No, ferret ownership remains prohibited in Washington, D.C. under §2-1817.01 of the D.C. Municipal Regulations, enforced by the Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE). Despite periodic legislative proposals, including a 2023 bill to repeal the ban, no amendments have passed, leaving the restriction intact as of 2026. Violations may result in confiscation or fines up to $250 under D.C. Animal Control Act enforcement protocols.
Key Regulations for Owning a Ferret in Washington D.C.
- Absolute Ban: D.C. Code §2-1817.01 explicitly lists ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) as prohibited exotic pets, with no exceptions for permits or grandfathered ownership.
- Enforcement Authority: The DOEE and D.C. Animal Care and Control (DCACC) jointly enforce the prohibition, conducting inspections and issuing citations for violations.
- Penalties: Non-compliance may trigger civil penalties up to $250 per offense, with confiscation of the animal as a secondary enforcement measure under D.C. Municipal Regulations §31-4-1.
Local advocacy groups, such as the D.C. Exotic Animal Owners Association, have lobbied for repeal, citing neighboring jurisdictions like Virginia and Maryland permitting ferret ownership. However, the D.C. Council has not acted on these proposals, maintaining the status quo. Prospective owners should verify current regulations annually, as legislative landscapes may shift unexpectedly.