Is it legal to own a ferret in Tennessee?
The short answer
Ferrets are legal in Tennessee with no permit. The state's exotic animal law (T.C.A. §70-4-403) classifies wildlife into Classes I-IV, and domesticated ferrets are not captive wildlife requiring TWRA permits. They are kept as ordinary pets across the state.
What Tennessee law says
Tennessee's captive wildlife classes under T.C.A. §70-4-403 regulate inherently dangerous and native species; domestic ferrets fall outside those classes, so no Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency permit is needed.
Which agency regulates ferrets in Tennessee
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is the authority for ferret (Mustela putorius furo) possession in Tennessee.
Is there a permit for pet ferrets?
No permit is required at the state level.
Penalties and enforcement
None for ownership; rabies-control statutes govern bites and vaccination.
Local city and county rules
Municipal animal codes (e.g., Memphis, Nashville) may add vaccination or pet-limit rules.
Legal alternatives in Tennessee
- Hedgehog in Tennessee — The African pygmy hedgehog — a palm-sized insectivore, hugely popular and famously banned in a handful of states.
- Sugar Glider in Tennessee — A palm-sized gliding marsupial, legal in most states but banned in a handful of cities and states.
Frequently asked questions
Does Tennessee's Class I-IV wildlife system cover ferrets?
No. Domesticated ferrets are outside the captive wildlife classification, so owners need no TWRA permit.
Sources
More animals in Tennessee
- Is it legal to own a raccoon in Tennessee?
- Is it legal to own a monkey in Tennessee?
- Is it legal to own a serval in Tennessee?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in Tennessee 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 Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.