Is it legal to own a ferret in Maine?
The short answer
Ferrets are legal in Maine and require no permit. The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife maintains an unrestricted species list of animals that may be kept without a captive wildlife permit, and the domestic ferret is on it. Standard pet-care and rabies rules apply.
What Maine law says
Maine's captive wildlife law (12 M.R.S. §12152) requires permits for wildlife in captivity unless the species is on MDIFW's unrestricted list — which includes the domesticated ferret.
Which agency regulates ferrets in Maine
Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) is the authority for ferret (Mustela putorius furo) possession in Maine.
Is there a permit for pet ferrets?
No permit is required at the state level.
Penalties and enforcement
None for ownership; rabies vaccination is expected under Maine's companion-animal health rules.
Local city and county rules
Town ordinances may add licensing or vaccination requirements.
Legal alternatives in Maine
- Hedgehog in Maine — The African pygmy hedgehog — a palm-sized insectivore, hugely popular and famously banned in a handful of states.
Frequently asked questions
Is a ferret on Maine's unrestricted species list?
Yes. Domestic ferrets are unrestricted in Maine, so no captive wildlife permit is needed to keep one.
Sources
More animals in Maine
- Is it legal to own a raccoon in Maine?
- Is it legal to own a monkey in Maine?
- Is it legal to own a serval in Maine?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in Maine 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 Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.