California

Ferret ownership is ILLEGAL in California. Possessing, importing, or selling ferrets is prohibited and may result in fines or criminal penalties.

California: N/A (ferrets prohibited).

It is illegal to import, transport, sell, or possess ferrets in California.

Ferrets are classified as restricted wild animals under California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 671. Possession can result in fines up to $1,000 and imprisonment up to 6 months. The ban dates to 1933, driven by concerns about escaped ferrets establishing feral populations that could threaten native wildlife and agriculture.

The ban remains in effect but is under active administrative and legal review for the first time in decades. On June 11, 2025, the California Fish and Game Commission unanimously accepted Petition 2025-003 to review removing ferrets from the restricted species list; the matter is now with CDFW for research and recommendation. In March 2026, a Petition for Writ of Mandate was filed in Sacramento County Superior Court to compel agency action.

For the most current ferret ownership laws in California, visit the official source at https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Laws-and-Regulations/Restricted-Species. Laws and enforcement can vary by county and city, so also check with your local animal control.