Has anyone successfully applied for a permit to keep an "exotic pet"

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johnnytaboo

johnnytaboo

Fire Eel
MFK Member
May 4, 2005
1,123
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68
MD, DC, VA
As the title states, I'm wondering what the success rate is for hobbyists who apply for permits to keep exotic pets (in states where this is required at least).

Here in VA, they aren't too stringent on what we can keep, as you can see by the collection in my signature; however there are a few monster fish I would love the opportunity to raise, but can't because they are illegal here. I was considering applying for a permit, then asking my wife if I can get another tank... Not sure which is a more daunting task.

When I think about my request it seems unlikely that they would let an enthusiastic hobbyist keep an illegal species, and I would just be throwing away the $10 for the application fee.

Anyways, I was hoping some people here may be able to chime in with their experience. I have no intention of getting in trouble over a fish, so if it is nothing but a massive headache, I'll leave this be for now.

Thanks for any input!
-John
 
I remember back in the day when I kept reptiles, every time I bought one they gave me forms to fill out and told me I had to apply for a permit. I would rip them up and throw them out. And if someone told me i needed a permit today, id do the same thing. I personally think its all bs and just a way for the govt to make money Like toll roads and parking tickets and paying to get on public beaches
 
jsodwi said:
I remember back in the day when I kept reptiles, every time I bought one they gave me forms to fill out and told me I had to apply for a permit. I would rip them up and throw them out. And if someone told me i needed a permit today, id do the same thing. I personally think its all bs and just a way for the govt to make money Like toll roads and parking tickets and paying to get on public beaches
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They need to be sure the people who acquire these fish arnt going to just let then go on the rivers, the application and few process is to be sure the person is serious about the task of keeping it. That's just how I see it anyways


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So what you're really asking is...what's the success rate in Virginia.:) Since the success rate in other states would have no bearing.
 
Lunglover said:
They need to be sure the people who acquire these fish arnt going to just let then go on the rivers, the application and few process is to be sure the person is serious about the task of keeping it. That's just how I see it anyways


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+1, and so that if they see a new sudden population of whichever fish you applied to get in native rivers, they can see who might be responsible. And its suposed to be tough to aquire a permit to keep a otherwise illegal species. And itssuposedto cost money too. That way not evryone who has a tank and ssees a cool species thats illegal in their state can get a permit, and people wont want to pay the cost of buyin the fish and the permit just to release it


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Lunglover said:
They need to be sure the people who acquire these fish arnt going to just let then go on the rivers, the application and few process is to be sure the person is serious about the task of keeping it. That's just how I see it anyways
Click to expand...

None of that will stop a person from changing their mind down the road...I'm with jsodwi on this one.
 
Basically, yeah that's what I'm wondering pigoo. I'm sure getting an illegal fish isn't too hard. I would just prefer to do so legally. I'm not talking about Asian arowanas or anything, but we do have several very appealing monster fish that as prohibited here in VA.

I'm not saying its fair to responsible keepers to make them pay more than they already to to keep their pets, but I'm too old to be getting in trouble for things like this. Plus, it would be nice to speak openly on the forum as well.


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You know Rob, I remember that thread now. I guess you were not the first person to call about an Asian Aro :)

While our goals are/were similar, they're not quite the same. I'm just hoping to get permission to keep something that is in fact legal in many states, just not my own. Does ANYONE have a story with a happy ending?
 
johnnytaboo said:
You know Rob, I remember that thread now. I guess you were not the first person to call about an Asian Aro :)

While our goals are/were similar, they're not quite the same. I'm just hoping to get permission to keep something that is in fact legal in many states, just not my own. Does ANYONE have a story with a happy ending?
Click to expand...

That is entirely possible. I grew up in Florida and as such, I am quite familiar with their laws. In Florida, ATF are illegal. No one can have them, not for any reason. Not zoos, universities, public aquaria, whatever. This is why I'm moving to Georgia. However, things like Dorados are also restricted, but not completely banned. One could apply for a permit to keep the restricted fish, thought the permits are quite difficult to get. You would have to justify to the state why you need the permit. Zoos and schools would likely be able to justify their possessing the fish. I suspect a hobbyist might have a hard time doing so.

There is hope, you'd do well to contact your local wildlife office to see about permitting procedures.
 
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