Where are skunks legal for pets?

Answer 1

Always call your state office before getting a pet skunk. Laws are always changing. Please check your county laws, even though the state is legal your county may have restrictions. Many states require permits to own skunks.

Illegal - means you can not own a skunk as a pet in that state. The state has the right to KILL your skunk if you get caught. It also means that you may not be able to find vet care for your skunk.

Legal- means that there are restrictions which would prevent you from having certain colors, not allow importing skunks from other states, etc. Please check with the contact person/office provided for specific information and assistance before obtaining a skunk.

Check with a vet before obtaining a skunk!

Always keep your receipt to prove your skunk did not come from the wild; get the permit numbers from the business or person you get the skunk from. Most states require a paper trail for skunks.

Some legal states include:

Alabama: Skunks must have permits, no importing allowed. The law requires that skunks be obtained from a licensed game breeder within the state and currently there are no legal sources of skunks in AL.

Florida: Need permit first. Skunks are considered Class 3 animal.

Georgia: Black or Black and White skunks are not legal in Georgia. All other colors are legal

Indiana: Permits required before you buy your skunk. DNR will come out to inspect your home.

Iowa: You must buy/receive your skunk from a licensed Game Breeder or someone with the proper licenses. Must save your receipt to prove your skunk did not come from the wild. IF you give/sell/offering your skunk to another party you must obtain a game breeder license first before transfer of ownership to be legal.

Kentucky: NEW state laws went into effect 1/04/05. No Importing skunks. You must buy from a breeder within the state.

Michigan: NO IMPORTING. Skunk must come from breeder within the state, permits are required before you get a skunk, cage requirements must be met before you get your skunk. DNR will come out to inspect before issuing permit.

New Jersey: Permits required and skunk must come from breeder within the state

Ohio: Permits required after you buy your skunk. DNR will come out to inspect. Must keep the receipt to prove the skunk did not come from the wild. Must buy from a licensed commercial propagator - dealer, breeder, pet store.

Oklahoma: Apply for Non-Commercial breeder license first. Must buy from a licensed dealer/breeder. Must get import permit before you buy your skunk. Need Health Certificate to bring into the state. Note: Should have a vet willing to care for the skunk first.

Oregon: Permits required. Cannot sell skunk within the state. Must call for an Import Number before skunk enters the state.

Pennsylvania: Permits required, the Law Enforcement division of PA Fish and Game requests that in-state residents buy from a license dealer/breeder within the state of PA for pet purposes. No importing pet skunks.

South Carolina/ South Dakota: You must apply for a license first, and there are cage requirements.

West Virgina,Wisconsin,Wyoming are legal, but in these states be aware of laws.