Ball Python Breeding in California and US?

Question

Do you need any kind of license or permits to breed and sell Ball Pythons in the state of California or the US in general ? I have been looking but have not found any solid answers ? I know you need a CITES Permit to import/export.... Any help on what it takes to set up a legit breeding business would be greatly appreciated. Thank You

Answer 1

You do not need a permit to breed or sell snakes of any kind in California except for venomous and endangered species. You will need a CITES permit to import/export reptiles out of the US to other countries, and it's very expensive to do so. Many states require permits to breed and sell animals. Usually the breeder can't keep track of who is allowed to have what. That is up to the buyer. If they want to buy, you can ship as long as it's legal to ship that species from your home state. I never had any issues breeding and shipping/receiving any of the snakes I breed when I lived in California. For a large scale breeding facility, you'd most likely need a business permit. I don't think you'd need any other permits to breed or ship harmless reptiles. Any wild caught animals cannot be bred or kept for other than personal use or as educational animals, although how DFG would know is beyond me. I would stick to Captive born and bred animals anyway.

Answer 2

There is a proposal being considered by U.S Fish and Wildlife to add all pythons and boas (and anacondas) to the Lacey Act. This move would ban importation and movement of pythons and boas between states. Zoos etc. would be excepted. You will want to see how that proposal goes before setting up a business in pythons. This link has the info.



http://www.regulations.gov/search/search_results.jsp?css=0&N=8099&Ne=2+8+11+8053+8054+8098+8074+8066+8084+8055&Ntk=All&Ntx=mode+matchall&Ne=2+8+11+8053+8054+8098+8074+8066+8084+8055&Ntt=boa&sid=117DD010B62C

Answer 3

im a ask a question to i am 14 and in want to know if u do need a permit to sell and breed ball pythons because me and my friends and my cuzn are thinking of starting a snake breeding business

Answer 4

they cannot breed because they are of difference species. Only two of the same species can breed. In this Case the difference in species are Python Vs. Kingsnake. but they are both of the snake class and boid category.

Answer 5

Contact another breeder or pet store and check with the local SPCA, Animal Control and DEC in your state