Is it legal to own a ferret in Louisiana?
The short answer
Ferrets are legal in Louisiana and no permit is required. Louisiana's wildlife rules ban certain large carnivores, primates, and injurious species, but domestic ferrets are not listed and are treated as household pets statewide.
What Louisiana law says
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries regulations (LAC Title 76) restrict listed wild and exotic species; domesticated ferrets are not among them, so no LDWF permit applies.
Which agency regulates ferrets in Louisiana
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is the authority for ferret (Mustela putorius furo) possession in Louisiana.
Is there a permit for pet ferrets?
No permit is required at the state level.
Penalties and enforcement
None for ownership; parish animal-control and rabies rules apply.
Local city and county rules
Parish and municipal codes (e.g., New Orleans) may impose vaccination or pet-limit rules.
Legal alternatives in Louisiana
- Hedgehog in Louisiana — The African pygmy hedgehog — a palm-sized insectivore, hugely popular and famously banned in a handful of states.
- Sugar Glider in Louisiana — A palm-sized gliding marsupial, legal in most states but banned in a handful of cities and states.
Frequently asked questions
Is a ferret restricted wildlife in Louisiana?
No. Domestic ferrets are outside LDWF's restricted species lists and may be kept without a permit.
Sources
More animals in Louisiana
- Is it legal to own a raccoon in Louisiana?
- Is it legal to own a monkey in Louisiana?
- Is it legal to own a serval in Louisiana?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in Louisiana 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 Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.