No, ferret ownership in Portugal is prohibited under Decreto-Lei n.º 316/2009, which classifies Mustela putorius furo as an invasive species. The 2026 revision of the Invasive Alien Species Regulation (Regulamento (UE) 1143/2014) reinforces this ban, aligning with EU-wide restrictions. The Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas (ICNF) enforces compliance, with violations punishable by fines up to €3,740.67 under Lei n.º 58/2019.
Key Regulations for Owning a Ferret in Portugal
- Absolute Prohibition: Ferrets are listed in Annex B of Decreto-Lei n.º 316/2009, banning import, breeding, and possession without ICNF authorization.
- ICNF Authorization: Exemptions require proof of scientific research or conservation purposes, subject to rigorous risk assessments.
- Penalties: Unauthorized possession triggers administrative sanctions, including confiscation and financial penalties under Lei n.º 58/2019.