At the provincial level, Alberta has a controlled animals list that details all the animal species you can’t own as pets. We will link to this document below for your reference.
If the animal you wish to own is on the controlled animals list, then you can’t.
If it’s not on the list, then it’s not controlled, and you can likely own one legally, though it may be regulated by some other means, such as livestock.
The entire controlled animals list here
So what about ferrets? Are they on the controlled animals list?
Can you own a ferret in Alberta?
You can legally own ferrets in Alberta, Canada.
Ferrets are not currently listed as a controlled animal, and they are not considered livestock.
Keep in mind, the Alberta Fish and Wildlife controlled animals list is a provincial level regulation.
Cities and towns might have additional rules and bylaws to adhere to at the municipal level. Check your local rules to be safe.
You can buy and sell ferrets online at sites like this. At the time of writing this article, there are no known ferret ownership restrictions in at least Edmonton, Calgary and Red Deer.
See our list of other exotic pets that you can own as a pet in Alberta called What Exotic Pets Can You Legally Own in Alberta?
In Summary
- You can legally own a pet ferret in Alberta, Canada
- Ferrets are not listed as a controlled animal
- You can buy and sell ferrets legally
- Local municipal governments may have restrictions on ferrets
