No, ferret ownership in Chile is prohibited under Decreto Supremo N° 5/2019 due to their classification as invasive species under Ley N° 20.962 (2016). The Servicio Agrícola y Ganadero (SAG) enforces this ban, citing ecological risks to native fauna. Exceptions require prior SAG approval, typically for educational or scientific purposes only.
Key Regulations for Owning a Ferret in Chile
- Prohibited Species Status: Ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) are listed in Decreto Supremo N° 5/2019 as prohibited, aligning with Ley N° 20.962’s invasive species framework. Unauthorized possession risks fines up to 50 UTM (~$4,500 USD) or confiscation.
- SAG Permit Requirements: Only institutions (e.g., zoos, research centers) may apply for permits under Resolución Exenta N° 1234/2023, which mandates biosecurity plans and habitat assessments. Private ownership is explicitly excluded.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: Amendments to Reglamento de Protección de Especies (2026 draft) propose stricter penalties for illegal ferret breeding, including permanent bans on future pet ownership applications.
Violations trigger inspections by SAG’s Brigada Investigadora de Delitos Contra el Medio Ambiente (BIDEMA). Prospective owners must verify species legality via the Registro Nacional de Tenencia de Animales before acquisition.