Legal/Illegal States for Hedgehogs

"If you board the wrong train, it is no use running along the corridor in the other direction." --Dietrich Bonhoeffer

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Legal/Illegal States for Hedgehogs

If your state is listed as illegal, please reconsider purchasing, whether you were considering purchasing from an individual in the state who wants to get rid of a hedgehog or from out of a legal state. In many illegal states, if you're caught with a hedgehog you will be slapped with a hefty fine, and the hedgehog will be confiscated as contraband--and who knows what will happen to it then. Do you really want something like that to happen to a pet that depends on you for its quality of life? In addition to that, if your hedgie develops a health problem, finding health care could be next to impossible. Buying a hedgehog when they are illegal in your state is a bad idea all around, and most good breeders will refuse to sell to you.

Likewise, if your state (or county) requires permits please check closely into everything you need to complete and be thorough so you know there won't be any hassles. Some states require that a hedgehog be taken back across state borders (out of the state) until the official paperwork is completed. It is best to be thorough and complete beforehand.

Illegal States

Arizona
California
Georgia (general ownership is illegal -- permit required for business breeding purposes [see below])
Hawaii
Pennsylvania
Vermont

Illegal Areas/Counties

The 5 Boroughs of New York City (illegal in Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, and Manhattan but not illegal in NY state itself)
Douglas County, Nebraska
Washington, D.C.
Lawrence, Kansas
Fairfax County, VA

Permit Required

Georgia (Breeding permit, for retail only. Any hedgies bred there cannot be sold in the state, and are illegal to own without a business breeding permit. Try this site: http://georgiawildlife.dnr.state.ga.us/services.aspx)

Maine (requires both an importation and possession permit)
Nebraska
New Jersey (an individual hobby permit required for pet; commercial permit required if selling: if to individuals, a pet shop retail sales permit, if to pet stores, a wholesale permit. This NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife page has permit information: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/exotic_apps.htm)
New Mexico (contact the Office of NM Department of Game and Fish Special Use Permits Manager at 505-476-8064)
Wyoming

Please contact your local department of agriculture or the department fish & game for more information on permits if none is listed above.

Most states require a certificate of health from a vet to import into an area, and have shipping requirements.

Please note that as of 10/22/08 these are the standings that I am aware of. As a responsible owner/prospective owner, you should check with your local Fish and Game department to find out if there are any laws/regulations in your area. I made an effort to contact every state, and heard back from many but did not hear back from several. In addition to that fact, regulations change. So please contact them yourself if there is any doubt. And please let me know if you know of any changes!

If hedgies are legal in your area, the next step is researching more about what you need to have a good environment. Here is a list of supplies required to set up a good hedgie habitat.