How To Tell if an Exotic Pet Is Legal

You must be absolutely sure that the animal you have chosen will be compatible with your lifestyle and finances. Do you have the physical space? Do you have enough leisure time to spend with your pet? Is there a veterinarian in your area who can treat your new baby? Can you afford the necessary vaccinations and/or medical attention that your pet will need? What the heck do they eat, anyway?

Research, research, research your animal of interest! Learn its biology and way of life, how well they do in captivity, life expectancy, etc. The library will probably be a valuable resource, as well as the Internet.

Now that you have found a suitable exotic pet, you must make sure that the animal are legal for ownership in your area. Start with your state's fish and wildlife website; most U.S. states have regulations covering ownership of an exotic animal. The following link lists the state fish and wildlife offices to check first depending on where you live:

Depending on the species of animal you have chosen, ownership may be legal, illegal, or restricted in some way. These restrictions can include permits, licenses and special training in your animal's care.

If you check your state's laws and find that you can meet the necessary requirements, your next step is the local government laws. Call county and city government departments (usually those involved in licensing, permitting, and/or animal control), and determine what, if any, restrictions apply to your animal of choice. Do they need rabies vaccinations? Can they only be owned in rural areas? Just because your state says the animal is allowed doesn't mean that your city or county will agree!

Okay, now you know the needs, restrictions, and requirements for legal ownership of your chosen exotic. Now how do you find a healthy animal to purchase and bring home? In most cases, the local pet store will be out of the question...

You need to find a reputable (and legal!) breeder/dealer from whom to buy your new pet. Certain regulations and laws apply to breeders/dealers of exotic animals, depending on the species. Many breeders/dealers of exotics are required to have a USDA permit.

With ANY species, the seller should also provide you with a veterinarian's clean bill of health. If the dealer falls under USDA regulation, this vet certification is known as an Official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection. Insist on a health checkup and paper trail before you buy the animal! You are responsible for keeping this paperwork, so document everything. Check the USDA's website for breeder/dealer regulations by state (check under APHIS - Import and Export-State Regulations).

We all know that the Internet can be an unreliable information source, but in the case of exotic animal ownership, it may be your best friend. No matter what animal species you have chosen, you can be sure that there are communities of like-minded people out there chomping at the bit to share their knowledge with you.

For example, skunk owners and rehabilitation centers have set up some excellent websites and discussion boards that can answer any skunk-related question under the sun. Surf the sites associated with ownership of your animal and you will start to find information common to all of them. Join their groups and ask questions. Exotic animal lovers and owners are usually a very friendly bunch whose main interest is the spread of correct information. Take advantage of all the free advice out there.

Find people from your area who also own the animal you have chosen. Since they have been through it, they may know everything from the laws to a good breeder/dealer from whom to purchase your new pet.