Ferrets for Life
Ferrets and the Law
In many places, ferrets are considered exotic pets. In other
locations they are considered illegal to own as a pet. The main reason
some places don’t allow ferrets as pets is because of a concern over
their unpredictable behavior. Some people believe that ferrets may
attack humans unprovoked.
These laws can be national, state or provincial, county or even municipal. This means that, before you buy a ferret, you need to be very sure of ALL the laws in your area regarding ownership. As far the the United States is concerned, there are two states that will not allow you to own ferrets as pets – California and Hawaii.
It’s best to contact all the agencies in your area and get any current ordinances on owning a ferret. It’s also a good idea to get in touch with the wildlife and game agency as well. In some areas, you’ll need to get a license for your pet. Remember, ignorance of the law is no excuse. If you are caught owning a ferret illegally, there can be serious repercussions. At the very least you would face a fine and your ferret would likely be destroyed.
In locations that do allow you to keep ferrets as pets, you’ll need to comply to any laws in regards to them. Undoubtedly you will be required to have your ferret vaccinated against rabies by the time they are six months old. Frequently a copy of the vaccination certificate will need to be filed with the clerk of the city or town. Rabies vaccinations must also be given yearly after that.
Other requirements may also require that your ferrets be neutered or spayed before you purchase it. They should also be inoculated against distemper. Be sure to keep all your veterinarian records in case they are requested by the authorities.
Different rules are applied to ferret breeders. Breeders require a license from the local game and wildlife agency which must be renewed annually. When any baby ferrets are sold to the public, they must give proof that the animal was spayed or neutered prior to the sale.
Schools or research institutions are allowed to acquire a ferret for scientific study. However, any offspring from breeding may not be offered for sale or trade.
Ferrets were often used by hunters to flush out other wild animals. In most places it is now illegal to hunt using ferrets.
If an owner decides that they are no longer willing or able to care for there pet ferret, they need to know that it is illegal to release them into the wild. Nor can they sell them to a pet shop. The kindest thing to do would be to surrender them to an animal shelter in the hopes that they will find a better home.
These laws can be national, state or provincial, county or even municipal. This means that, before you buy a ferret, you need to be very sure of ALL the laws in your area regarding ownership. As far the the United States is concerned, there are two states that will not allow you to own ferrets as pets – California and Hawaii.
It’s best to contact all the agencies in your area and get any current ordinances on owning a ferret. It’s also a good idea to get in touch with the wildlife and game agency as well. In some areas, you’ll need to get a license for your pet. Remember, ignorance of the law is no excuse. If you are caught owning a ferret illegally, there can be serious repercussions. At the very least you would face a fine and your ferret would likely be destroyed.
In locations that do allow you to keep ferrets as pets, you’ll need to comply to any laws in regards to them. Undoubtedly you will be required to have your ferret vaccinated against rabies by the time they are six months old. Frequently a copy of the vaccination certificate will need to be filed with the clerk of the city or town. Rabies vaccinations must also be given yearly after that.
Other requirements may also require that your ferrets be neutered or spayed before you purchase it. They should also be inoculated against distemper. Be sure to keep all your veterinarian records in case they are requested by the authorities.
Different rules are applied to ferret breeders. Breeders require a license from the local game and wildlife agency which must be renewed annually. When any baby ferrets are sold to the public, they must give proof that the animal was spayed or neutered prior to the sale.
Schools or research institutions are allowed to acquire a ferret for scientific study. However, any offspring from breeding may not be offered for sale or trade.
Ferrets were often used by hunters to flush out other wild animals. In most places it is now illegal to hunt using ferrets.
If an owner decides that they are no longer willing or able to care for there pet ferret, they need to know that it is illegal to release them into the wild. Nor can they sell them to a pet shop. The kindest thing to do would be to surrender them to an animal shelter in the hopes that they will find a better home.
