Exotic pet laws in Rhode Island

Every animal in our directory, checked against Rhode Island DEM, Division of Agriculture / Fish & Wildlife rules and Rhode Island statute. Click any animal for the full entry — the exact law, penalties, permits, and local caveats.

All animals: status at a glance

AnimalStatusStatuteVerified
RaccoonBannedRIGL 4-182026-07-03
MonkeyBannedRIGL 4-182026-07-03
ServalPermit RequiredRIGL 4-182026-07-03
Fennec FoxPermit RequiredRIGL 4-182026-07-03
Sugar GliderLegal250-RICR-40-05-3.17 Appendix A(6)(a)(10) (Sugar Glider, Petaurus breviceps)2026-07-03
HedgehogLegal250-RICR-40-05-3.17(A)(6)(a)(1)2026-07-13
FerretPermit Required250-RICR-60-00-6 (Rhode Island Ferret Regulations)2026-07-13

Animals banned in Rhode Island

  • Raccoon — Native mammal; possession as a pet prohibited under RIGL 4-18 rules
  • Monkey — Primates prohibited without a permit; permits are institutional only

Permit-required animals in Rhode Island

  • Serval — Not exempt; DEM exotic-animal possession permit required
  • Fennec Fox — Not on exempt list; DEM exotic-animal possession permit required
  • Ferret — Legal only with a $10-per-ferret DEM permit under 250-RICR-60-00-6

Legal without a permit in Rhode Island

  • Sugar Glider — Expressly exempt in 250-RICR-40-05-3.17 Appendix A — no permit
  • Hedgehog — Legal — African pygmy hedgehogs are on Rhode Island's exempt animal list

How Rhode Island regulates exotic pets

Primary authority sits with Rhode Island DEM, Division of Agriculture / Fish & 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 Rhode Island DEM, Division of Agriculture / Fish & Wildlife before acquiring any animal.