Exotic pet laws in Minnesota

Every animal in our directory, checked against Minnesota DNR / local animal control rules and Minnesota statute. Click any animal for the full entry — the exact law, penalties, permits, and local caveats.

All animals: status at a glance

AnimalStatusStatuteVerified
RaccoonBannedMinn. Stat. ch. 97A (protected wild animals)2026-07-03
MonkeyBannedMinn. Stat. §346.155 (regulated animals)2026-07-03
ServalBannedMinn. Stat. §346.155 (all Felidae except domestic)2026-07-03
Fennec FoxLegalOutside Minn. Stat. §346.1552026-07-03
Sugar GliderLegalNot restricted under Minnesota law2026-07-03
HedgehogLegalMinn. Stat. §346.155 (hedgehogs not regulated)2026-07-13
FerretLegalMinn. Stat. §346.155 (ferrets not listed)2026-07-13

Animals banned in Minnesota

  • Raccoon — Protected native wildlife — no pet pathway
  • Monkey — 'Regulated animal' — all primates banned since 2005; grandfather window closed
  • Serval — 'Regulated animal' — all non-domestic cats banned

Legal without a permit in Minnesota

  • Fennec Fox — Not a 'regulated animal' and not native — legal at the state level
  • Sugar Glider — Legal statewide — no permit
  • Hedgehog — Legal — hedgehogs are not a 'regulated animal' under Minn. Stat. §346.155
  • Ferret — Legal — not a 'regulated animal' under Minn. Stat. §346.155

How Minnesota regulates exotic pets

Primary authority sits with Minnesota DNR / local animal control. 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 Minnesota DNR / local animal control before acquiring any animal.