Northeast · PA
Are hedgehogs legal in Pennsylvania?
Hedgehogs are illegal to own as pets statewide in Pennsylvania.
Status
Illegal
What the law says in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania prohibits private hedgehog ownership under Pennsylvania Game Commission regulations. Hedgehogs are classified as a restricted species — possession for personal pet purposes is not permitted. The classification falls under PA's general restrictive approach to non-native exotic mammals.
Limited permits exist for research, education, and commercial display purposes, 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.
Pennsylvania Game Commission: www.pgc.pa.gov
Common questions
Common questions
Are hedgehogs illegal everywhere in Pennsylvania?
Yes. The restriction applies statewide — no part of Pennsylvania currently permits private hedgehog ownership.
What if I move to Pennsylvania with a hedgehog from another state?
The state restriction applies regardless of where the animal originated. Owners moving from a hedgehog-legal state should plan to rehome the animal before relocating, or contact the PA Game Commission.
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.