Ferrets As Pets California

California as well as a few other states and countries continue to outlaw ferrets as pets.
Ferrets as pets california. Ferrets were once used to control the wild rabbit population in new zealand resulting in the development of feral ferret colonies. As of 1999 ferrets are legal to keep as pets in new york city. Especially ferrets who are carnivores wild animals like lions tigers and bears are also prohibited to own. Unfortunately ferrets are illegal in california.
The california natural resources agency which includes the department of fish and wildlife bans a variety of exotic pets one of them being ferrets. Saturday april 2 is national ferret day but there will not be much celebration in california. The california fish and game code declares it a crime to possess any animal that is endangered and a threat to public security. Pet ferrets have neither.
In california you can own a ferret after applying for a permit from california department of fish and game. The main reason why ferrets are illegal in california is to protect agriculture and wildlife. Despite intensive lobbying to legalize ferrets in california however you cannot legally keep a ferret in california without a permit. Ferrets are legal in all the states of america except california and hawaii.
The golden state and hawaii are the only states to ban domesticated ferrets.