heebie.jeebies
Future Vet!
If there is already a thread on this, I apologize. I did not see one.
I want to know the specifics of becoming licensed as an exotic animal breeder. I have been making phone calls to both breeders and F&W departments for the past two weeks, and it seems no one can give me solid information.
I live in NJ and the person (at F&W) sounded like they didn't want me breeding certain species, but the law allows possession of and breeding all animals I inquired about. They suggested I call the breeders I planned on acquiring the animals from in order to learn more about becoming a USDA licensed breeder. I found that to be a very lazy answer, as the person who should be most knowledgeable about the process was on the phone with me right then.
I finally called the Regional Office in NC and they are mailing me an application for breeding. They then said I needed to make sure I met all state requirements in NJ. I call NJ back and they just keep repeating, "Well, the permits and forms are different than what you'd fill out for a captive-game-for-hobby-purpose". She started listing a variety of different forms I'd have to fill out and fees I'd have to pay, and told me all this info was on their website, but I am having difficulty finding the forms, requirements and info.
The breeders, of course, don't know much about the laws outside of their state, and unfortunately could not help me much.
Just wondering if any USDA licensed breeders of exotics could PLEASE give me some feedback on how to get started. Thanks so much!
I want to know the specifics of becoming licensed as an exotic animal breeder. I have been making phone calls to both breeders and F&W departments for the past two weeks, and it seems no one can give me solid information.
I live in NJ and the person (at F&W) sounded like they didn't want me breeding certain species, but the law allows possession of and breeding all animals I inquired about. They suggested I call the breeders I planned on acquiring the animals from in order to learn more about becoming a USDA licensed breeder. I found that to be a very lazy answer, as the person who should be most knowledgeable about the process was on the phone with me right then.

I finally called the Regional Office in NC and they are mailing me an application for breeding. They then said I needed to make sure I met all state requirements in NJ. I call NJ back and they just keep repeating, "Well, the permits and forms are different than what you'd fill out for a captive-game-for-hobby-purpose". She started listing a variety of different forms I'd have to fill out and fees I'd have to pay, and told me all this info was on their website, but I am having difficulty finding the forms, requirements and info.
The breeders, of course, don't know much about the laws outside of their state, and unfortunately could not help me much.
Just wondering if any USDA licensed breeders of exotics could PLEASE give me some feedback on how to get started. Thanks so much!