Before You Relocate With An Exotic Pet, Make Sure Your State Will Welcome Your Unique Animal
Posted on: 5 May 2015
Relocating to a new state is simultaneously exciting and stressful. If you own an exotic pet, you probably haven't thought twice about whether or not your new state will welcome your pet with open arms.
Many states have regulations that restrict or prohibit the ownership of certain exotic animals. Madagascar hissing roaches, wolf hybrids, and capybaras are three examples of popular exotic pets restricted by these state laws.
Madagascar Hissing Cockroach
Native only to the African island from which it got its name, the Madagascar hissing cockroach is growing in popularity here in the United States as an exotic pet. They are larger than the quintessential cockroach found in American homes, and emit a distinctive hiss when touched.
If you have a Madagascar hissing cockroach, you probably enjoy how cheap, low maintenance, and unique your pet is. Yet, if you are moving across state lines, the people in your new community might not look so fondly on your critter. Even though Madagascar hissing cockroaches do not carry many of the same parasites that other roach species transport, they do carry flea-like mites. These roaches are also quite intimidating to people who are unfamiliar to them, so if you let your Madagascar hissing cockroach loose or if it escapes, it will likely be viewed as a pest.
Four states--Florida, Arizona, Tennessee, and California--require you to apply for a permit before you can bring your Madagascar hissing cockroach into the state. This is because they have a history of causing infestation problems. Even though they are not fast breeders, they are still considered to be an invasive species.
Wolf Hybrid
At the beginning of the 21st century, the wolf hybrid became America's new fad canine. A wolf hybrid is a cross between a domesticated dog and a North American wolf. Dog breeds frequently crossed with wolves include German Shepherds, Siberian Huskies, and Alaskan Malamutes.
The appearances and behaviors of puppies born in a wolf-dog litter are difficult to predict. As a result, some wolf hybrids are more difficult to train and housebreak than others, and some appear more "wolfish" while others look more "doggish."
Wolf hybrids that inherit most behavioral characteristics from the wolf parent can pose significant challenges to inexperienced dog owners. As a result, wolf hybrids are often responsible for fatal attacks on humans.
In response to these attacks, many states have restricted the ownership of wolf hybrids. Some states, like Alaska, Michigan, Massachusetts, and New York, flat-out prohibit the ownership of these mixes. Other states, like Pennsylvania, Florida, and California, allow private ownership of hybrids, but require permits or special enclosures and fences.
If you are moving to another state, look up the current laws regarding wolf hybrid ownership. Furthermore, check into the county and municipal regulations enacted in your destination location, as local jurisdictions can restrict wolf hybrid ownership even if the state does not have similar laws.
Capybara
It takes a special personality to own a rodent as a pet. Yet, one particular South American rodent, the capybara, is growing increasingly popular as an exotic pet. The largest of the rodents, capybaras are good-natured and sociable.
The capybara is classified as a rodent, so even though this animal is a far cry from the rat or mouse, it is still subject to state laws restricting rodent ownership. Laws also restrict capybara ownership because capybaras are indigenous species that can damage crops and native habitats.
If you are relocating with a pet capybara, ask your state's wildlife agency if you need a permit. Some states, like California, restrict capybara ownership to those who hold the requisite permit; other states, like Texas, have no restrictions at all.
For more information about moving, contact M Dyer & Sons Inc. or a similar company.
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