As PetMD reports, ferrets were once banned in many U.S. Some, such as ferrets, seem pretty ordinary, but they might actually put you on the wrong side of your state’s pet ownership laws.
Not all of the pets that are illegal to keep in the United States are actually uncommon pets.
But they aren’t legal everywhere in the United States either. And a few species of penguins, such as the African and Galapagos, are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Because penguins are so carefully protected, there’s no way you’ll be able to own one in the states as a pet.įerrets aren’t exactly uncommon pets. Even if you do obtain a permit to interfere with penguins and their eggs in the wild, you have to report the specimen to the Scientific Committee for Antarctic Research for approval if you want to collect it.Īn international treaty, called the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, also regulates the trade of certain wildlife species, penguins included. SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment explains all 18 species of penguins are protected. However, that doesn’t mean you should trade in your parakeet for a penguin. Many breeds happily live in milder climates. Many people believe penguins need the arctic temperatures to survive. If you want to own any of the fascinating exotic pets ahead, you might run into problems. Still, some pets are more widely shunned than others. The American Bar Association reports the exotic pet trade is worth between $10 billion and $15 billion in the U.S. So it’s not surprising we’ve gotten creative with our choice of animals. If you’ve always dreamed of owning the animals you can usually only find in zoos, those are the states where you stand the best chance.Īn estimated 65% of American households own at least one pet. Nevada, Wisconsin, Alabama, North Carolina, and South Carolina each have lax laws when it comes to pet ownership. On the other end of the spectrum, five states don’t ban residents from owning exotic pets - even lions, tigers, and bears. (That way, it can ensure they’re not carrying rabies.) Guinea pigs, domesticated mice, and select species of birds and turtles are permitted on the islands, though certain species are restricted. It goes so far as to quarantine even domesticated cats and dogs when they first enter the state. PetHelpful reports the tropical state has the most restrictions. Hawaii has the strictest pet ownership laws because its ecosystem could be disrupted by invasive species.
Baby exotic pets look cute, but they are illegal in many states.