Many people have questions when it comes to whether or not it is legal to own ferrets as pets in their area. Knowing these laws is very important to ferret owners. You will want to know where you are allowed to live if you plan to keep your ferrets with you if you relocate.
For those considering adoption this is important too. Many people adopt their ferrets from out of region rescuer locations that require shipping or a trip. It is best to know before you come home if your furry friend is allowed to come with you. It is most likely that you will be able to easily own a ferret without any issues. But it is illegal for people to own ferrets as pets in some locations.
There are some frequently asked questions about ferret laws and how these laws affect you as an owner or prospective owner. Most of these so-called ferret laws are in place due to misinformation and ignorance.
They claim that ferrets are wild animals and should not be considered house pets. This is very untrue. Ferrets have been living domestically for thousands of years. Many governments will claim there are no rabies shots for ferrets. The truth is that not a single human has ever contracted rabies from a ferret and the IMRAB-3 has been approved as a rabies vaccine for ferrets since 1991. Another reason it may be illegal to have a ferret, as a pet in your area is that ferrets were deemed vicious and dangerous biters. According to the Centers for Disease Control ferrets are much less likely, approximately a thousand times less, to bite compared to a dog. No one has banned dogs as pets. Many also claim that a feral ferret population could spell disaster if they grew too large. The fact that there has never been a feral ferret population in the United States or Canada shows that these animals live and survive under the direct care of their owners. The only ferret that is in the wild today is the black-footed ferret and it is endangered.
As of the year 2000, ferrets are legal in all states except for California and Hawaii. Although the other 48 states have declared themselves ferret friendly, many local city or county governments can ban ferrets in that particular city or county. There are many places that actually do this, so any prospective ferret owners will need to make sure they check their local laws before bringing a ferret home. Cities such as New York City and Dallas are just two of the major cities that have banned ferrets as pets in their city limits. You can also expect that if you live on any military base, you will not be permitted to own a ferret as well. It is always wise to get a copy of your city’s animal control ordinance. Just because it is legal to sell ferrets in your area does not mean it is legal to own one. Many larger cities will sell ferrets in their pet stores but may also have a ban on them for pet ownership. So it would be people who come from other areas who could purchase and have these animals as pets, not residents where the stores are located.
Many people either do not know it is illegal to own a ferret in their area or ignore the laws completely. Once you try to seek a vet for your ferret you will quickly find out whether or not they are legal. If you find out that it is illegal to have your ferret as a pet and need to get your animal to the vet, it is best to speak with other ferret owners, the local ferret club, or a ferret shelter in your area. They will be able to help you locate a vet that treats ferrets outside your local area. If you are having an emergency, it is best to take your ferret to a vet in person, many vets will not admit to treating an illegal ferret over the phone, but will see your pet if you walk in. It is easiest to just call the next town over from where you reside to get a good ferret-treating vet. Most vets are most concerned with an animal’s health than the laws, so as long as you are private you will probably get vet care in your town or city.
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