Frequently Asked Questions Frequently Asked Questions Home Page Documents Page Domestic ferrets, or Mustela Putorius furo, are rapidly becoming one of the most popular pets next to cats and dogs. An estimated 5 to 7 million ferrets exist in the United States alone. Domestic ferrets are distant cousins to the wild Black-footed Ferret, and are descended from the European polecat. However, unlike their wild ancestors, they cannot survive on their own outdoors.
Ferrets are generally legal everywhere in the United States except California and Hawaii.
We suggest you check your local city and county ordinances to see how they apply to ferret ownership. Many people have both children and ferrets without problems, but there is a large difference between having both children and ferrets and getting a ferret for your child. Ferrets require a lot of attention and care that most children are just not able to provide. We don't recommend ferrets for households with children under the age of 8. Dominance fighting is normal in ferret introductions.