⚖️ Where Are Gerbils Legal? A State-by-State Guide

Gerbils are amazing pets — but they're not legal everywhere. Here's where gerbils 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 names gerbils directly in its restricted-species rule (Fish & Game Title 14 §671) as a "detrimental" animal. Because much of California has a dry climate like the gerbil's native range, officials worry escaped gerbils could form wild colonies and compete with native animals such as kangaroo rats. See CA Fish & Wildlife.
• Hawaii — Banned. Hawaii allows gerbils only for government research, not as pets — escaped gerbils could establish colonies and harm the islands' crops and native wildlife. See the Hawaii Dept. of Agriculture.

Gerbils 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.

Gerbil laws around the world

• United Kingdom & Europe — Legal. Gerbils are common, well-loved pets with no licence required.
• Australia — Banned. Gerbils aren't on Australia's live-import list; about 70% of the country is dry, gerbil-friendly habitat, so they're treated as an invasive-pest risk to native rodents and farms.
• New Zealand — Banned. Gerbils can't be imported or kept, under strict biosecurity rules protecting native species.

Everywhere else

In places not listed above, gerbils 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 "gerbil 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 gerbils are legal statewide.
3. Ask about permits. Some places allow gerbils 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.

Legal where you live? Next steps

• Read the gerbil care guide: the real costs, the daily care and the honest downsides.
• See the gerbil setup checklist: setup usually runs $70–$200 up front.
• Take the "Am I ready?" check before you commit.

❓ Common questions about gerbil laws