Are hedgehogs legal in your country or state?

Introduction to African Pygmy Hedgehogs

Are hedgehogs legal in your country or state?

Before you decide to care for or adopt a hedgehog, it’s important to know whether it’s even allowd where you live. Laws and regulations about hedgehogs vary weidely between countries, and even between states or provinces. In some areas, they are classified as exotic pets and may require a special permit. In others, they might be restricted or even banned due to concerns about local wildlife or invasive species.

In this lesson, you’ll learn how to check local laws, understand why these rules exist, and explore the responsibilities that come with owning a hedgehog legally.

Understanding Legality in a Global Context

Before buying a hedgehog as a companion animal, it is vital to understand whether it is legal to own one where you live. Hedgehog laws vary greatly between countries and even between states or provinces within a single country. While African pygmy hedgehogs are one of the most popular exotic pets, not all governments recognize them as suitable for private ownership.

This lesson offers a beginner-friendly yet thorough overview of the legality of hedgehog ownership around the world, and provides guidance on how to find up-to-date laws relevant to your region.

Europe

The European Union regulates exotic animal ownership via national and sometimes local wildlife laws. In most EU countries, hedgehogs are protected in the wild but can be kept in captivity under certain conditions.

Native species (e.g., Erinaceus europaeus) are protected, it is illegal to keep them as pets. African pygmy hedgehogs are generally legal, but import and breeding may be regulated.

Check the exercise files under the photo above to see which countries allow hedgehogs and which do not.

Where to check on your own:
National wildlife or veterinary authority websites (e.g., RVO in the Netherlands, DEFRA in the UK), and species-specific legislation or positive lists.

United Kingdom

Legal: African pygmy hedgehogs are legal to own, breed, and sell.
Illegal: Wild hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) are fully protected and cannot be kept as pets.

A license is not required to keep pygmy hedgehogs, but breeders must follow animal welfare standards.

Where to check:
UK Government’s DEFRA website (gov.uk) or your local council.

United States

Hedgehog laws vary by state, and sometimes even by city or county. Legal in most states.

Illegal in some states, such as: California (except under specific wildlife permits), Georgia, Pennsylvania, Hawaii (due to ecological risk).

Some cities have specific bans regardless of the state law (e.g., New York prohibits hedgehogs within the five boroughs of NYC & Washington DC banned hedgehogs under exotic species regulations).

Ownership often requires registration, microchipping, or health certificates in stricter states.

Check the exercise files under the photo above to see which countries allow hedgehogs and which do not.

Where to check:

State Department of Agriculture or Fish & Wildlife
Local exotic pet legislation via municipal codes
Websites like hedgehogcentral.com or usark.org

Asia

Asia is diverse in its laws. Exotic pets are increasingly popular, but regulations vary widely:

Japan: Legal and popular, with dedicated hedgehog cafés. Importation and breeding are regulated.
China: Legal but largely unregulated—concerns around illegal wildlife trade persist.
India: Native long-eared hedgehogs are protected under wildlife law; all hedgehog species are illegal to keep as pets.
Southeast Asia: Legal in some countries (e.g., Thailand), but welfare standards and enforcement vary.

Check the exercise files under the photo above to see which countries allow hedgehogs and which do not.

Where to check:
National wildlife and customs authority websites; international trade and CITES restrictions.

What Happens If You Ignore the Law?

Confiscation of the animal
Fines or legal prosecution
The animal may be euthanized in strict jurisdictions
Harm to native wildlife ecosystems or zoonotic disease spread
Being uninformed is not a legal defense. If you’re unsure—always check with a veterinarian, wildlife authority, or legal expert before acquiring a hedgehog.

How to Verify the Law in Your Region

Start with official government websites (Department of Agriculture, Environment, Wildlife, etc.)
Contact a local exotic animal vet—they often know what is allowed and what isn’t.
Consult breeder or rescue organizations that are registered or licensed.
Look for recent wildlife legislation or “positive/negative lists” that outline allowed pet species.
Avoid social media as your only source—misinformation is common.

Final Note

Legislation can change frequently. The legal status of hedgehogs has evolved over time as countries become more aware of exotic pet welfare, invasive species risks, and conservation needs. Owning a hedgehog is a responsibility, make sure it’s a legal and ethical one.