South · TN
Are hedgehogs legal in Tennessee?
Hedgehogs are legal to own as pets in Tennessee with no statewide permit required.
Status
Legal
What the law says in Tennessee
Tennessee permits African pygmy hedgehog ownership without a state permit. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) classifies hedgehogs as Class III — a tier that requires no permit for personal pet possession. (This differs from Florida's Class III, which despite the same name does require a free permit application.) Local municipal codes may add restrictions in Nashville, Memphis, and other Tennessee cities.
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.
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency: www.tn.gov/twra
Common questions
Common questions
Do I need a TWRA permit for a hedgehog in Tennessee?
No. Tennessee classifies hedgehogs as Class III, which is the unregulated tier — no state permit required for personal pet possession. (Don't confuse this with Florida's Class III, which uses the same naming but does require a free permit.)
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.