Pet Opossum Legal States 2026

States Where Pet Opossums Are Legal

Several states allow opossum ownership without requiring a state-level permit. These include Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, South Dakota, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Even in these states, local laws may still apply. Counties and cities can impose their own restrictions on wildlife or exotic animals, so it’s important to verify local regulations before acquiring an opossum.

States Where Pet Opossums Require a Permit

Several states allow opossum ownership but require a permit or license. These include Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and West Virginia.

Permit requirements typically include secure enclosures, appropriate care standards, and compliance with state wildlife regulations. In some cases, inspections or documentation may be required to maintain legal ownership.

States Where Pet Opossums Are Illegal

Most U.S. states prohibit keeping opossums as pets, typically classifying them as protected wildlife or restricting their possession under wildlife laws. These include Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington.

In these jurisdictions, private ownership of opossums is not allowed regardless of permitting, with limited exceptions generally reserved for licensed facilities such as wildlife rehabilitation centers, research institutions, or educational organizations.