You can keep a squirrel, but honestly, it’s nothing like having a dog or cat. Squirrels are wild animals, and they need some pretty specialized care, lots of space, and—maybe most importantly—a legal green light before you even think about bringing one home.
If you’re looking for a pet that loves to climb, chew, and constantly needs something to do, maybe a squirrel fits the bill. But only if you’re up for the challenge and can actually meet their needs.
Let’s break it down: We’ll look at the pros and cons, what legal hoops you’ll need to jump through, and what you’re actually signing up for day-to-day. Use this guide to figure out if you can really give a squirrel the time, setup, and vet care it needs to be happy.
Is It Possible to Get Squirrels as Pets?
Before you decide, check the laws, care requirements, and health risks. Some places allow pet squirrels if you get a permit, but others ban them altogether.
Legal Restrictions on Pet Squirrels
Laws really depend on where you live—your state, county, or even your country. In a lot of U.S. states, you’ll either need a permit or you just can’t have one at all.
Contact your state wildlife agency or local animal control to see what rules apply where you are. You might need to show paperwork proving your squirrel was captive-bred or rescued, and sometimes officials want to inspect your enclosure.
If you break the rules, you could face fines or lose your pet. Not worth the risk.
Outside the U.S., national wildlife laws usually protect native squirrels. You should reach out to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or your local wildlife authority before trying to adopt or keep one.
Adopting a Squirrel: What to Know
Only adopt a squirrel if it can’t survive on its own in the wild. Licensed wildlife rehabilitators can tell you if an orphaned or injured squirrel really needs permanent care.
Most of the time, rehabilitators work to release animals after recovery. That’s their goal.
Your squirrel’s home needs to let it climb, hide, and forage. Set up vertical space, branches, puzzle feeders, and always have fresh water available.
Feed a balanced diet: nuts, fruits, veggies, and some protein. Skip the high-fat, salty human snacks.
Vet care is a whole different ballgame compared to dogs or cats. Find an exotic or wildlife vet before you bring a squirrel home.
Expect regular checkups for things like dental issues, parasites, and nutrition problems.
Risks and Challenges of Keeping Squirrels as Pets
Squirrels don’t really lose their wild instincts. They can bite or scratch if they get scared, and they’ll chew through just about anything—walls, furniture, even cords.
If you don’t keep them entertained, they get destructive fast. You’ll need to clean their cages often and handle them carefully to avoid parasites or bacteria.
Vaccines aren’t standard for squirrels, so rely on your vet’s advice. Social needs are huge, too.
Some squirrels live for years. If you travel a lot or work long hours, your pet will probably suffer.
If you’re not sure you can provide everything, maybe consider fostering for a wildlife rehabber instead of full-time ownership.
Caring for a Pet Squirrel: Requirements and Best Practices
To keep your squirrel healthy and safe, you’ll need to meet its specific needs, offer a natural diet, give it a big, climbable home, and schedule regular vet visits.
Types of Squirrels Commonly Kept as Pets
Most people who keep squirrels have tree squirrels or flying squirrels, if their local laws allow it. Tree squirrels—like eastern gray or fox squirrels—are super active and need tall spaces.
Flying squirrels are nocturnal, glide from branch to branch, and honestly, they usually adapt better to being handled. Ground squirrels? Not so much. They dig and have different social and hibernation habits, so they’re rarely kept as pets.
Always check your local rules before you get a squirrel. Some places require permits or ban wild squirrel species as pets.
If you find a baby squirrel, call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator before keeping it. Don’t just assume you can raise it yourself.
Proper Diet and Nutrition for Pet Squirrels
Feed your squirrel natural foods, just like it would eat in the wild. Offer unsalted nuts (walnuts, pecans, acorns), seeds, berries, and seasonal fruits or flowers.
Mix in safe veggies like leafy greens and squash for fiber. Avoid processed snacks, sugary foods, and too much dairy—those can cause health issues.
Only give calcium or vitamin supplements if your vet says so. Change up the foods and scatter them to encourage foraging.
Flying squirrels need some extra protein, like mealworms or a bit of cooked egg. Always keep fresh water available in a shallow dish or bottle.
Housing and Enrichment Needs
Set up a cage or aviary that’s at least 2 ft x 2 ft x 4 ft for smaller species, but honestly, bigger is better—especially for climbers. Use sturdy mesh so they can’t escape, and add solid platforms, branches, and places to hide.
If you go for an outdoor enclosure, make sure it’s protected from weather and predators.
Give them branches from safe hardwoods for chewing and climbing. Offer toys—puzzle feeders, ropes, cardboard tubes. Rotate toys every week to keep things interesting.
Flying squirrels need enclosed nest boxes and dim lighting to match their nighttime habits. Let them have supervised free-roam time in a squirrel-proof room for exercise and bonding.
Health and Vet Care Considerations
Try to find a vet who actually knows how to handle exotic or wild animals before you bring a squirrel home. Book an initial checkup for things like parasites, injuries, and some honest advice about diet.
Keep a log of your squirrel’s weight and daily behavior. If you suddenly notice weight loss, sluggishness, or weird changes in their stool, get them to the vet right away.
Focus on preventive care—things like parasite control and making sure their home is safe so they don’t get hurt from falls or fights. Please, don’t try to medicate your squirrel on your own.
If you end up rescuing a wild squirrel, reach out to a wildlife rehabilitator. They can help you figure out if the squirrel is ready to go back to the wild or if it’ll need care for life.
