Legality
Hedgehogs are amazing animals and can make a great addition to the family. However, for most states they are still classified as exotic animals and could have potential restrictions.
It's important to verify they're legal to own in your state, county, and city. These laws are changing often, usually for the better, so it's important to stay on top of legality in your area before purchasing.
We'll be specifically discussing the legality of African Pygmy Hedgehogs, so you'll need to do more research into the legality of the other 16 hedgehog species.
To answer your question, are hedgehogs legal in my state?
Quick Answer
Hedgehogs are legal to own throughout the majority of the United States. Unfortunately, they are still restricted or illegal to own in:
- California
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Pennsylvania
- The Five Boroughs of New York City
Permits required in:
- New Jersey
- Wisconsin
Laws Change Often
Laws concerning the ownership of animals change often. Sometimes this is for the worse, especially in the case of reptiles. However, for hedgehogs they seem to be loosening up. They only recently became fully unrestricted in the states of Maine and Washington, DC.
It also looks like Pennsylvania is introducing legislation to allow for the ownership or possession of "pocket pets,” namely hedgehogs and sugar gliders, to be kept as pets in Pennsylvania."
Other states like California are incredibly cautious of introducing exotic species due the concerns of their potential affects on natural wildlife. Should this change, it is likely California would still require permits for ownership, but this is entirely speculation.
Our Available Hedgehogs
Please click here to view all our hedgehogs currently available and ready for their new homes.
