I love those animals! strain of wild turkey, from any area outside the state of Alabama. Alexander James Guckenberger from Maryland, United States of America on December 18, 2017: Milly/Melissa; if I had the money, then I'd buy a place in Florida. Laws governing exotic pet ownership vary from state to state. Please note we can only ship to legal states. Lianne is a veterinarian, epidemiologist, and freelance writer who's written nearly 400 articles for The Spruce Pets. They're related to guinea pigs and look quite similar, but agoutis have stretched-looking legs. I have a kinkajou and I'm in Nevada, they are legal without any permits here. Colorado is a good example of a state where exotics are supposedly not allowed, but you can still keep very exotic animals like the iconic kangaroo, wallaroo, or wallaby. But I am not sure if they give them to pet owners. You can own a camel in Kentucky without a permit, Say i wanted a fox or python can i have either in oklahoma. If your local government OKs your kinkajou, keep in mind your landlord or housing association may not. IMHO. The current shipping rate for Kinkajous is $250. Kinkajou owners in Florida would likely need to apply for a Class III wildlife permit, but officials said there are no such permit holders in the area where the attack occurred. Animals that aren't the following can be kept as pets: coyotes, minks, weasels, muskrats, beavers, opossums, polecats, otters, red and gray foxes, skunks, bobcat, fishers, and raccoons. Answer: Owning a Carnivora is illegal in Arizona. In general, kinkajous tend to bond with one or two humans. Davida De La Harpe (CC BY-ND 2.0) Via Flickr. Question: Is the family Viverridae banned in NY state? Question: Can you own a Koala Bear in Michigan? Question: Can you own a mink in Virginia? There are also many other reasons why you shouldn't get one depending on species, state, etc. But they will still retain their wild characteristics, making them unpredictable. Though they might look cute and be cuddly for a time, they're apex predators, and they're not domesticated. Surprisingly, it allows wolfdogs (also known as "wolf hybrids") while prohibiting all other animals other than dogs and cats in the carnivora order. Do not purchase an animal over the internet or through a classified ad, as this might be a scam or you might end up with a sick animal. The practice of keeping primates as pets is extremely controversial, and as of current (2018), there is an extremely limited number of places where they are legal as pets. Instead, make time to visit with the animal and ask the seller questions about it. Question: Can you have a lemur in Washington? Russian lynx, along with emu, ostrich, ranch foxes, ferrets, and others, are considered to be domesticated and "alternative livestock." You can view our shipping policies, processes, and other details at link above. The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. All photos, unless otherwise stated, are from Tambako the Jaguar Via Flickr. For the purposes of this article, the term "exotic" shall refer to anything unusual, such as an animal you won't find in traditional pet stores or farms, not non-native animals. The exemptions include the most typical pets but also hedgehogs and flying squirrels. This beautiful animal will bring many joys to family and right owners. This beautiful animal will bring many joys to family and right owners. Below is a summary of state laws … Very surprisingly, while Alaska had laws banning non-human primates there was an exemption for chimpanzees, the most difficult and dangerous primate to own of all. While kinkajous are kept as pets, they are wild animals and have not been domesticated. So many pet owners already abuse or neglect regular pets, and exotics are harder to deal with and might be short changed in captivity. I really want a gorilla but if I got one my mom would FREAK out. This means pet foxes cannot be red, even if they are domesticated. The officers said kinkajous are not primates and they are legal to own in the state without a permit. Pet Trade. i wish i could get a crocodile or alligator in virginia... Alexander James Guckenberger from Maryland, United States of America on October 03, 2019: I hope that people in Tennessee treat their monkey friends well. Note: The point of this article is to list at least one interesting pet that is legal in each state; therefore, the list is far from comprehensive ,and laws change all the time. Marmosets are tiny monkeys that are class 3 wildlife, and a permit to own them in Florida is pretty easy to get. "The Hominidae, including, but not limited to, the gorilla, chimpanzee and orangutan" are currently banned. So if you follow importation rules, you can own elk, fallow deer, and reindeer. When handled regularly from a young age, kinkajous are typically happy to sit in their owners' arms or on their shoulders. Genets are small mammals that have a fox-like nose and face, with a car-like body and a lemur-like tail. Many are unaware that fur-farm foxes are considered domesticated; however, they're not domesticated in the way that Russian domesticated foxes have been experimentally bred as house pets. Tigers are obligate carnivores (meaning they cannot survive on plant matter). Nevada bans some aquatic species, all foxes, some other native species, and some reptiles. Because they've been repealed, the original text of the laws is no longer accessible on their website. Most other exotics require a possession permit, and it isn’t clear how easy this is to get. Provide several branches, ledges and shelves, and ropes for climbing within the enclosure. You also can include some items made for large parrots, such as wooden ladders, rope swings, and hanging ropes with pieces of wood on them. Moreover, it is critical to source a captive-bred kinkajou. The state, home of Siegfried and Roy, has a large animal entertainment industry with many private owners as well as a reluctance against governmental overreach, and this might be the reason these laws have survived for so long. Question: Can you own an otter in North Carolina? They can grow up to nine feet tall, usually weigh around 400 pounds, and are known to be aggressive and territorial. Adult Size: 16 to 24 inches long, with the tail adding 15 to 20 inches; weighs between 3 and 10 pounds, Life Expectancy: 20 to 25 years in captivity, but some can reach more than 40 years. I would like to know more options for Washington, please. This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. If you’re interested in similar pets, check out: Otherwise, check out these other exotic animals that can be your new pet. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on March 24, 2020: debbie L. I don't see why I shouldn't. can you have a Arctic fox as a pet in New Jersey, I want a deer but I don't live in the place were I can own one. If you're not willing to dedicate a huge part of your life to an exotic animal but still want a pet, I got good news for you, dogs, cats, chinchillas, guinea pigs, other small mammals, redtail boas, and other non venomous snakes(except for retics, anacondas, rock pythons, etc. If you want to keep a fennec fox or domesticated skunk without a USDA license in North Carolina, you're out of luck. With a permit, you can possess or import any non-domestic mammal or any hybrids thereof of the following orders: carnivora, exotic felidae, canidae, ursidae (bears) mustelidae, and hyaenidae, and various hoofed animals. Question: Are parrots legal to own in California? San José Library (CC BY-SA 2.0) Via Flickr. They also should get a variety of fruits (especially tropical fruits), such as bananas, papayas, mangoes, melons, kiwis, grapes, pineapples, and pomegranates. So, I will stay with domesticated animals like dogs or cats. Question: Can you own a toucan in Georgia? Inherently dangerous members from the family felidae are defined as big cats, snow leopards, cheetah, and cougars. Habitat destruction and the illegal pet trade, paired with kinkajous' naturally low number of offspring per year, have caused the wild populations to diminish. You can also, with a permit, own an alligator, a crocodile, various primates, and even bears—all of which are rather dangerous! And porcupines are classified as rodents. Answer: Fenenc foxes are NOT legal in California nor are any other foxes. There was a famous exotic-pet-related incident where a chimpanzee name Travis severely mauled his caretaker’s friend, but that animal was grandfathered in, as primates acquired before October 1st, 2010 are considered okay. Almost all exotic animals are a TON of work to take care of and are extremely complicated. I'm seeing different sources saying it is and others saying it is not. "Polluted with disgusting greed" means nothing. Others, like flying squirrels, bobcats, native mice, and native chipmunks require a TWRA permit. If you're ready for a pet kinkajou, find a reputable breeder or rescue organization. They may seem cool and cute at first, but most of them can be potentially dangerous and confiscated if you're not careful. This is why our state has not been polluted with disgusting greed or has not seen all the consequences of personal gain by using exotic animals as a symbol of status. North Carolina is one of four states were it is still legal to own a non-native species. It's likely that many more exotic animals, possibly even large animals like bears, are legal in Oklahoma, which is the foe of animal rights organizations who want more regulations (i.e. The fur is how the animal is distinguished from a non-fur farm animal. Achieving a permit in Maine is said to be near impossible. Raccoons are illegal in most states because they are rabies vectors, but Kentucky is one of the exceptions. Hi littlebit, To get a kinkajou in Georgia you have to contact the local animal control at(###) ###-####to obtain a license to own one. Just because you can find a kinkajou to buy in your area doesn't mean it's legal … For the feildas family it doesn't include but its illegal to own class a mammalians or order Carnivora these both include cacarcal. Agoutis are a relatively large South American rodent. This large African bird is on the non-controlled species list in New Hampshire. But you still must allow your kinkajou to play and exercise out of its enclosure for at least a few hours each day for socialization and to prevent boredom. Laws vary based on city and county ordinances as well. Question: Can you own a cougar in California? Wolves, big cats, primates, elephants, ect. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on November 28, 2019: I am in Oregon, but moving to Texas 2021. Question: Can I own a Tanuki in Michigan? Wild kinkajous indulge in fruit and honey while climbing trees, which is how they got their "honey bear" nickname. However Oklahoma's admin code exempts civets, kangaroos, primates, and coatimundis (a South African raccoon-esque mammal) from all permit and license requirements. They have a variety of vocalizations, including a soft huffing, chirping, or whistling; a "barking" noise like a yelping dog; and a shrill shriek that can be very loud. Procyonids and Viverids. The state may allow other animals under difficult conditions. The tiny animals are considered rabies vectors (despite these pets never having been found with rabies), but you can have a lion, tiger, bear, and numerous other species as long as you live in a county that doesn't prohibit it. Question: Can I own a kangaroo in Florida? You may own a bobcat in Tennessee. Question: Can I own a green anaconda or Burmese python in New York state? Is the Ohio man's bobcat "literally a housecoat", tho? They categorize exotic animals, and you need to call to find out what the law is. Or any type of squirrel? All cervidae appears to be legal to possess in Illinois with only entry permits and health screening required to import them into the state, as they are considered livestock. There are numerous—and rather ridiculous—bans on exotic mammals as pets in most states. Genets are opportunistic eaters that don't particularly care for being held or smothered with affection, though they will bond with an owner in a single-animal household. In other words, it is legal in the state of North Carolina to own a lion, tiger, and other exotic wild animals. The state lists many species as controlled including genets, wallabies, and anteaters. This is a state that bans ferrets under the guise of protecting the environment—even though its inhabitants regularly defy the law, and invasive ferrets have not been observed. Question: Can you own a bat in New Hampshire? This northernmost state on the mainland boasts a climate that very few animals could survive in, yet it has a very small list of mammals (gerbils, hamsters, rabbits, mice, rats, guniae pigs, chinchillas, ferrets, sugar gliders, degus) that do not require a permit. It's easier to talk about what pets you can have in Massachusetts because the list of animals that you can't have is very long. "Wild" foxes are not legal, but domesticated foxes in Michigan are legal as long as you obtain a health certificate. South Carolina is one of the nation’s only states that allows the sale and purchase of venomous snakes at reptile shows. If you think you can get one and tame it, you might be able to, but keep in mind that 1) it will definitely take a long time, 2) they might never trust you at all, and 3) even if you do tame it, they still will have their natural instincts that can kick in at any random moment, for example if you have an undomesticated cat and lets say you trip, that cats natural instincts can kick in and it could very well kill you. Is there a permit I can obtain? Only several birds and aquarium-dwelling species are legal exotic pets in this unique state, with peafowl (a.k.a peacocks and peahens) being considered poultry. https://www.animallaw.info/statute/ga-exotic-pets-... Tigers usually live about 26 years in captivity and the wild. This state, like most, bans large carnivores and the list can be found in section 76 of Louisiana's administrative code. This does not include felines like servals, caracals, and jungle cats. Plus, kinkajous will need regular nail trims to keep their sharp nails from damaging you or your property. In some states it is legal to own a kinkajou. No hamsters, snakes, ferrets, and gerbils are allowed. Question: Can I own a red Carnivora in Arizona? There are several state agencies that regulate animal ownership. Question: can you on an owl in North Carolina? The Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife, you can keep timber rattlesnakes and northern copperheads captured from the wild, that allows the sale and purchase of venomous snakes, you can possess or import any non-domestic mammal, UT - Wildlife Possession - R657-3. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on August 01, 2020: I want to own a lot of exotic animals but i don't know what one I can in washington. But all equidae, including zebras, are legal and just needs a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection when imported. (Can't be red). But that changed in 2010. can you own a prarie dog or sugar glider in NC? While most states have refrained from passing any overall restrictions on the legal ownership of kinkajous, many are considering a revision to laws in response to reports of bites and attacks. This state used to be somewhat exotic friendly, but then they stopped issuing permits to pet owners. Connecticut’s bans are also extensive and ridiculous. Exotic animal laws are similar in that you might need a license to own them and that the rules vary from state to state. 2. Many areas require a permit to keep a kinkajou. Though there are 19 states that are prohibited from importing. (But I'm not an attorney. )lizards like a black throat monitor, tegus, even a bearded dragon make absolutely fantastic pets, they are still quite "exotic," and are much more rewarding. These animals also can benefit from an outdoor enclosure for more environmental enrichment. Born Free USA believes that wild animals belong in the wild, not in private homes as pets or in zoos and other such facilities, and strongly recommends against the purchase and possession of wild and exotic animals. It is very important that you have checked all the state laws because exotic pet laws are different from state to state. They need about 15 pounds of meat per day to sustain themselves. Prohibited animals appear to be exclusively defined as primates, non-domesticated felines including hybrids, and bears. Question: Can I own a pine marten in Florida? Fennec foxes are the only non-domesticated member of canidae because owners of the tiny foxes lobbied for them and brought them to meet legislators while they conceptualized the bill. Kinkajous come in various sizes and there are7 subspecies. If you are serious about owning a marmoset you need to contact your state Fish and Wildlife Commission or Department of Agriculture first to comply with laws. Question: Can you own a koala as a pet in North Dakota? Burmese pythons are illegal in many states due to their size (15-20 feet) but are not listed as being illegal here (3.17/4/b/2/AA). Arkansas. Question: Can I own an alligator in New Hampshire? The balance of the states had laws at least partially banning exotic pets. A lot of exotics just done do well in captivity. Some require a LOT of care and specialized diets, housing, etc. Fresh water also should be provided at all times. Heavy ceramic food bowls that your kinkajou can't flip over or bowls that can be securely attached to the side of the enclosure work well for feeding. Potential owners of "dangerous wild animals" (which includes bears, big cats, and great apes) need to obtain a certificate of registration for that animal issued by an animal registration agency (Texas Health and Safety Code 822.101). They're not a good "just leave it be" pet. 97-1108. Just because you can, doesn't mean you should. 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