Exotic pet laws in Massachusetts
Every animal in our directory, checked against MassWildlife (Division of Fisheries and Wildlife) rules and Massachusetts statute. Click any animal for the full entry — the exact law, penalties, permits, and local caveats.
All animals: status at a glance
| Animal | Status | Statute | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raccoon | Banned | M.G.L. c. 131 §23 | 2026-07-03 |
| Monkey | Banned | M.G.L. c. 131 §23 | 2026-07-03 |
| Serval | Banned | M.G.L. c. 131 §23 | 2026-07-03 |
| Fennec Fox | Banned | M.G.L. c. 131 §23 | 2026-07-03 |
| Sugar Glider | Legal | 321 CMR 9.01 (Petaurus breviceps exempt) | 2026-07-03 |
| Hedgehog | Legal | 321 CMR 9.01 (exemption list) | 2026-07-13 |
| Ferret | Legal | 321 CMR 9.02 | 2026-07-13 |
Animals banned in Massachusetts
- Raccoon — Not on the exemption list — possession requires a license MassWildlife doesn't issue for pets
- Monkey — Primates aren't exempt — banned as pets
- Serval — Exotic cats aren't exempt — banned as pets
- Fennec Fox — Not exempt — all foxes banned as pets
Legal without a permit in Massachusetts
- Sugar Glider — On the 321 CMR 9.01 exemption list — legal, no license
- Hedgehog — Legal — hedgehogs are on the 321 CMR 9.01 exemption list
- Ferret — Legal since 1996 — on the MassWildlife exemption list; rabies vaccination required
How Massachusetts regulates exotic pets
Primary authority sits with MassWildlife (Division of Fisheries and Wildlife). Statewide statute sets the floor; cities and counties frequently layer stricter bans on top, so always check your municipal code as well as the entries above.
Research directory, not legal advice. Verify current rules with MassWildlife (Division of Fisheries and Wildlife) before acquiring any animal.