Northeast · MA

Are hedgehogs legal in Massachusetts?

Hedgehogs are illegal to own as pets in Massachusetts under state wildlife rules.

Status

Illegal

What the law says in Massachusetts

Massachusetts maintains a restrictive exotic-pet code. The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife's prohibited-species list includes hedgehogs; private pet ownership is not permitted. Permits exist for research and educational use but not for personal pets.

Where to verify

Always verify the current legal status before purchasing a hedgehog. Laws change, and local municipal codes can add restrictions on top of state law.

Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife): www.mass.gov/orgs/division-of-fisheries-and-wildlife

Common questions

Can I get a permit for a pet hedgehog in Massachusetts?

Personal pet permits for hedgehogs are not granted. Permits are limited to research, education, and commercial exhibition contexts.

Related on this site

Notice anything wrong? Laws change and we miss things. Email hello@myhedgehogcare.com with a link to the source and we’ll update within a week.

We are not lawyers. This page is informational only and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify with the relevant state agency before acquiring a pet.