California’s Ferret Ban Upheld, Why These Pets Remain Illegal While 48 States Allow Them

Ferrets remain illegal as pets in California, a prohibition dating back to 1933. In June 2025, the California Fish and Game Commission unanimously accepted Petition 2025-003 to remove domestic ferrets from the restricted species list, but the ban stays in effect while the California Department of Fish and Wildlife conducts research and analysis. Violations carry misdemeanor charges with fines between $500 and $1,000, potential confiscation, and possible jail time. California and Hawaii remain the only two states that completely ban ferret ownership.

California classifies ferrets as restricted wild animals under Title 14, Section 671 of the California Code of Regulations. The state’s position: escaped ferrets could establish wild populations and threaten native wildlife. Yet 48 out of 50 states allow ferret ownership, many with climates similar to California’s, without documented feral ferret problems.

California’s Ferret Ban: Legal Status and Restrictions

Ferrets have been illegal to own in California since 1933, when laws regarding wild bird and animal importation prohibited ferrets unless a person had a permit from The Fish and Game Commission. The ban expanded over decades, but the core restriction persists.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) enforces this regulation, categorizing ferrets alongside other non-native species that could threaten local ecosystems, agriculture, and public health. State officials argue escaped ferrets could prey on native birds and small mammals while establishing breeding populations.

According to California’s state civil code, domestic animals are legal, but the Fish and Game Commission has circumvented this by misclassifying ferrets as wild or stating their domestic status hasn’t been confirmed in California.

Why California Maintains the Ferret Ban

The primary reason pet ferrets are banned is “because they pose a threat to our native fish and wildlife, agriculture or public health and safety”. Specific concerns include:

• Feral population risk: State officials fear escaped ferrets could survive in the wild and form breeding colonies
• Native wildlife threats: Ferrets could prey on California’s endangered ground-nesting birds and small mammals
• Disease transmission: Historical concerns about rabies spread, though there is not a single instance of a pet ferret transmitted rabies to a human since rabies data has been tallied
• Agricultural impact: Potential threats to poultry and livestock operations

However, most pet ferrets are neutered or spayed—every ferret from a ferret farm or pet store is sterilized. Additionally, ferrets can’t handle hot weather above 70°F, making California’s warm climate potentially lethal for escaped ferrets.

Recent Legalization Efforts and Petition 2025-003

On June 11, 2025, the California Fish and Game Commission voted unanimously to accept Petition 2025-003 for further consideration, requesting removal of domestic ferrets from the prohibited species list. The matter now goes to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for research, analysis and a recommendation on the future of the ferret as a domesticated animal.

Pat Wright, a La Mesa resident and leader of LegalizeFerrets.org, reported that the Commission unanimously approved his petition for a regulation change. This marks the most significant progress in decades of advocacy efforts.

Wright’s 50-state survey examines what regulations other states implement where ferrets are legal. Common restrictions include mandatory rabies vaccinations, licensing or registration requirements, spay/neuter policies, and bans on private breeding or commercial sale in pet stores.

Bills such as Assembly Bill 647 in 2004 and Assembly Bill 763 in 2015 sought to legalize ferrets but did not pass. The CDFW consistently opposed these measures.

Related article: Progressive Class Action Lawsuit, Multiple Settlements Totaling Over $200 Million Impact Thousands of Policyholders

Penalties for Illegal Ferret Ownership in California

Possessing a ferret in California without a permit is illegal under the California Fish and Game Code Section 2118. Consequences include:

Criminal Penalties:

• Misdemeanor classification carrying fines between $500 and $1,000
• Up to 6 months in jail
• Fines can range up to $10,000

Civil Consequences:

• Ferret owners may be charged to pay for transportation, handling, and storage of every ferret found in their home
• Repeat offenses or cases involving multiple ferrets can lead to steeper penalties, including probation or community service
• Mandatory animal confiscation

Maximum penalty is six months in jail, a fine of $1,000—and the ferrets are destroyed. Criminal prosecution is extremely rare, but fines and confiscation are expensive.

How Enforcement Works

The CDFW actively enforces the ferret ban through complaints, inspections, and reports from veterinary clinics and pet stores. The only way to get fined for owning a ferret is if someone reports it to the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Fish and Game does go on search-and-destroy missions in the Fresno-Bakersfield area, and family-dispute situations are frequent—someone tells a law-enforcement agency about ferrets because it’s the best way to hurt a person.

Limited Exceptions: Research and Educational Permits

Permits allow for rescue and research, but they cannot be obtained to own a pet ferret. The CDFW grants permits for ferret possession under limited circumstances, primarily for scientific research, educational programs, or controlled institutional uses.

Applicants must submit a detailed proposal outlining how ferrets will be housed and handled, along with measures to prevent escape or reproduction. Permits typically go to universities, laboratories, and wildlife educators—never for private pet ownership.

Permits are often very high cost—new permits cost over $450, with renewals costing nearly $400 annually.

What to Do If You Own a Ferret in California

For those who currently own a ferret, surrendering or relocating the animal legally is the only way to comply with state law.

Legal Options:

1. Voluntary Surrender: The CDFW allows voluntary surrender through wildlife rehabilitation centers, animal control agencies, or directly to CDFW officials. Unlike confiscation cases, voluntary surrender generally does not result in fines.
   
2. Relocation: Many states have importation regulations, including health certificates and proof of rabies vaccination. Some ferret rescue organizations assist California residents in rehoming pets to neighboring states like Nevada or Oregon.
   
3. Risk Retention: Some owners keep ferrets discreetly, but this carries legal and financial risks if discovered.
   

Veterinarians can treat any animal and don’t need to report it to the authorities, and regulations state that no vet has a duty to advise law enforcement about the pet unless the animal bites a person.

How California’s Ferret Laws Compare to Other States

48 out of 50 states allow ferret ownership. Only California and Hawaii maintain complete bans.

States with No Restrictions: Most states treat ferrets like common domestic pets with no special permits required.

States Requiring Permits:

• New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Virginia require permits for ferret ownership
• Arkansas allows European domestic ferrets only
• Georgia and Illinois require licenses for breeding ferrets

Local Restrictions: Some states that allow ferrets have jurisdictions that ban ferrets within city or county limits—for example, ferrets are broadly legal in New York state, but banned in New York City.

Why Haven’t Other States Experienced Problems?

Wright is tracking whether problems California fears have actually happened anywhere else: “If the answer is no, as we strongly suspect, then it’s time to ask why California continues to uphold a ban that’s not based on real-world evidence”.

Ferrets have long been domesticated for companionship—their domestication goes back at least 2,500 years, and these animals are distinct from wild ferrets and related species. After all these years, roving hordes of invasive, feral ferrets have yet to surface as a problem in the 48 states that permit domestic ferrets.

The Real Reasons Behind California’s Ban

The real reason domestic ferrets are still illegal in California is opposition from the Sierra Club (ferrets add to global warming) and the HSUS (pet ownership is “animal slavery”).

F&G President Eric Sklar said that any attempt for the Commission to legalize ferrets would be met by opposition from “The Environmentalists” who would sue if Fish and Game allowed ferrets.

California Waterfowl Association VP of Advocacy Mark Hennelly brought up ferrets being predators of waterfowl and said ferrets have wreaked havoc in New Zealand. However, Wright counters that the ferrets problematic in New Zealand are wild European polecats and ferret hybrids intentionally introduced in the late 1880s to control rabbits.

State Comparison: California vs. Hawaii

Hawaii has banned ferret ownership due to fears of animals spreading rabies to the state. Hawaii is the only state in America free of the rabies virus.

Both states cite environmental concerns, but their rationales differ:

• Hawaii: Island ecosystem protection and rabies-free status preservation
• California: Agricultural protection and native wildlife conservation

County and Municipal Variations

California’s statewide ban applies uniformly across all 58 counties. Unlike some states where local jurisdictions can override state law, California’s prohibition is absolute.

The city of La Mesa adopted a resolution calling for responsible ferret legalization legislation, and Encinitas agreed to hear the case with staff recommending approval of a similar resolution, but these symbolic gestures cannot override state law.

Looking Ahead: Will California’s Ferret Ban End?

The June 2025 petition acceptance represents unprecedented progress. Wright cautioned that legalization isn’t the end of the road but the beginning of “building a policy that works”.

If California follows models from other states, potential regulations could include:

• Mandatory rabies vaccination requirements
• Sterilization (spay/neuter) mandates
• Registration or licensing systems
• Prohibitions on commercial breeding
• Import restrictions

For now, California ferret enthusiasts await the CDFW’s research findings and recommendations. The outcome could finally align California with 48 other states—or cement the 92-year-old prohibition for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are ferrets legal in California in 2025?

No. Ferrets remain illegal as pets in California, with the prohibition dating back to 1933. In June 2025, the California Fish and Game Commission accepted a petition for reconsideration, but the ban remains in effect pending CDFW analysis.

Can I get a permit to own a ferret as a pet in California?

No. According to California law, ferret permits are for “a specific, legal purpose—such as medical research or transporting rescued ferrets out of state,” not for pet ownership.

What happens if I’m caught with a ferret in California?

Violations are classified as misdemeanors, carrying fines between $500 and $1,000, potential confiscation of the animal, and in some cases, jail time. Ferret owners may also be charged to pay for transportation, handling, and storage costs.

Why are ferrets illegal in California but legal in 48 other states?

California classifies ferrets as restricted wild animals that could threaten local ecosystems, agriculture, and public health. The state fears escaped ferrets could survive in the wild and form feral breeding populations, but these problems haven’t materialized in the 48 states where ferrets are legal.

Can I bring my ferret to California when I visit?

No. It is illegal to bring your ferret with you if you move to California from another state. This applies to visitors as well—ferrets cannot be transported into California without proper permits for approved purposes.

Will California legalize ferrets soon?

The California Fish and Game Commission unanimously accepted Petition 2025-003 in June 2025, but legalization is not guaranteed. The petition now goes to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for research, with no timeline for a final decision.

Where can I legally own a ferret near California?

Many ferret rescue organizations assist California residents in rehoming their pets in states like Nevada or Oregon, where ferret ownership is legal. All states bordering California except Hawaii permit ferret ownership.

Additional Resources

• California Department of Fish and Wildlife – Official regulations and permit information
• LegalizeFerrets.org – Advocacy group working to legalize ferrets in California
• California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 671 – Full text of restricted species list
• What Can Be Used Against You in Child Custody Cases – Understanding legal rights in family law
• Which Government Bodies Make Consumer Protection Laws – State and federal regulatory authority
• Denver Criminal Impersonation Defense Lawyer – Criminal defense representation

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult an attorney specializing in California animal law for specific compliance guidance. California ferret laws are subject to change—always verify current regulations with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife before making decisions regarding ferret ownership or transport.

About the Author

Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
Read more about Sarah