Moving to a No-Ferret Zone

[Deleted]

Hey All, 

I'm here to request all and any help and resources you may have. Travis and I are moving to San Diego, CA no earlier than July of this year. We're saving money to move, and we're working out all the human details. But we absolutely will not give up on Piper. Her first human died on her, and we promised her that she had found her forever home with us, as she helped us recover from Sly's passing.

Now, we understand that ferrets are illegal in CA (for no good reason, really). We need to be very careful and find out who we can trust. Please respond if you can list any of the following:

1. Ferret-owning groups in SoCal, who we can turn to for advice/help
   
2. Vets who will safely treat ferrets
3. "Safe Houses" in case we are investigated for illegal animals; someone who will shelter Piper in the meantime.
4. Resources who carry ferret paraphernalia*
   

*I need to check CA law. I know that in NJ, for example, marijuana is illegal, but marijuana paraphernalia (bowls, bongs, vaporizers, etc.) is legal. So that's my train of thought.


Finally, I love and respect all of you, but we are not looking for opinions on whether or not we should move Piper. She's our baby, and we'll do everything in our power to keep her safe in CA just as we would in NJ.

Thank you!

[Desiree]

I dont have a lot of information for you but I do know that while ferrets are illegal in California they probably have all the stuff you need. While I was in AZ, where hedgehogs are illegal I saw plenty of hedgehog related stuff.

There is a network of folks that will help you get vet care and help you get her in the state. Some say they have border patrol but everytime I have crossed the border to CA from AZ or NV I have never run into a border patrol.

I know that wasn't much help but good luck Alex! For you and Piper.

[Deleted]

Thanks Desireem Preliminary searches online look good. I'm reaching out to a couple groups well in advance, so they can tip us off to any common issues. Woo!

[Deleted]

Good Luck with your move. I love that you are determined to keep Piper.
I have family in San Diego, but I'm afraid they wouldn't be much help on the ferret front.
msav moved from California, maybe he will have some advice.

[Heather]

legalizeferrets.org/
We did/do have a member who can help you with the whats and what-nots. I believe the hardest thing is to get them across the border.
ciao

[msav]

There are more ferrets in California than any other state.

I have found a lot more gatherings and meetings and ferret playdate groups in California than any other state.

I was in northern California/ Bay area. AS Heather said join Legalizeferrets.org and sign up for their newsletter. There are lots of ferret activities in that area. I moved from a state where they are illegal and abundant to a state where they are legal and scarce. Go figure

[Deleted]

Hahaha! That's fantastic! You guys are wonderful. I will check out Heather's link. (edit: nvm! I could see your location from mobile)