Question about hedgies..

[linds86]

I live in california so i know you aren't suppoed to have hedgehogs, but my friend had one a few years ago that she rescued from a shealter that was just so cute. I have been doing a lot of research and I really want to get my own hegehog...my quesition is does anyone know where you can find one in california? I could even drive to Arizona but I'm not sure if they have them in pet stores there or what... if anyone lives in southern cali and has a hedgehog they can't take care of anymore I would love to buy him/her from you....any other advice is welcome. I would love to find my own little hog!thanks!

[Kerrie]

If you want advice, it will be to NOT get a hedgie if you live in California. They are illegal and could be confiscated and killed. You will also NOT be able to take it to a vet if it should get sick.
Any good breeder will not sell you a hedgie knowing you live in Cali.
Sorry...the law sucks...but that is the way it is.:(

[glamgal]

I agree with Kerrie...and I think they're illegal in AZ too if I'm not mistaken

[Super Chin]

If you know they are illegal, why are you trying to buy one?

[Vampira_666]

I agree why even risk being caught, I'm sure you would be so terribly upset of someone was to come and confiscate your little hog and kill it just because you feel the need to own one..You may want to look into possibly getting a permit to own one. I'm not sure about that but it is possible in some places.

[Super Chin]

Permits are almost impossible to get. You have to have a survey done of your entire house, which costs hundreds, and then you have to pla a one or two hundred dollar fee. Even after all that, there is only like a 50% chance that the permit will pass. :(

[Love4Hedgies]

I hate to say it but I agree with the others. It would not be in the hedgies (or your) best interest to risk it. Laws do suck. Either California is not the best state for you or the a hedgie is not a choice for you.

[paris26]

The other thing to keep in mind linds86 is that is a PUBLIC forum so anyone can look at threads without being a member, there is no way to moniter everyone who looks at these threads. Definitely not worth the risk in my opinon!

[kaiteedyd]

I don't think owning an illegal animal is a good idea... but if you are going to do it anyways I can share some advice:

Don't post too much information online as it could get you caught. Try looking in pet shops across the CA border as most breeder won't sell to someone in an illegal area (I know I wouldn't.)

Also if you manage to find oen, Vets will see your pet even if it's illegal. They also will not turn you in. So if your pet ever gets sick don't be afraid to take him to an exotic pet.

I doubt that if you bought a hedgehog out of state and drove it back home anyone would be the wiser. Just don't tell anyone you have one and be careful who you let into your house.

Like everyone said if you got caught there is a strong change that your hedgehog may be killed. So think carefully about if you're willing to risk the life of a hedgehog just so you can have one as a pet.

You may be able to get together a group to change the CA laws. That may be more constructive then simply breaking the laws. There are lots of other people, especially ferret people, who would I'm sure love to help you.

[linds86]

someone who works at a pet store just told me he thought hedgehogs were legal to own in southern california only if bought from a pet store. He said he thought that petco or something like that carried them from time to time...does anyone know if this is true?