SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/small-hawaii-ferret-reason

Why does Hawaii prohibit ferrets as pets?

They are potential carriers of rabies.

Start playing free

  1. They are too noisy for apartments
  2. They cannot handle hot weather
  3. They are potential carriers of rabies ✔

Why: Hawaii's Department of Agriculture says ferrets are strictly prohibited as pets because they are potential carriers of the rabies virus. People with illegal pets can turn them in under the state's Amnesty Program.

Huh, didn't know that: Under Hawaii's Amnesty Program, no penalty is given if someone voluntarily turns in a prohibited animal before an investigation starts.

The dad joke
Why did the ferret wear sunglasses? It was too cool for the cage.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: They are potential carriers of rabies. Hawaii's Department of Agriculture says ferrets are strictly prohibited as pets because they are potential carriers of the rabies virus. People with illegal pets can turn them in under the state's Amnesty Program.

  1. News Release, October 30, 2000 (Hawaii Department of Agriculture) dab.hawaii.gov/blog/news-releases/news-release-october-30-2000
    Ferrets are strictly prohibited as pets under Hawaii law because they are potential carriers of the rabies virus.
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  2. Amnesty Program (Hawaii Department of Agriculture) dab.hawaii.gov/pi/?p=326
    No penalties will be assessed if a person voluntarily turns in a prohibited species
    Checked 2026-10-11.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Small PetsIn which two US states is it illegal to keep a ferret as a pet?Small PetsWhich city bans ferrets as pets, even though ferrets are legal in its state?Small PetsIf a store sells a pet, does that mean it is legal to own where you live?

That's stuff everyone should know.