Is it legal to own a ferret in Hawaii?
The short answer
Ferrets are illegal in Hawaii. As a rabies-free state, Hawaii prohibits ferrets from entry or possession under its plant and non-domestic animal quarantine law (HRS ch. 150A) and the Department of Agriculture's prohibited-animal list in HAR ch. 4-71. There is no pet permit of any kind, and the state runs an amnesty program for surrendering illegal animals without penalty.
What Hawaii law says
HRS ch. 150A and HAR §4-71-6.5 place ferrets on Hawaii's list of prohibited animals; HRS §150A-14 makes possession a misdemeanor with fines of $5,000-$20,000, rising to a class C felony and fines up to $200,000 for importing with intent to propagate, sell, or release.
Which agency regulates ferrets in Hawaii
Hawaii Department of Agriculture, Plant Quarantine Branch is the authority for ferret (Mustela putorius furo) possession in Hawaii.
Is there a permit for pet ferrets?
No. There is no permit pathway that allows private pet ownership. None for pets — the amnesty program allows surrendering an illegal ferret without prosecution.
Penalties for owning a ferret illegally
Possession or transport is a misdemeanor with fines of $5,000 to $20,000; importing with intent to propagate, sell, or release is a class C felony with fines of $50,000 to $200,000.
Local city and county rules
The ban is statewide across all islands; no county exceptions exist.
Frequently asked questions
Why does Hawaii ban ferrets?
Hawaii is rabies-free and highly vulnerable to invasive predators, so ferrets are on the prohibited list under HRS ch. 150A; violators face fines from $5,000 up to $200,000 in felony cases.
Sources
More animals in Hawaii
- Is it legal to own a raccoon in Hawaii?
- Is it legal to own a monkey in Hawaii?
- Is it legal to own a serval in Hawaii?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in Hawaii page, or compare every state on the pet ferret laws by state page.
Last verified 2026-07-13 against the cited primary sources. This is a research directory, not legal advice — confirm current rules with Hawaii Department of Agriculture, Plant Quarantine Branch and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.