Is It Legal to Own a Pet Ferret? Funny thing is, there’s an estimated 300,000 to 500,000 ferrets in California, though illegal to own there, the state has the highest population of domesticated ferrets. Where Are Ferrets Legal? Pet ferrets are legal in Wisconsin, however legality varies by municipality. Marie Hale CC BY 2.0 Via Flickr. Follow. California: No. You can also phone the City Clerk in most areas to get this information, and to inquire about where and how you get a permit, if one is required, how much it will cost, and how often the permit must be renewed. Many military bases ban ferrets. Pet ferrets can be found all over the world, but it is important to know whether you can legally keep them or not. Most Helpful Girls. As of 1999, ferrets are legal to keep as pets in New York City. Why would such a wonderful pet be banned? It can be hard to find a vet that specializes in ferrets. They are associated with declines in native wildlife populations in New Zealand. A searchable list of the more than 1,000 species of exotic animals designated as Controlled Alien Species that are prohibited or restricted by the province is available. ) Ferrets from the United States can be imported into Canada without an import permit if they are presented at the port of entry with a vaccination certificate, which has been signed by a licensed veterinarian and which states that the animals have been vaccinated against rabies in the year preceding the date of import. It is legal to own ferrets all over the United States. If you are planning on buying a ferret, you need to set aside up to $500 for vaccinations, preliminary medical examinations and neutering. The ban only applies to New York City's five boroughs. Delaware: Yes, but you must keep your ferret up to date on their rabies vaccinations like a dog or cat. Ferrets can thrive in nature and overwhelm native species – Domesticated ferrets have lost most of their survival abilities that would allow them to live outdoors. Up to 150,000 ferrets are kept as pets in Australia. I have a ferret, and I would really like to bring him with me if at all possible. So, I want to know if ferrets are legal? Twitter. Ferrets can cost as much as $200 to buy (though some breeds sell for less than $100). In many places, ferrets are still not legally recognized as a domesticated animal for the purposes of keeping one as a pet. Illinois and Georgia do not require a permit to merely possess a ferret, but a permit is required to breed ferrets. Ferrets are not cheap to buy. The five boroughs of New York City: According to the New York City Department of Health “ferrets are known for their unpredictable behavior, and they are prone to vicious, unprovoked attacks on humans”. Similarly, although it's legal to own ferrets in South Carolina, it's not legal to sell them there, and the state is known to be pretty ferret-unfriendly. Permits are issued for specific purposes, such as for medical research or for transportation of confiscated ferrets or rescued stray ones out of state. 11. Other mustelids are not legal in many states. Ferrets, like other exotic … I've looked online, but found different answers. In the past, a license was required to breed or sell ferrets or to keep more than 3 ferrets as pets (there were also some localized restrictions on ferret ownership). It seems to be at the discretion of the base commander. In the past few years ferrets have become more pop ular as pets, but are still rare in Switzerland. They are all spayed or neutered and de-scented at a young age before leaving the farm. Pets like ferrets and hedgehogs have been banned in certain states in the U.S. for decades. As far as I know, they are legal here. I just find it amazing that they can put so much effort into worrying about what is basically a harmless animal. Ferrets are legal to own in most of the U.S. (However, it’s best to check with your local government before purchasing or adopting a ferret. Is It Legal to Own a Ferret in California? Understanding ferrets' needs. In Hawaii, it is illegal to own the lovely animal, the Ferret, as a pet. Before you purchase a ferret, make sure it's legal to own one where you live. Jennifer Ross started this petition to ANIMAL INDUSTRY DIVISION The State of Hawaii. Ferrets are not wild animals, they are thoroughly domesticated. Under new regulations, owners will be able to keep their current ferrets. The ferret is a prohibited invasive animal under the Biosecurity Act 2014. It’s illegal to possess ferrets in California and Hawaii as well as in a number of cities, townships, and counties where they’re considered a non-native or an “invasive” species. Add Opinion. But I got curious some time ago and read that because ferrets are so resilient and considered, by the state fish and game dept. It was once illegal to own ferrets in Dallas, Texas, but the current Dallas City Code for Animals includes regulations for the vaccination of ferrets. Ferrets are considered to be exotic pets and it is only legal to own one in 48 states. Most released ferrets wouldn’t live more than a few days. Ferrets in Hawaii! Where they would pose a threat to the indigenous wildlife of the state, thereby upsetting the natural ecology. This is an overview of some countries' laws, but please check your local laws before getting your fuzzy, little friend. I've been considering moving up to Toronto, but have 5 ferrets that HAVE to go with me (they're like my children and I will not give them up), so is it legal to own a ferret up there? musicbrain5 | 1.4K opinions shared on Society & Politics topic. Share . Ferrets are widely kept as pets in California (to the point where many pet stores find it economical to stock supplies for the animal) despite the law and do not run the risk of becoming feral and invasive in that state. Not allowed to have a cuddly wuzzle in your state and have the nerve to ask for an explanation? [41][42] It was once illegal to own ferrets in Dallas, Texas,[43] but the current Dallas City Code for Animals includes regulations for the vaccination of ferrets. Ferrets are completely legal in all counties of Arkansas. Exotic animals such as tigers, lions, monkeys, marmosets, fennec foxes, caimans, cobras, poison arrow dart frogs and many others are illegal to own as pets in B.C. Are ferrets legal in Switzerland? Ferrets are technically illegal to keep as pets in the District of Columbia. ferrets are legal to import, transport, or possess only by permit. However, it will be illegal for ferrets to be "bought, sold or bred." Call ferrets the “forbidden fruit” of pet ownership. However, ferrets are prohibited as pets in Queensland and the Northern Territory. You'll likely be told that it is illegal to own a wild animal. Does anyone know for sure if they are or aren't legal? Some communities require a permit or license for ferret owners and/or breeders. Updates: +1 y. anyway , to be able to not only survive in the wild, but would thrive in the wild. States where pet ferrets are illegal to own. Ferret vets and vet bills. : Make Ferrets LEGAL to own in Hawaii. Ferrets are legal in 48 of the United States and illegal statewide in California and Hawaii. This is because some people are concerned about their unpredictable behavior, which in some cases have led to unprovoked attacks against humans. Master +1 y. Most of the ferrets in the U.S. come from Marshall Farms. According to Biosecurity Queensland, if ferrets were to escape into the wild and became feral, they would become a new predator of small to mid-sized native animals such as possums, bandicoots, birds, lizards, frogs, fish and invertebrates. At the time this article was written, ferrets were illegal in California and Hawaii and in some cities, including Washington and New York.) New Zealand: Ferrets were once used to control the wild rabbit population in New Zealand resulting in the development of feral ferret colonies. Why are ferrets illegal in NYC? 6. Local laws (such as city or county) can choose to follow state guidelines, or can provide a stricter law. Ferrets are LEGAL in the rest of New York State. Skunks, Bats, and Raccoons. 0 0. Ferrets are domesticated animals. They were banned in the city in 1999 by Mayor Rudolph Giuliani. Ferrets have a history of biting infants, and hence they are considered to be a threat to public safety and health. Ferrets are not wild animals, but they are treated as threat to other wildlife in California. In the United States, each state is allowed to govern their own laws about owning a ferret. ferrets are illegal in the entire state of California. Florida: Yes. If you own or are responsible for a ferret, even on a temporary basis, you are required under the Animal Welfare Act to care for him/her properly. Marbled polecat. "What are some of those invalid reasons? One site reads they are legal, but another reads they aren't legal in certain parts of Toronto. In some places around the world, ferrets are illegal to own or require a permit. Dude, I get why you would want a ferret - they are super clever and all kinds of adorable. Facebook. However, the District of Columbia Health Department grants waivers on a case-by-case basis, so residents may obtain a permit. This petition had 162 supporters. Ferrets will remain illegal to own in Queensland. If there is an animal shelter in your area, phone them to inquire whether it is legal to own a ferret or not. Ferrets can make great pets, but it is important to know the pros and cons of owning one before you take the leap into ferret ownership. Ferrets are legal in Long Island. For this reason, ferrets were made illegal to own, breed, and sell. You, on the other hand, may not own the endangered black footed ferret which is native here because of it's endangered status. In other states like South Carolina, though it is legal to own ferrets, it is illegal to sell them. But in general, local authorities meaning the city or the county government can decide to follow these guidelines, make stricter rules or not agree with it. You don't need a license for them if you have purchased them from a pet store or breeder because they are considered tame domestic animals. Are ferrets legal in Canada? 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