Any fur animal could theoretically be turned into a real fur coat, many of the vintage exotic furs that exist can no longer be made. This is due to animal rights activists and other laws that exist to protect these animals. What do you do if you find one of these exotic types of fur coats in your possession, it’s important to learn why you won’t be able to sell it and why you may want to reconsider wearing it around town. Once you know why you should steer clear of these real fur coast, you may need to determine how to get rid of them.

Unsellable Furs

One of the first things you need to recognize is which types of fur coats qualify as unsellable furs because the animals are now endangered or the harvesting of their fur has been deemed illegal. These include:

• Ocelot
• Bear
• Cheetah
• Sea Otter
• Leopard
• Gorilla
• Seal
• Tiger
• Monkey

Some other types of fur coats may be banned from sale so it’s important to talk to your local furrier.

What Can You Do with the Furs?

If you find yourself in possession of a banned real fur coat, there are a number of options you have.

Donate to a Museum

Museums have use for old fur pelts, especially those from endangered animals because they can be extremely difficult to obtain. Be sure to contact  your local museum and ask if they are interested in the item. They will not accept an unannounced drop-off. If they do accept your old fur coat, you may be able to deduct the value of the real fur coat on your taxes as a donation.

Try a Wildlife Refuge or Zoo

Wildlife refuges and zoos often use animal pelts as educational tools, as well as comfort items for baby animals who may have been abandoned by their mothers or otherwise orphaned. Once again, call before you simply drop it off in case they have no need for it. This donation may also be tax deductible.

Keep It

Your final option is to hang onto the real fur coat. Even if you choose not to wear it, it may have sentimental value for you. In some areas, such as Alaska and Canada, you may be able to gift these items to indigenous groups for reuse.

There are many types of real fur coats, some of which may no longer be legal to sell. In these situations, you may be left wondering what you can do when you no longer want the fur coat. These tips can help you determine if you are the owner of one of these coats so you can start deciding what you want to do with it.

If you’re looking for real fur coats in Dallas, contact us. We carry a vast selection in the latest styles so you can look fashionable.