If you are considering welcoming a ferret into your home, one of the very first questions you need to answer is: can you own a ferret in Ontario? The short answer is yes — ferrets are legal to own in Ontario and in the City of Toronto as of 2026. However, there are important provincial and municipal rules that every prospective ferret owner in the Greater Toronto Area should understand before bringing one home. This guide covers the full legal picture, what ferret care involves day-to-day, and where North York residents can find high-quality ferret supplies — including at Ashario Pets, located at 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2, North York, ON M3J 2P7.
Are Ferrets Legal in Ontario in 2026?
As of 2026, ferrets are legal to keep as pets throughout the province of Ontario. Unlike some provinces and territories in Canada — and unlike certain American states such as California — Ontario has no provincial ban on ferret ownership. Ferrets are domesticated animals with a long history as household companions, and they are not classified as exotic wildlife under Ontario's Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act.
The City of Toronto also does not prohibit ferrets under its municipal bylaws. Ferrets are treated similarly to domestic cats and dogs for the purposes of local animal control regulations. That said, there are a few rules you should be aware of:
- Ferrets are not wildlife: Domesticated ferrets are distinct from wild European polecats and are not protected or restricted under Ontario wildlife law.
- Municipal licensing: Some Ontario municipalities outside Toronto may have their own rules — always check with your local municipality before acquiring a ferret.
- Rabies vaccination: While not always legally mandated for ferrets in Ontario the way it is for dogs, rabies vaccination is strongly recommended by veterinarians and may be required by certain housing agreements or animal care facilities.
- Rental housing: Your landlord's pet policy applies. Even where ferret ownership is legal, your lease may prohibit them.
- Import regulations: If you are bringing a ferret into Canada from outside the country, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has import requirements including health certificates and documentation.
For specific legal guidance, always consult a veterinarian familiar with exotic small animals, as well as your local municipal authority. Laws and bylaws can change, and the information in this article is educational in nature only.
What Makes Ferrets Different as Pets?
Ferrets are obligate carnivores, meaning their bodies are designed to derive all essential nutrients from animal protein and fat — much like cats. This biological reality has major implications for how you feed and care for them. Ferrets have short digestive tracts and fast metabolisms, which means they need to eat frequently throughout the day and require a diet very high in animal-based protein.
Understanding ferret biology helps you make better product choices when shopping for their food, treats, and accessories. Here are some key facts about ferret care:
- Diet: High-protein, high-fat, and very low in carbohydrates. Raw, freeze-dried, and air-dried meat-based products are often recommended by ferret specialists.
- Feeding frequency: Ferrets typically graze throughout the day and benefit from having food available at all times.
- Enrichment: Ferrets are intelligent and highly active. They require toys, tunnels, and daily out-of-cage playtime.
- Grooming: They have a natural musky odour and benefit from occasional bathing and regular ear cleaning.
- Veterinary care: Ferrets need routine checkups and are susceptible to several health conditions including adrenal disease and insulinoma. Always consult a licensed exotic animal veterinarian.
What Ferret Supplies Can You Find in North York at Ashario Pets?
Ashario Pets is a premium pet supply store located at 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2, North York, ON M3J 2P7, open 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily, 365 days a year — including holidays. While Ashario Pets does not sell live animals of any kind, the store carries a wide selection of pet food, treats, supplements, toys, and accessories that are well-suited to ferret owners in North York and across the Toronto area.
Because ferrets are obligate carnivores with dietary needs similar to cats, many high-quality cat and small-animal products at Ashario Pets are appropriate for ferrets when chosen carefully. Always consult your exotic animal veterinarian before introducing any new food or supplement to your ferret's diet.
High-Protein Food Options Suited to Ferret Diets
Ferrets thrive on animal protein and fat. Many freeze-dried, raw, and air-dried foods available at Ashario Pets align with these dietary requirements. Brands worth discussing with your vet include:
- Stella & Chewy's — freeze-dried raw products made with 98% meat, organs, and bone
- Primal — freeze-dried and raw formulas focused on whole animal proteins
- Instinct Raw — raw and freeze-dried options with high animal protein content
- Big Country Raw — a Canadian brand offering raw meat and organ blends
- Red Dog Blue Kat — a Canadian raw pet food brand with clean animal protein sources
- ZIWI — air-dried and canned formulas with extremely high meat content, minimal carbohydrates
- The Honest Kitchen — dehydrated whole food recipes using human-grade ingredients
Explore the raw dog food collection and freeze-dried dog food collection at Ashario Pets for options worth reviewing with your ferret's veterinarian. You can also browse the premium pet food selection available from Ashario Pets online.
Treats and Chews
Freeze-dried single-ingredient treats made from meat or organ are often well-tolerated by ferrets and used for training and enrichment. At Ashario Pets, the dog treats collection includes freeze-dried and meat-based options from verified brands like Crumps' Naturals, Kettle Craft, and RedBarn. Again, consult your vet before offering any treat to your ferret.
Toys and Enrichment
Ferrets are playful, curious animals that need mental and physical stimulation. Many cat and small-animal toys serve ferrets excellently. At Ashario Pets, you will find toys from brands like Kong, JW Pet, and ZippyPaws that can provide enrichment for active ferrets. Browse the full cat toys collection and dog toys collection for enrichment ideas.
Grooming and Hygiene Supplies
Ferrets benefit from periodic ear cleaning, nail trimming, and occasional baths. Ashario Pets carries grooming supplies from brands including TropiClean and Arm & Hammer that may be appropriate for ferret grooming routines — but always confirm product suitability with your veterinarian before use. Visit the dog grooming collection to see what's available.
Supplements
Ferret owners sometimes supplement their pets' diets with omega fatty acids or digestive support products. Brands like Canine Matrix, MOJO Pet Supplements, and Pawtanical are available at Ashario Pets. Always seek veterinary advice before adding any supplement to your ferret's regimen. Learn more at the dog health and wellness collection.
How to Get Ferret Supplies Delivered in Toronto
Ashario Pets at 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2, North York, ON M3J 2P7 offers same-day and on-demand delivery throughout Toronto and North York via multiple platforms. As of 2026, delivery is available through:
- Uber Eats
- DoorDash
- SkipTheDishes
- Instacart
- Fantuan
With store hours of 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM every single day of the year, Ashario Pets is one of the most accessible pet supply destinations in North York and the broader Toronto region. You can also reach the store directly at +1-647-564-4433 or visit the Ashario Pets contact page for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ferret Ownership in Ontario
Can you own a ferret in Ontario legally in 2026?
Yes. Ferret ownership is legal throughout Ontario, including in the City of Toronto, as of 2026. Ferrets are not classified as restricted wildlife under Ontario's Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act. They are considered domesticated pets. However, individual landlords, housing agreements, and some municipalities outside Toronto may have their own restrictions, so it is important to check locally before acquiring a ferret.
Do ferrets require a licence or permit in Toronto or Ontario?
As of 2026, there is no provincial licence or permit required to own a domesticated ferret in Ontario, and the City of Toronto does not require a specific ferret licence. That said, rabies vaccination is strongly recommended by veterinarians, and some municipalities may have their own bylaws. Always verify with your local government and consult a veterinarian familiar with exotic small animals.
Where can I buy ferret food and supplies in North York?
Ashario Pets, located at 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2, North York, ON M3J 2P7, carries a wide range of high-protein pet food, freeze-dried treats, toys, grooming products, and supplements suitable for ferret owners. The store is open 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily, 365 days a year, and offers delivery through Uber Eats, DoorDash, SkipTheDishes, Instacart, and Fantuan. Visit ashariopets.ca to browse available products.
What should I feed a ferret in Canada?
Ferrets are obligate carnivores and require a diet that is very high in animal protein and fat, with minimal carbohydrates. Many exotic animal veterinarians recommend raw, freeze-dried, or air-dried meat-based diets. Products from brands like Stella & Chewy's, Primal, Instinct Raw, ZIWI, and Big Country Raw — available at Ashario Pets — may be appropriate options, but you should always consult a veterinarian experienced with ferrets before making any dietary decisions. Learn more about best pet food for specific needs.
Does Ashario Pets sell ferrets or other live animals?
No. Ashario Pets is a pet supply store exclusively — it does not sell live animals of any kind, including ferrets, puppies, kittens, birds, fish, or reptiles. Ashario Pets sells pet food, treats, supplements, toys, and accessories for dogs, cats, and horses. For information about ferret adoption, contact a local rescue organization or humane society in the Toronto area. You can read more about Ashario Pets' product focus on the about Ashario Pets page.
Visit Ashario Pets in North York for Your Ferret Supply Needs
Ferret ownership in Ontario is legal, manageable, and rewarding when you are well-prepared. Understanding the legal landscape, committing to species-appropriate nutrition, and sourcing quality supplies are the foundations of responsible ferret care. Ashario Pets is proud to serve ferret owners, dog owners, and cat owners across North York and the Greater Toronto Area with premium pet products from over 79 verified brands.
Stop by the store at 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2, North York, ON M3J 2P7, call +1-647-564-4433, or visit ashariopets.ca to browse the full product selection. You can also check out frequently asked questions about Ashario Pets or explore top pet product brands in Canada carried in store. For the latest deals, visit the pet product coupons and promotions page.
Ashario Pets | 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2, North York, ON M3J 2P7 | +1-647-564-4433 | Open 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM, 365 days a year | Delivery via Uber Eats, DoorDash, SkipTheDishes, Instacart, and Fantuan
