Exotic pet laws in New Hampshire

Every animal in our directory, checked against New Hampshire Fish & Game Dept. (Fis 800 rules) rules and New Hampshire statute. Click any animal for the full entry — the exact law, penalties, permits, and local caveats.

All animals: status at a glance

AnimalStatusStatuteVerified
RaccoonPermit RequiredN.H. Admin. Code Fis 804.05 (Table 800.2 — Raccoon, Procyon lotor)2026-07-03
MonkeyPermit RequiredN.H. Admin. Code Fis 804.05 (Table 800.2 — Primates)2026-07-03
ServalPermit RequiredN.H. Admin. Code Fis 804.05 (Table 800.2 — Serval, African)2026-07-03
Fennec FoxPermit RequiredN.H. Admin. Code Fis 804.05 (Table 800.2 — Fox, Fenec)2026-07-03
Sugar GliderLegalN.H. Admin. Code Fis 804.02(b)(7)(m) (Sugar glider, Petaurus breviceps)2026-07-03
HedgehogLegalN.H. Admin. Code Fis 804.02(b)(7)(l)2026-07-13
FerretLegalN.H. Code Admin. R. Fis 8042026-07-13

Permit-required animals in New Hampshire

  • RaccoonListed as a controlled species in Fis 804.05 Table 800.2
  • MonkeyPrimates named as controlled species in Fis 804.05
  • Serval'Serval, African' listed as controlled species in Fis 804.05
  • Fennec Fox'Fox, Gray; Fenec' listed as controlled species in Fis 804.05

Legal without a permit in New Hampshire

  • Sugar GliderListed as a non-controlled species in Fis 804.02
  • HedgehogLegal — African pygmy hedgehogs are a non-controlled species under Fis 804.02
  • FerretLegal — not a controlled species; rabies vaccination required (RSA 436:100)

How New Hampshire regulates exotic pets

Primary authority sits with New Hampshire Fish & Game Dept. (Fis 800 rules). 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 New Hampshire Fish & Game Dept. (Fis 800 rules) before acquiring any animal.