Ferrets can make great pets, but their classification as exotic animals makes them a target for negative legislation. This has resulted in outright bans in some cases, while other states have imposed strict regulations for owning a ferret. If you’re wondering if ferrets are legal in Nevada, you have come to the right place.
In addition to questions about legality, we will also guide you through any applicable restrictions and regulations. You will know whether these differ from city to city, potential purchasing information, and other relevant information.
Are Ferrets Legal In Nevada?
Ferrets are classed as exotic animals in Nevada, like much of the US, but are completely legal to own. You can even own more exotic animals such as lions, tigers, and other large pets completely legally. You should always check local city restrictions before purchasing a ferret as some places have stricter regulations than the state itself.
Henderson and Clark Counties and The City of Las Vegas are particularly strict on exotic animal legislation. This particularly focuses on larger animals, though, so there is considerably less legality to consider when owning a ferret.
Do You Need A Permit For Ferrets In Nevada?
Nevada’s state laws for exotic animals are so lax that many cities have chosen to tighten restrictions themselves. With ferrets, some cities dictate licensing, while others have stuck to permits. You will usually need to renew your permit or license every year, so you should factor that in before purchasing your ferret.
Each city will have its own regulations for licensing or getting a permit for your ferret. Most places will require that your ferret is registered with the city by 4 months old and that they have had their rabies vaccination.
Some cities will also require an increased charge if your ferret is not neutered/spayed. This may be difficult in your first year of licensing as it is not recommended to neuter/spay your ferret before 3 months old, leaving you little time to give them the operation before registering them.
Some places, like the City of Las Vegas, only charge a $5 late fee, so it may still work. If not, you can pay the additional charge in the first year and then enjoy the reduction in years to come.
Even without the discount, permits for ferrets aren’t expensive. In most cities, they will cost around $25-$30, with discounts available for senior citizens and disabled people.
In some states, owning more than 3 ferrets means you have to pay an additional breeder license. This could work out very expensive, so it’s worth looking up your city’s rules beforehand.
Where Can You Buy Ferrets In Nevada?
Ferrets are legal in Nevada, which makes purchasing them relatively easy. This is true especially in parts of the state, like Las Vegas, where exotic pets are a commodity.
Pet Stores
The first place most will look when purchasing a new pet is their local pet store. Nevada has many of them and, thanks to their love of exotic animals, many of them will sell pets as standard.
One big advantage of going to pet stores is that there is more availability if you know what you’re looking for. If there’s a certain ferret color or gender you’re looking for, a pet store that has contacts nationwide might be your best option.
Nevada’s love for exotic animals means finding a ferret at a local or national pet store shouldn’t be difficult. Even outside of Las Vegas, many cities will have somewhere you can purchase one.
PetCo is a national chain that prides itself on selling ferrets and will do so at an affordable price. They’re also a national company, which means they should have more availability and you should be able to find what you’re looking for.
The only place to completely avoid when buying a ferret in Nevada is PetSmart. They decided to stop selling smaller animals in their stores a few years ago.
Rescue Centers
Ferret rescue centers are abundant in Nevada. And they make a great option for people who aren’t overly concerned about the color or gender of their ferret, or who want a slightly older ferret.
Ferrets purchased from rescue centers may be cheaper, and you may be able to find a ferret that has already been tamed. The opposite could also be true, however; the ferret may have had a bad start in life that you will have to correct.
If you haven’t got experience owning ferrets previously, it might be harder to get approved for this option. As ferrets are considered exotic animals, often rescue centers look for owners who have prior experience.
Private Breeders
Private breeders are a great option if you know exactly what ferret you want as many breeders will specialize in one color and/or gender. It can be harder in some Nevada cities, however, as some have licensing laws that make being a breeder difficult.
Private ferret breeders in Nevada are under more scrutiny from animal organizations than in other states. This provides you with peace of mind and gives you certain protection over the animal you get. Still, you should be aware of potential consequences like illnesses that may occur without the opportunity for a refund.
If you still wish to go down this route, looking on marketplace websites like Craigslist and Gumtree will bring you the most success. It’s best to avoid Facebook, as selling animals goes against their terms of service.
Final Thoughts
To answer the original question in our article, ferrets are legal in Nevada. Restrictions on how many you can own and what you need to own one will differ by state, but many have the same rules; you should have ferrets vaccinated for rabies, and register them by 4 months old. The required permits are not very expensive, which is good news as you may have to renew the license every year.
Purchasing a ferret in Nevada can be done through multiple sources. If you go through a pet store, you often have more choices and it’s the most affordable option. Rescue centers are more limited, but allow you to give a ferret a good life. If you’re looking for incredibly specialized, a breeder might be your best option; but there are downsides there, too.