Guide
Exotic Pets Legal by State
Which exotic pets are legal, permit-required, or banned in each US state — statute-cited, browsable state by state.
Exotic pet laws are set state by state, and they vary enormously — an animal you can own freely in one state is a criminal offense two borders away. Pick your state to see which exotic species are legal, which need a permit, and which are banned, each with the governing statute.
- Legal No special permit to own.
- Permit License or permit required.
- Banned Illegal to own.
- Unclear Varies by locality / sources conflict.
Browse states
State guides are published on a rolling basis, highest-demand states first. Available now:
- California — one of the strictest states; ferrets, sugar gliders, hedgehogs and more are banned
- Texas — permissive on many species, with dangerous-wild-animal permits
- Florida — a tiered Class I / II / III permit system run by the FWC
- Ohio — tightened sharply after the 2011 Zanesville incident
More states are added continually until all 50 are covered. Once you know your state’s rules, check a specific animal on its species page, and see how permits work in the permits hub.
Informational only — not legal advice. Exotic pet laws change and often vary by city or county, which can be stricter than state law. Always confirm with your state wildlife agency and local government before acquiring an animal. Last verified: 20 July 2026.
Look up your own animal and state
Now look up your own animal and state
Pick the animal and the state. You get the status, the statute or rule behind it, and the page that argues it — or a plain statement that we have not read that combination.
Ferret in California
Banned No lawful route to keep one
- Governing law
- "Family Mustelidae — All species (D)" under the Carnivora heading that itself names ferrets; no pet permit exists
- Scope
- Statewide
- Notes
- 14 CCR § 671(c)(2)(K)5