Maybe you love the idea of a fluffy-tailed companion. But whether you can legally keep a squirrel really depends on where you live—and which species you’re eyeing.
Most states only let you keep squirrels if you have a permit. Some allow certain species, and honestly, a lot of places ban them outright. Always check your local and state laws before you even think about bringing one home.
If you’re dreaming of a pet squirrel, let’s talk about where it’s legal, what paperwork you might need, and what real-life care actually looks like. Better to know before you fall in love, right?
Legal Status of Having Squirrels as Pets
Laws about keeping squirrels shift a lot depending on your location, the species, and your reasons for wanting one. You’ll need to check state rules, permit steps, species restrictions, and any federal or city laws before you try to keep a squirrel.
State Regulations on Pet Squirrels
States set the main rules for squirrel ownership. Some states totally ban private ownership of native squirrels like grey, fox, and red squirrels.
Other states allow you to keep a squirrel if it’s captive-bred or if you get a special permit. Sometimes, city or county rules get even stricter than state law, so you really have to check local ordinances too.
Even in states that allow pet squirrels, the law usually prohibits taking them from the wild. Capturing wild grey or red squirrels without permission is almost always illegal.
Most state wildlife agencies list which species you can keep and whether flying squirrels fall under different rules.
Permit and Licensing Requirements
When you need a permit, you usually have to apply through your state’s wildlife agency or whoever handles captive wildlife. Typical permits include a captive wildlife permit or a rehabilitation license for short-term care.
Permits often require you to submit a housing plan, show proof you have access to a vet, and sometimes pass inspections.
Wildlife rehabilitators can keep wild squirrels temporarily for care, but that doesn’t mean you get to keep the animal. If you want to own a squirrel long-term, expect background checks, permit fees, and renewal paperwork.
If you don’t have the right permits, you could face fines, have your animal confiscated, or even get criminal charges.
Species-Specific Restrictions
Different squirrel species come with different rules. Grey, fox, and red squirrels are usually treated as native wildlife and face the most restrictions.
Flying squirrels sometimes fall under separate regulations since some are protected or just harder to care for.
Non-native or captive-bred squirrels might be legal where native species aren’t, but you’ll need to prove they were lawfully bred and transferred. If you’re thinking about an endangered or protected species, you’ll need U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service approval.
Always double-check the species you want and see if it’s on any protected or banned lists.
Federal and Local Laws That Apply
There’s no single federal license for private squirrel ownership, but federal rules still matter. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages importation and endangered species, so moving a squirrel across state lines or into the U.S. can trigger federal permits.
The USDA enforces the Animal Welfare Act for breeders or sellers, so that can come into play too.
Local city and county laws might ban exotic or wild animals, set enclosure standards, or have nuisance rules. You have to follow federal, state, and local rules together.
If you want to travel with a pet squirrel between states, get written confirmation about which forms you need. When in doubt, call your state wildlife agency or talk to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for advice.
Caring for Squirrels as Pets
Squirrels need big, secure enclosures, a mixed diet, regular vet visits, and plenty of things to do. You’ll have to plan for legal checks, daily care, and time to meet their natural behaviors.
Proper Housing and Enclosures
You’ll need a tall, escape-proof cage—think at least 6 feet high so your squirrel can climb. Use heavy-gauge wire and a sturdy frame; small mesh can hurt their toes or let them slip out.
Add lots of branches, platforms, and hiding spots at different heights so your squirrel can jump and rest safely.
Line the floor with newspaper or paper bedding and change it every week. Put in a nest box or hollow log for sleeping.
Keep the cage indoors or in a protected sunroom to shield your squirrel from predators and bad weather. Use chew-proof locks on doors and cover up any exposed wiring.
Let your squirrel out for supervised playtime in a squirrel-proof room or a secure playpen. Add tall shelves, ropes, and safe toys so they can exercise and forage.
Rotate toys and branches to keep things interesting and cut down on destructive chewing.
Diet and Health Needs
Feed a varied diet: raw, unsalted nuts (in-shell if you can), fresh fruits, veggies, and a commercial rodent pellet made for tree squirrels if you can find it.
Offer protein now and then—cooked egg, mealworms, or lean cooked poultry work. Skip high-fat or sugary snacks and anything salty.
Give fresh water in a sturdy bowl and check it daily. Watch your squirrel’s weight and coat—if the fur looks dull or eating habits change, it could mean something’s wrong.
Follow a regular deworming and parasite plan if your vet suggests it.
Don’t just rely on backyard feeding. For more details on nutrition and portion sizes, ask a vet who knows wild or exotic rodents.
Keep a food log for the first month to track what your squirrel eats and how their digestion looks.
Finding Veterinary Care
Find an exotic animal vet or a wildlife rehabilitator who knows how to treat squirrels. Not every vet will see tree squirrels, so call ahead to make sure they handle small wild rodents and can provide surgery, dental care, and parasite treatment.
Ask about emergency options before you bring a squirrel home.
Bring any health history, photos, and a sample of droppings to your first appointment. The vet will probably do a basic exam, check for parasites, and talk to you about diet and housing.
Set money aside for yearly check-ups and possible dental work—squirrel teeth never stop growing, so they might need attention.
If you can’t find an exotic vet nearby, reach out to wildlife rescue groups or local universities with a vet program for recommendations.
Save your vet’s contact info and always have a plan for transporting your squirrel in a secure carrier.
Challenges of Keeping Squirrels in Captivity
Squirrels have strong wild instincts. They crave constant mental stimulation, space to climb, and plenty of things to chew on.
If you don’t offer these, they get stressed out quickly. Some will bite or start odd habits like chewing their own fur.
You really need to interact with them every day. Enrichment isn’t optional—it’s a must if you want to avoid a bored or anxious squirrel.
Squirrels aren’t actually domesticated, no matter how cute they seem. They might carry parasites, and they can bite or spread diseases.
That brings up some public health and legal questions. Always check your local laws or permit requirements before you even think about bringing one home.
Caring for a squirrel takes a lot of time and money. You’ll need to upgrade their habitat, pay for vet visits, and constantly replace things they chew up.
If you can’t commit to all this, maybe it’s better to help wildlife in other ways. Try making your yard squirrel-friendly or volunteer with a rescue group instead.
