State rankings

Sable Pet Legal States

Sable Pet Legal States: compare 50 US states on 2 metrics.

EnvironmentLaw50 states · 2 metricsUpdated May 22, 2025Original page
12 sources

Legality of Pet Sables

3 values across 50 entries

Data

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50 states
AlabamaResidents of Alabama who did not secure a permit before January 13th, 2021, are prohibited from owning most non-native wildlife.
AlaskaAlaska residents are forbidden from possessing, selling, importing, or exporting any species of bird, mammal, or reptile found or introduced in the state, with the exception of domestic birds and mammals.
ArizonaThe state prohibits several exotic wildlife species, such as bears, weasels, skunks, raccoons, and foxes, some of which belong to the Mustelidae family. Given the stringent regulations on exotic animals, it's reasonable to assume that sables are also illegal in this state.
ArkansasNon-native wildlife may be kept as pets if obtained legally with veterinary documentation proving they are disease-free, maintained in humane conditions, with males either neutered or separated, and housed in enclosures that prevent escape and injury.
CaliforniaThe Mustelidae family is classified as a restricted species in California, as per California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 14, Section 671.
ColoradoNongame species and subspecies, including threatened or endangered wildlife, are protected in Colorado, with their harassment, taking, or possession prohibited.
ConnecticutUnder § 26-55, individuals are prohibited from importing, introducing, possessing, or releasing any live fish, wild bird, wild mammal, reptile, amphibian, or invertebrate in Connecticut without obtaining a permit.
DelawareDelaware does not regulate exempt exotics, permitting their purchase and ownership without a permit.
FloridaClass III Wildlife for Personal Use - permit required
GeorgiaEuropean ferrets, if neutered by seven months and with a rabies vaccine, are allowed in Georgia, indicating a possibility for sables to be categorized similarly.
HawaiiIn Hawaii, the majority of exotic animals are banned, including bears, large cats, wild canines, hybrids of wild cats and dogs, kangaroos, wild cattle and deer, birds of prey, alligators, geckos, most lizards, hedgehogs, gerbils, hamsters, and ferrets.
IdahoImport and possession of threatened Canada lynx are banned, as well as taking large predatory wildlife from the wild for pets, while small ones remain legal. All other native mammals, birds, and reptiles can be possessed without a permit unless they are of species concern, thr…
IllinoisThere are no state requirements for individuals possessing exotic species not classified as "dangerous animals."
IndianaIndiana does not specifically forbid having any animals as pets
IowaIowa's exotic animal laws are clear-cut: possession, ownership, or breeding of any dangerous wild animal without a permit obtained by 2007 is prohibited, which includes non-domestic cats and dogs, bears, primates, elephants, rhinos, many reptiles, and other specified animals.
KansasKansas state law prohibits the possession of dangerous regulated animals, including large cats, bears, non-native venomous snakes, and hybrids of these species.
KentuckyIn Kentucky, individuals are prohibited from possessing inherently dangerous animals or endangered species, such as primates, many large and venomous reptiles, bears, large cats, elephants, rhinos, hippos, wolves, and more, with the exception of wild ferrets, which are permitt…
LouisianaLouisiana does not specify pets permitted without licenses, prohibits ownership of potentially dangerous animals, and mandates permits for taking animals from the wild for personal possession.
MaineMaine's exotic pet law prohibits keeping wildlife in captivity and bans importing, breeding, or releasing wildlife into the wild.
MarylandIn Maryland, certain species such as foxes, skunks, raccoons, all species of bears, alligators, crocodiles, all species of wild cats, wolves, nonhuman primates, various venomous reptiles, etc., are prohibited as pets, while sables are not explicitly listed; however, considerin…
MassachusettsIn Massachusetts, it's prohibited to possess as a "pet" any wild bird, mammal, fish, reptile, or amphibian unless owned prior to June 30, 1995, defined as any undomesticated animal not hybridized with a domestic form and not listed under exemptions.
MichiganMichigan prohibits the importation of any species with the potential to spread diseases or parasites or endanger native wildlife, livestock, or property, while regulating other wild or exotic animal imports with requirements like vet exams, disease tests, and proper care.
MinnesotaAll mammals and birds imported into the state must be accompanied by a certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI).
MississippiLaws generally limit the import and export of animals. Possession is generally allowed unless specifically prohibited, with permits required for dangerous animals.
MissouriOut-of-state animals such as bison, certain reptiles, mammals, and Asian clams may be possessed without requiring any documentation.
MontanaOperating a wild animal menagerie requires obtaining a permit, defined as any place where bears or large cats are kept in captivity for purposes other than public exhibition; additionally, all other exotic animals entering the state must be accompanied by a one-time entry perm…
NebraskaA Captive Wildlife Permit is necessary to keep any wild birds or mammals in captivity for personal use or to breed game birds for release or sale.
NevadaA Captive Wildlife Permit is necessary for keeping certain captive wild birds, mammals, or wildlife.
New HampshireIndividuals are prohibited from possessing exotic animals like felines, bears, wolves, poisonous reptiles, and non-human primates, unless they are exhibitors. However, certain noncontrolled animals, such as sugar gliders, non-venomous reptiles, and ferrets, may be privately po…
New JerseyIndividuals are prohibited from possessing potentially dangerous species as pets, including primates; Carnivora (non-domestic dogs and cats, bears); Saura (venomous gila monsters); Serpentes (venomous coral snakes, cobras, vipers, pit vipers); Crocodilia (alligators, crocodile…
New MexicoNew Mexico does not specifically list any exotic animals that can be kept as pets
New YorkIn the state of New York, possession of any wild animals is prohibited, among other restrictions.
North CarolinaPossession of dangerous animals is regulated by cities and counties
North DakotaOwnership of a Martes zibellina (sable) as a pet in North Dakota likely requires a license and import permit due to its exotic nature and absence from the list of allowed animals; for precise guidance, it's advisable to consult with local authorities or relevant agencies.
OhioSables are not explicitly mentioned in Ohio's regulations. However, given their exotic status and the general restrictions on owning certain exotic species without permits, it is prudent to assume that ownership of sables in Ohio would likely require permits or authorization. …
OklahomaAnimals over 50 pounds and bears are prohibited, while various venomous reptiles require permits.
OregonMartes zibellina (sable) is not explicitly prohibited, implying potential legality for possession in this state, yet confirmation from local authorities is advised for certainty.
PennsylvaniaPennsylvania does not enumerate exotic pets permissible without a permit, nor does it specify which exotic pets are prohibited, necessitating verification from local authorities for clarification.
Rhode IslandRhode Island specifically prohibits certain animals from being kept as pets, including wild carnivores and hybrids lacking a USDA-licensed rabies vaccine, among others.
South CarolinaIn South Carolina, it's illegal to possess wolves or coyotes, as well as indigenous wildlife without a permit, including certain animal families like Cervidae, Suidae, Tayassuidae, and Bovidae, but laws don't specifically govern non-domesticated felines, primates, reptiles, an…
South DakotaRaccoon dogs and free-roaming wildlife may not be kept as pets
TennesseeIn Tennessee, Martes zibellina (sable) doesn't seem explicitly prohibited or classified, implying potential legality for possession without special permits or paperwork, yet confirmation from local authorities is advisable for precise compliance.
TexasIn Texas, if an animal isn't banned or necessitates a permit, it can be kept as a pet, though there's a ban on wolves, bats, diamondback terrapins, indigenous birds, and permits are required for dangerous exotic animals.
UtahCertain families of animals are prohibited in Utah, including but not limited to Ursidae (bears), Canidae (all species), Felidae (all species except non-domesticated cats), Mustelidae (all species), non-human primates, and certain reptile species.
VermontIn Vermont, a permit is required to keep any exotic animals that are not specifically listed on the unrestricted list if you wish to keep them as pets.
VirginiaIn Virginia, there are no specific prohibitions on owning any animals as pets, although obtaining permits may be challenging.
WashingtonSables are not explicitly listed among prohibited exotic pets in Washington, suggesting that they may be allowed, but it's advisable to verify with local authorities for precise confirmation.
West VirginiaIn West Virginia, possessing any wild animals or wildlife requires a permit; without one, ownership is prohibited.
WisconsinTo import a wild animal into the state, individuals must obtain an import permit along with a certificate of veterinary inspection. Additionally, authorization from the Department of Natural Resources is necessary to import certain rodents. Licenses are mandatory for breeding,…
WyomingAccording to Wyoming state law, individuals need a permit for any living wildlife designated by the state unless they are specifically exempt or prohibited.

Quick answers

Where does this sable pet legal states data come from?
Rankodex compiles it from World Population Review and the primary sources it cites: Getting a Pet Sable Ferret - WebMD LLC; 10 Exotic Pets That Are Legal to Own in California - PetHelpful; Can You Own a Pet Sable? Is It Legal? - Oxford Pets; Exotic Animal Laws by State - Find Law.