Is it legal to own a ferret in Maryland?
The short answer
Ferrets are legal in Maryland and need no permit. The state's prohibited-pets statute bans foxes, skunks, raccoons, primates, and similar animals, but ferrets are not on the list. Maryland rabies rules require ferrets to be vaccinated like dogs and cats.
What Maryland law says
Md. Code, Crim. Law §10-621 lists the mammals Marylanders may not keep as pets — ferrets are absent — and COMAR rabies-control provisions require current rabies vaccination for ferrets.
Which agency regulates ferrets in Maryland
No state agency regulates ferret (Mustela putorius furo) possession in Maryland — authority rests with local animal control. See the state wildlife agency for related rules.
Is there a permit for pet ferrets?
No permit is required at the state level.
Penalties and enforcement
None for ownership; keeping an unvaccinated ferret can violate county rabies-control regulations.
Local city and county rules
Maryland counties administer rabies vaccination and pet licensing requirements.
Legal alternatives in Maryland
- Hedgehog in Maryland — The African pygmy hedgehog — a palm-sized insectivore, hugely popular and famously banned in a handful of states.
- Sugar Glider in Maryland — A palm-sized gliding marsupial, legal in most states but banned in a handful of cities and states.
Frequently asked questions
Is a rabies vaccine required for ferrets in Maryland?
Yes — Maryland rabies-control rules cover ferrets along with dogs and cats, and counties enforce the requirement.
Sources
More animals in Maryland
- Is it legal to own a raccoon in Maryland?
- Is it legal to own a monkey in Maryland?
- Is it legal to own a serval in Maryland?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in Maryland 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 your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.