Yes, owning a ferret is legal in North Dakota, but subject to strict municipal ordinances and state wildlife regulations. The North Dakota Game and Fish Department enforces restrictions under N.D. Admin. Code § 30.1-02-01, while local governments may impose additional permits or bans. Recent 2026 compliance shifts require ferret owners to register exotic pets annually with county health departments, aligning with zoonotic disease prevention protocols.
Key Regulations for Owning a Ferret in North Dakota
- Permit Requirements: Ferrets must be registered annually with the North Dakota Department of Agriculture’s Exotic Animal Permit Program, per N.D. Cent. Code § 36-01-18. Failure to comply results in fines up to $500.
- Local Ordinances: Cities like Fargo and Bismarck prohibit ferret ownership unless owners obtain a municipal exotic pet license, which mandates microchipping and veterinary inspections.
- Zoonotic Disease Protocols: Ferrets must undergo rabies vaccination (even if indoor-only) and be tested for Mycobacterium bovis if originating from states with high tuberculosis prevalence, per 2026 NDGF health advisories.