Is it legal to own a hedgehog in South Dakota?
The short answer
Yes. Hedgehogs are legal in South Dakota with no possession permit. The state's captive wildlife and nondomestic animal rules focus on native species, hoofstock, and large carnivores; pet-trade hedgehogs fall outside them, with only routine Animal Industry Board import paperwork for out-of-state animals.
What South Dakota law says
SDCL ch. 40-3 and Animal Industry Board rules govern importing nondomestic animals; hedgehogs are not restricted, and Game, Fish and Parks requires no possession permit for them.
Which agency regulates hedgehogs in South Dakota
No state agency regulates hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) possession in South Dakota — authority rests with local animal control. See the state wildlife agency for related rules.
Is there a permit for pet hedgehogs?
No permit is required at the state level.
Penalties and enforcement
None for simple ownership; import violations are misdemeanors with fines.
Local city and county rules
Sioux Falls and Rapid City have municipal animal codes — verify locally.
Legal alternatives in South Dakota
- Sugar Glider in South Dakota — A palm-sized gliding marsupial, legal in most states but banned in a handful of cities and states.
- Ferret in South Dakota — Fully domesticated for millennia, yet still outlawed in California and Hawaii — the most mainstream 'exotic' pet in America.
Frequently asked questions
Is a permit required for hedgehogs in South Dakota?
No possession permit is required; only standard veterinary import paperwork applies when bringing one in from out of state.
Sources
More animals in South Dakota
- Is it legal to own a raccoon in South Dakota?
- Is it legal to own a monkey in South Dakota?
- Is it legal to own a serval in South Dakota?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in South Dakota page, or compare every state on the pet hedgehog 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 your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.