pets in CaliforniaWild birds including crows, jays and magpies. Hedgehogs. Bats. All species of hamsters except domesticated golden (or Syrian) hamsters.
Takedown request View complete answer on sacbee.comFind out which EXOTIC PETS are allowed in California
What rodents can you own in California?
If you like gerbils and want to consider other similar wild rodents as a pet, there are several that are legal in California, including hamsters, rats, mice, guinea pigs, and chinchillas. Takedown request View complete answer on firstteam.comWhy can't i have a gerbil in California?
However, California's climate is similar to a gerbil's natural desert habitat. As a result, state officials are concerned that gerbils who escape or are released into the wild could establish feral colonies that would damage crops and native plants and animals. This makes keeping a gerbil illegal in California. Takedown request View complete answer on shouselaw.comAre Axolotls legal in California?
As many have noticed, axolotls are illegal to own as pets in some US states and Canadian provinces, as well as other parts of the world. In the United States, axolotls are illegal to own in California, Maine, New Jersey, and D.C., while a permit is required in New Mexico and Hawaii. Takedown request View complete answer on axolotlcentral.comCan I own a raccoon in California?
Laws and RegulationsThey are classified as furbearers in California. Fur harvest regulations are set by the California Department of Fish & Wildlife. A trappers license or depredation permit may be required before taking any raccoons. It is a violation of California state law for any wildlife to be kept as pets.
Takedown request View complete answer on edcgov.usHow expensive is a capybara?
The cost of buying a capybara ranges from $1,000 to $2,500 depending on where you buy it from and the age of the capy. Younger or baby capybaras tend to have a higher price tag than older ones. Takedown request View complete answer on capybarafacts.comCan I own a monkey in California?
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. 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. Takedown request View complete answer on aerlawgroup.comCan you own a penguin in California?
All species of penguin are protected so that you could only (legally) get a penguin from a zoo that had bred it. Penguins are social animals and live in large colonies. Takedown request View complete answer on quora.comCan you own a lynx in California?
Are Lynx Legal in California? No, pet lynx are not legal in California. You cannot keep a Lynx as a pet in California. Takedown request View complete answer on exoticpetwonderland.orgAre sugar gliders legal in CA?
The most common examples are ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, gerbils, monkeys, and monk parakeets. These animals are prohibited because they pose a threat to California native fish and wildlife, agriculture, public health or safety pursuant CA Fish & Game Code ยง 2118(opens in new tab). Takedown request View complete answer on wildlife.ca.govAre chinchillas legal in California?
Thankfully, domesticated races of chinchillas are legal as pets in the state of California. This means that you can purchase and own one without any issues. Takedown request View complete answer on qualitycage.comCan I own a ferret in California?
Where Are Ferrets Illegal. There are two states where ferrets are completely illegal: California and Hawaii. That means they are legal in the remaining 48 states, but local laws (depending on city or county) can choose to follow their state guidelines or provide a stricter law. Takedown request View complete answer on ethosvet.comCan I own a hedgehog in California?
Hedgehogs are illegal to own, not only in California, but also across the entire conterminous United States. To own one, you must get a Federal permit, and also a permit issued by the state in which you reside. Takedown request View complete answer on quora.comCan you own a duck in California?
Yes, you can own a domestic duck as a pet in California. Takedown request View complete answer on quora.comCan I own a bat in California?
Question: Can you keep a bat as a pet in California? Answer: No. Takedown request View complete answer on pethelpful.comAre sloths legal in California?
In addition to being illegal in California, because they are wild animals, sloths are unpredictable and can bite people. They might look soft and cute, and they might move really slowly, but a sloth bite is not unheard of. Takedown request View complete answer on aerlawgroup.comWhy are ferrets illegal in California?
The agricultural lobby in California, fearing that ferrets could form feral packs that would endanger crops and livestock, took a stand in 1933, and the state Department of Agriculture officials agreed. Takedown request View complete answer on latimes.comCan you have a toucan as a pet in California?
The campy and entertaining toucan is legal to own in California. Most accounts say they make great pets because they are friendly, playful, and intelligent. Takedown request View complete answer on burnsattorneys.comAre squirrel monkeys legal in California?
It is illegal to keep a monkey in California. Our golden state has VERY strict rules of pet ownership. Gerbils, Ferrets, Hedgehogs, and Monkeys are all illegal to keep. Takedown request View complete answer on quora.comCan you own a possum in California?
Laws and RegulationsOpossums are not native to California. They are not threatened or endangered, nor are they classified as game animals or furbearers. It is a violation of California state law for any wildlife to be kept as pets.
Takedown request View complete answer on edcgov.us
