⚖️ 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.

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.
• 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.

Degus by US state

Find your state below. "No statewide ban" is not the same as "allowed where you live" — cities, counties, landlords and HOAs add their own rules on top of state law, and those are what catch most families out. Where a state is restricted, the reason is in the list above.

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

1. Check your state or province first — that's the list above. Laws change, so confirm with the official wildlife or agriculture department.
2. 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.
3. Ask about permits. Some places allow degus only with a permit or license — a quick call to local animal control will tell you.
4. 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