There are over 3,000 native animal species in the world, and that number is growing. As more people become interested in exotic animals as pets, so too has the demand for these animals increased significantly. In fact, some experts believe that the demand for pets will cause an increase in the number of captive animals, which could lead to a future ג€_x009c_pets crisisג€_x009d_ if precautions arenג€™t taken. Fortunately, this is not something that we are likely to see in our lifetimes. That being said, there are many restrictions on the legal keeping and owning of exotic pets including snakes (except for some specific types), lizards, spiders, hedgehogs and ferrets. If you plan on getting an exotic pet and live in California, here’s what you need to know about it
What Are All Pets You Can Own in California?
Aside from the animals listed above, you can own a variety of other pets in California. In fact, more than half of all counties in California allow owners to keep exotic animals as pets. This includes such animals as llamas, guinea pigs, geckos, hedgehogs and ferrets. Other types of domestic animals that are allowed to be kept in most counties include cats and dogs.
Can You Own a Sloth in California?
Sloths are one of the most popular exotic pets in the United States. But, as with any other animal, there are restrictions on their ownership. The laws for owning a sloth in California are the same as for all other exotic animals, and include the requirement that you have a permit from your city or county to keep them. You must also take care to ensure they do not escape and cause harm to others or themselves. In addition, some cities or counties may have regulations that apply to sloths specifically. For example, if you live in San Francisco, then you must obtain a permit from the City and County of San Francisco Department of Animal Care and Control before you can keep a sloth at home.
Can You Have a Pet Raccoon in California?
If you have a raccoon as your pet, then yes. Just make sure that it is the only animal in your possession and that it is housed in an enclosure (that meets all requirements) and with a permit from the local county.
Raccoons are highly intelligent creatures and if you get one, you need to be aware that they require a lot of space for exercise. They can climb quite easily and are also very good at escaping through small openings in fences as well as via trees. Additionally, raccoons can produce many different kinds of diseases and parasites including rabies. You need to consider whether or not these health concerns are worth the benefits of having this pet.
Can You Own a Monkey in California?
A monkey is a type of primate that belongs to the order called simian. If youג€™re wondering if you can legally own a monkey in California, then the answer is no. This may not be an issue for some people looking to take home a pet because they are already aware of these restrictions and will not want to bring an exotic animal into their household. However, it is important to note that the laws on this matter change regularly, so itג€™s possible that you could one day be able to legally own monkeys in California.
