Ever thought about having a pet squirrel? Sure, you’ll find people who keep them, but it’s a lot more than posting cute videos online.
Depending on where you live, keeping a squirrel might be totally fine—or it could get you in trouble. They also need special food, the right living space, and a vet who knows what they’re doing.
Let’s look at what kinds of squirrels people keep, the laws that might stop you, and what it actually takes to care for one every day.
If you love wildlife and hands-on animal care, maybe a squirrel could fit into your life—or maybe not. Let’s see.
Pet Squirrels: Ownership, Legality, and Types
We’ll talk about whether you can legally own a squirrel, how folks usually get them, which types end up as pets, and what life with a squirrel is actually like.
Is It Legal to Own a Squirrel?
Laws really depend on where you are—state, county, and even city.
Some states let you keep a squirrel if you get a permit. Others? Not a chance. You could get fined or lose the animal.
Check with your state’s wildlife agency before you do anything. Some places only allow squirrels if you have a wildlife rehab or exotic pet permit.
Those permits usually mean you need training, home inspections, and proof you got the animal legally. Federal rules might also kick in, especially for rare or protected species.
Local rules can be even tougher than state laws. So, even if your state says yes, your city or county might say no.
If you find an injured squirrel, most states want you to hand it over to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator instead of keeping it yourself.
How People Acquire Pet Squirrels
People usually get pet squirrels in three ways: from licensed breeders, through a rare legal transfer from a wildlife rehabilitator, or (unfortunately) by illegally capturing them.
Licensed breeders can sell squirrels where it’s legal. Always ask for permits and health records.
Don’t take wild squirrels from outside unless you have permission from both the law and a rehabilitator. Wild squirrels can carry diseases and often don’t do well as pets.
Some folks adopt from wildlife rehabilitators, but that’s rare and requires a lot of paperwork and usually a permit.
Avoid buying from sketchy online ads or backyard sellers. Without proper documents, you risk losing the animal and facing fines.
Species of Pet Squirrels
Most pet owners choose common tree squirrels or species that aren’t protected.
People keep Eastern gray squirrels, fox squirrels, red squirrels, and sometimes flying squirrels if it’s legal.
Tree squirrels like the Eastern gray or fox squirrel need space to climb and chew. Their diet should include nuts, seeds, fruits, and some supplements.
Flying squirrels are nocturnal and social. They need dim, quiet housing and usually do better with a companion.
Some squirrel species are protected or have different regulations, so double-check what’s allowed in your area before you get attached to a certain type.
Don’t assume all squirrels are fair game. Non-native or protected species come with extra rules. Always confirm the species is legal and that you can meet its needs.
Squirrels as Unconventional Pets
Squirrels need special care, lots of attention, and the right housing.
You’ll need to set up climbing structures, safe things to chew on, and find a vet who knows wildlife.
They’re super active, can be pretty destructive, and don’t bond like dogs or cats. Sometimes they bite when stressed, and they can carry diseases.
Squirrels keep their wild instincts, so you’ll need to give them things to chew and forage for. If you can’t provide that, maybe help out a wildlife rehabber or make your yard squirrel-friendly instead.
That way, you get to enjoy squirrels without all the legal headaches and risks.
Caring for a Pet Squirrel: Needs and Responsibilities
You’ll need to give your squirrel daily food, a safe and roomy home, regular vet care, and plenty of mental stimulation.
Don’t forget about legal stuff, the long-term commitment, and the real risk of bites or escapes.
Diet and Nutrition for Squirrels
Feed a mix of fresh produce, nuts, seeds, and a commercial squirrel or wildlife formula.
You can offer chopped apples, pears, carrots, leafy greens, and sweet potato. Keep high-fat nuts as treats—just a few walnut halves or almonds a day. That helps prevent obesity.
Add protein with cooked egg, plain mealworms, or a little lean cooked chicken once or twice a week.
Always keep fresh water in a shallow dish or bottle. Skip chocolate, caffeine, avocado, and any processed snacks.
If you rescue a baby squirrel, use a species-appropriate milk replacer and talk to a wildlife rehabber or exotic vet.
Housing and Enrichment Requirements
Set up a large, escape-proof cage or indoor enclosure with lots of vertical space.
Aim for multiple levels, sturdy branches, and hiding boxes so your squirrel can climb and stash food.
Line nesting boxes with soft, safe materials.
Switch up toys and add foraging fun—try puzzle feeders, PVC tubes with treats, or scatter food around.
Give them safe things to chew, like untreated hardwood branches or applewood blocks.
Supervised out-of-cage time in a squirrel-proof room or a harnessed outdoor area is great for exercise.
Keep the room between 65–75°F (18–24°C). Check cage wire spacing—squirrels are escape artists.
Hide electrical cords and block small gaps; they’ll chew and squeeze through almost anything.
Handling Health, Safety, and Behavior
Expect wild instincts—fast movements, climbing, and sometimes aggression as they get older.
Move slowly and calmly when you handle them.
Hand-feed treats to build trust, but don’t force things. Rough handling can lead to bites or stress.
Watch for signs of trouble: patchy fur, low energy, weight loss, overgrown teeth, or diarrhea.
Schedule regular check-ups with a vet who knows exotics or wildlife.
If you get bitten deeply, take rabies and tetanus rules seriously and get care right away.
Use positive reinforcement to discourage destructive chewing.
Give them plenty of ways to burrow, climb, and hide so they can act like squirrels—and hopefully stay happy and healthy.
Ethical and Practical Challenges
Before you even think about keeping a squirrel, check your local laws. A lot of places actually ban owning native wildlife if you don’t have the right permits.
Ask yourself—can a squirrel really thrive in captivity? Sometimes, it’s just better for the animal to stay with a licensed rehabilitator.
Daily care isn’t quick or cheap. Vet bills, cage upgrades, and all those enrichment toys? They add up fast.
Squirrels can live for years, and they’ll need your attention the whole time. As they age, some get aggressive or only bond with one person, which makes their social needs tricky.
If you come across an injured or orphaned squirrel, reach out to a licensed rehabilitator. Raising one on your own, without permits or experience, can hurt the animal and land you in legal trouble.
