⚖️ 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.
Quick answer: Pet gerbils are legal in 48 of the 50 US states — only California and Hawaii ban them. Both bans exist because gerbils come from dry habitats where escaped animals could establish wild colonies. They're legal, popular pets in the UK, but banned in Australia and New Zealand for the same invasive-species reasons.
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.
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
- 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 gerbils are legal statewide.
- Ask about permits. Some places allow gerbils 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 gerbil laws
Are gerbils legal in California?
No. Gerbils are banned in California. They're named in the state's restricted-species rule as a "detrimental" animal, so it's illegal to buy, sell, or keep one, and pet stores there don't carry them.
Why are gerbils banned in California?
Because of invasive-species risk. Gerbils are native to dry parts of Central Asia, and much of California has a similar climate, so officials worry escaped gerbils could form wild colonies, compete with native animals like kangaroo rats, and damage crops.
In which states are gerbils illegal?
Only two: California and Hawaii. Gerbils are legal pets in the other 48 states. Both bans exist because those states have climates where gerbils could survive in the wild.
Are gerbils legal in Hawaii?
No. Hawaii allows gerbils only for government research, not as pets, as part of its strict rules against animals that could become invasive on the islands.
Can I bring my pet gerbil to California if I move there?
No. The ban applies no matter where the gerbil came from, and animals can be confiscated. If you're relocating, you'd need to rehome your gerbil legally before moving.