Ferrets are popular as pets, and in some cases, they’re even needed for scientific research. They’re friendly animals that make good house pets. They can sometimes be a little curious, however, which makes them good house-Ferrets are mammals belonging to the same family as weasels and polecats. This means they have sharp teeth and short legs. The long snout of a ferret helps it hunt its food in vegetation rather than underfoot. Many ferrets (about 15 million of them live in the U.S.) are found in colonies with other ferrets of the same sex or gender. These “pack Ferrets” may be solitary outdoors but will usually get along well with other ferrets once they’re living together indoors as couples or female groups in densely populated colonies. In fact, most people who keep ferrets don’t realize just how much these furry small mammals resemble each other!
How To Get A Ferret Permit In California?
- Do you want to own a ferret, but are not sure where to begin? The best way to get a ferret permit in California is to find an experienced breeder that has been breeding ferrets for years. They will be able to give you advice about the health of the ferrets and the best way to care for them. If you are interested in getting a pet ferret, check out our article on How to Get a Pet Ferret.
- There are no fees associated with getting a new ferret permit in California. However, there may be fees associated with renewing your permit if your pet has not been spayed or neutered. You can find out more about this on our page about Ferrets and Spaying or Neutering.
- The process to get a ferret permit in California is fairly simple. The processing time depends on how quickly you submit your application and the number of animals you are applying for. We can usually have your new or renewal permit ready within two weeks of submitting your application.
- No, you do not need a vet to get a ferret permit in California. In fact, if you get your pet spayed or neutered, we will waive the spay/neuter fee for that animal. We also offer free microchipping services and free rabies shots with each animal license purchase!
- There are no limits to the number of ferrets you can own in California. However, there may be restrictions on how many ferrets can live in a house or apartment. If you want to check this before getting a pet ferret, see our page about Ferrets and Housing.
- Yes, you can! Ferrets are classed as “domestic animals” and therefore you can bring a ferret into other states. You must have a valid pet license in the state you are visiting. If you’re going to be traveling and your pet is not currently licensed in California, get a pet license before leaving home.
What Is A Ferret Permit?
- A California ferret permit is a document that authorizes a person to own, possess or transport ferrets in California.
- Many people choose to get a ferret permit because it makes it easier to have pets in their homes. A pet permit allows you to have 2 or more ferrets in your home and limits the number of pets you can have at one time.
- There are two types of pet licenses: an unlimited license and an exotic license. The unlimited license allows you to have as many animals as you want, but only one type of animal (for example, only one cat). The exotic license limits you to 1-2 animals (for example, only 1-2 dogs). There are also exotic licenses for hedgehogs and rabbits. You can find out more about these on our page about Pet Licenses.
- Yes, you can! Simply bring your existing pet license to the California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) office with your ferret application. The DFG will issue you a new pet permit for your new ferret. If you are getting a new ferret, you must fill out the new application form, which is available at the DFG office or online. You will need to pay a $10 pet ferret license fee ($30 for 2 or more). You will also need to pay the $2 spay/neuter fee for each animal (unless you have an exotic license). Once we get your application, it usually takes about 2 weeks to process and mail out your new permit.
- No, you do not need a vet to get a ferret permit in California. In fact, if you get your pet spayed or neutered, we will waive the spay/neuter fee for that animal. We also offer free microchipping services and free rabies shots with each animal license purchase!
- There are no limits to the number of ferrets you can own in California. However, there may be restrictions on how many ferrets can live in a house or apartment. If you want to check these limits, please visit our page on Animal Housing.
How To Apply For A Ferret Permit In California?
- 1. You can get a ferret permit at the California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) office in person or online. You can also find out more about our online application process here.
- 2. You can purchase a ferret license for $5 (for 1-2 animals) or $10 (for 3 or more animals). You must pay this fee at the DFG office. We will mail you your new license with your animal’s information on it within 2 weeks of getting your application. If you are getting a new ferret, we will waive the $10 per ferret fee ($30 for 2 or more). You may also pay by check, money order, Visa, Discover, or MasterCard. Please make checks payable to “The California Department of Fish and Game.”
- 3. If you lose your license, please bring it with you to any DFG office to replace it with a new one. If you are getting a new ferret, we will issue you a new pet permit once we get your application (usually within 2 weeks). Once we have processed your application, we usually mail out the replacement license within 1-2 weeks. Please note that if there is an animal on the old license that has not yet been spayed/neutered (or has had its rabies vaccination renewed), then that animal will be required to have a rabies vaccination prior to getting a new license. If you want to update the rabies vaccination information on your license, please make an appointment at any DFG office.
- 4. Yes, you can get both a pet and an animal license. If you already have another type of license (e.g., hunting or fishing), you may transfer that license to your pet’s name when you apply for your ferret permit at the DFG office. You will be issued one pet permit and one animal permit with each application. If you are getting a new ferret, we will issue you one new pet permit and one new animal permit with each application (we will waive the $10 per ferret fee). You may also pay by check, money order, Visa, Discover, or MasterCard. Please make checks payable to “The California Department of Fish and Game.”
When Is A Ferret Permit Right For You?
- If you are getting a new ferret, we will waive the $10 per ferret fee ($30 for 2 or more). You may also pay by check, money order, Visa, Discover, or MasterCard. Please make checks payable to “The California Department of Fish and Game.”
- If you are getting a new ferret, we will issue you one new pet permit and one new animal permit with each application (we will waive the $10 per ferret fee). You may also pay by check, money order, Visa, Discover, or MasterCard. Please make checks payable to “The California Department of Fish and Game.”
- You can apply online through our online licensing system. If you have any problems with the online application process at this site. We do not offer walk-in service at this time. If you plan on bringing your pet in for licensing after applying online, please call ahead so that we can alert our staff about your arrival date. If you do not want to apply online but would like more information about how to apply for a license in person and leave us a message. We will return your call as soon as possible. Our staff will be happy to answer any questions that you have about the process!
- The cost of a ferret permit is $10.00 per ferret, except for two ferrets or more in a household, where the fee is $20.00 per ferret. If you are getting a new ferret, we will waive the $10 per ferret fee ($30 for 2 or more). You may also pay by check, money order, Visa, Discover, or MasterCard. Please make checks payable to “The California Department of Fish and Game.”
- If you are getting a new ferret, we will waive the $10 per ferret fee ($30 for 2 or more). You may also pay by check, money order, Visa, Discover, or MasterCard. Please make checks payable to “The California Department of Fish and Game.”
What To Look Out For When Applying For A Ferret Permit In California?
- If you are getting a new ferret, we will issue you one new pet permit and one new animal permit with each application (we will waive the $10 per ferret fee). You may also pay by check, money order, Visa, Discover, or MasterCard. Please make checks payable to “The California Department of Fish and Game.”
- If you have any problems with the online application process at this site, please call us at 888-404-3922. We do not offer walk-in service at this time. If you plan on bringing your pet in for licensing after applying online, please call ahead so that we can alert our staff about your arrival date.
- If you do not want to apply online but would like more information about how to apply for a license in person, please call us at 888-404-3922 and leave us a message. We will return your call as soon as possible. Our staff will be happy to answer any questions that you have about the process!
- You may also pay by check, money order, Visa, Discover, or MasterCard. Please make checks payable to “The California Department of Fish and Game.”
Final Words
If you’re interested in keeping a small ferret, you may want to consider a general use ferret permit. These are good for anyone who is not actively breeding ferrets or who does not plan to keep more than one ferret per household. If you’re interested in keeping a small breed of ferret that is not listed above, you may want to consider an exotic species ferret permit. These are good only to breed natively in that area. If you’re a first-time or occasional breeder, a pocket ferret is a great option. They can go for as little as $40. If you don’t have the space for a full-sized house ferret, pocket ferrets are perfect. They’re small enough to go anywhere and they’re easily trainable.
