⚖️ Where Are Degus Legal? A State-by-State Guide
Degus 
are amazing pets — but they're not legal everywhere. Here's where degus are banned or restricted in the US, Canada, and around the world. Laws change and cities add their own rules, so always confirm with your state, province, and city before bringing one home.
Quick answer: Degus are legal to keep in most US states, the UK, and most of Canada and Europe. They're banned or restricted in California, Utah, Georgia, Connecticut, and Alaska, usually under wildlife rules that limit non-native rodents — officials worry escaped degus could establish wild populations and harm crops or native wildlife. Rules change and cities can add their own, so always confirm with your state wildlife or agriculture department before getting a pair.
US states with bans or restrictions
- California — Banned. California's restricted-species rules (Cal. Code Regs. Title 14, §671) prohibit essentially all non-native wild rodents as pets, and the degu is included — no pet permit is issued. See CA Fish & Wildlife.
- Utah — Restricted. Utah's wildlife rules treat the degu as a controlled species that can't simply be kept as a pet — confirm current rules with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.
- Georgia — Banned. Georgia's wild-animal rules allow only listed domestic species as pets, and the degu isn't on the list. See Georgia DNR.
- Connecticut — Restricted. Connecticut limits possession of many non-native rodents; degus are generally not allowed as pets — confirm with the Connecticut DEEP.
- Alaska — Banned. Alaska allows only animals on its "clean list" of approved pets, and the degu isn't on it. See the Alaska Dept. of Fish & Game.
Why would a little rodent be banned?
It isn't about degus being dangerous — it's about what happens if they get loose. Degus are hardy, social burrowers from Chile, and wildlife agencies in a few states worry that escaped or released degus could establish wild colonies, compete with native animals, or damage crops, the way other introduced rodents have. States with big agriculture industries or fragile ecosystems tend to write the strictest lists, and the degu — as a non-native wild rodent rather than a long-domesticated pet — lands on several of them.
Everywhere else
In places not listed above, degus are generally legal to keep as pets — but counties and cities sometimes add their own restrictions, and a few places require permits. A quick call to local animal control (or a search for "degu laws" plus your city) is always worth it before you fall in love with one.
How to check the rules where you live
- Check your state or province first — that's the list above. Laws change, so confirm with the official wildlife or agriculture department.
- Then check your city or county. Local governments often add their own pet rules on top of state law, even where degus are legal statewide.
- Ask about permits. Some places allow degus only with a permit or license — a quick call to local animal control will tell you.
- Renters and HOAs: your lease or homeowners' association can restrict pets that your state actually allows.
When in doubt, confirm before you bring one home — it's far easier than having to rehome a pet later.
❓ Common questions about degu laws
Are degus legal in California?
No. California's restricted-species rules prohibit non-native wild rodents as pets, including degus, and the state doesn't issue pet permits for them.
Which US states ban degus?
California, Utah, Georgia, Connecticut, and Alaska ban or restrict pet degus. They're legal in most other states, but rules change — check your state wildlife or agriculture department before getting a pair.
Do I need a permit to own a degu?
In most US states, no — degus are treated like other small exotic pets. In the restrictive states listed above, a hobbyist generally can't get a permit at all. Always confirm current rules locally.
Are degus legal in the UK and Canada?
Yes — degus are legal and fairly popular in the UK, and legal in most of Canada. As always, a few cities have their own exotic-pet bylaws, so a quick local check is smart.