Pet Hedgehog Legal States 2025

The rules for owning a pet hedgehog in the United States are strict, and it is possible to lose your hedgehog if you do not comply with state requirements. However, most states do allow them to be kept as pets. There are only a few states that do not allow pets hedgehogs; they are not legal in the following states:

• California
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Pennsylvania
• New York

Washington D.C. and Wyoming both previously had restrictions on hedgehog ownership but no longer do.

Why Pet Hedgehogs Are Illegal

In California, hedgehogs are banned as they are deemed to be endangered and pose a threat to other fish and wildlife. The animals are banned from domestic living under Section 671, Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations.

Georgia bans hedgehogs under O.C.G.A. Section 27-5-4 for hedgehogs without a permit. The state of Hawaii offers a list of approved animals and a list of restricted animals. The hedgehog is not listed on any of those lists, but Hawaii does have a clause where any animal not found on the list is prohibited.

For Pennsylvania, hedgehogs are considered exotic animals. A permit is required to have one, and it must be obtained from the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Owners will need to have two years of hands-on experience with hedgehogs and a letter of approval from a municipal government office to be eligible for a permit.

Consequences for Owning a Hedgehog Illegally

There are consequences if you are found to be owning a hedgehog illegally, and they will be aligned with the legislation or regulation surrounding the requirements to own one if permitted. In some states, hedgehogs will be confiscated or removed from the home. There are some concerns that hedgehogs would be euthanized if owned illegally, but those claims are unconfirmed. The laws around hedgehogs are usually connected to the nature of the species, its threat to other animals, and preserving both the species and the other animals around it.

Penalties for owning a hedgehog illegally in Hawaii could include up to three years of jail time and fines of up to $500,000.