Is it legal to own a ferret in New Mexico?
The short answer
Ferrets are legal in New Mexico with no permit. The Department of Game and Fish regulates importation and possession of wildlife, but domesticated ferrets are classed as domestic animals outside that authority. They are ordinary pets statewide.
What New Mexico law says
New Mexico's wildlife importation and possession rules apply to wild species; the domesticated ferret is a domestic animal under state practice, so no Game and Fish permit is required.
Which agency regulates ferrets in New Mexico
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish is the authority for ferret (Mustela putorius furo) possession in New Mexico.
Is there a permit for pet ferrets?
No permit is required at the state level.
Penalties and enforcement
None for ownership; local rabies and animal-control rules apply.
Local city and county rules
Albuquerque and other cities enforce their own pet vaccination and licensing codes.
Legal alternatives in New Mexico
- Hedgehog in New Mexico — The African pygmy hedgehog — a palm-sized insectivore, hugely popular and famously banned in a handful of states.
- Sugar Glider in New Mexico — A palm-sized gliding marsupial, legal in most states but banned in a handful of cities and states.
Frequently asked questions
Does New Mexico Game and Fish license pet ferrets?
No. Ferrets are treated as domestic animals in New Mexico and need no state wildlife permit.
Sources
More animals in New Mexico
- Is it legal to own a raccoon in New Mexico?
- Is it legal to own a monkey in New Mexico?
- Is it legal to own a serval in New Mexico?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in New Mexico 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 New Mexico Department of Game and Fish and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.