Watching squirrels in your yard can be fun, but deciding to keep one as a pet? That’s a whole different ballgame, and it comes with some serious risks and responsibilities. If you’re looking for a pet, a squirrel usually isn’t the best pick—they’re wild, need special care, and you might not even be allowed to have one where you live.
Think about what caring for a squirrel really means day to day. You need to check if your local laws allow it, and honestly, meeting their needs for food, space, and safety can be tough.
This post digs into whether squirrels fit into regular life, what kind of care they need, and what to do if you ever find a hurt or orphaned squirrel.
Do Squirrels Make Good Pets?
Squirrels are lively and clever, sure, but they need special care, plenty of space, and legal permission. Before you even try to keep one as a pet, you have to consider their behavior, the law, health risks, and just how much time and money you’ll spend.
Wild Versus Domesticated Behavior
Squirrels aren’t domesticated like dogs or cats. They’re wild, driven by instinct to forage, climb, and hide.
Even if you raise a squirrel by hand, it might look tame, but it can still get startled, bite, or chew up your stuff.
Expect a lot of energy. Tree squirrels want to jump, climb, and gnaw on everything. Ground squirrels love to dig and need dirt.
You can train a squirrel to do simple things, but don’t expect the kind of obedience you get from a dog.
If you find a wild squirrel that’s hurt or orphaned, reach out to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. They know what to do and can decide if the squirrel should go back to the wild or stay in care.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
A lot of places just don’t allow people to keep squirrels without a permit. Laws change from state to state and country to country.
Always check your local wildlife rules and permit requirements before you even think about adopting a squirrel.
Taking a wild squirrel out of nature isn’t great for the animal or the local population. Sometimes there are captive breeding programs, but breeders usually need special licenses.
If you keep a squirrel illegally, you risk having it taken away—or worse. In some states, the authorities might even euthanize it.
If you find an orphan, don’t just try to raise it yourself. Call a wildlife rescue. Licensed rehabilitators know how to protect both you and the animal.
Potential Benefits of Pet Squirrels
Pet squirrels can be super entertaining and smart. Watching them solve problems or stash food is honestly pretty fun.
Some folks form close bonds with a squirrel they’ve raised from a baby. You might even train one to take treats from your hand or run through simple obstacle courses.
If you do everything legally and feed them right, some species adjust to living with people better than others. People who already have experience with small animals might find a squirrel to be a unique, curious companion.
Adopting from a licensed breeder or rehabilitator lowers disease risks and means the squirrel gets better care than if you just caught one outside.
Key Challenges and Risks
Housing is a huge challenge. Squirrels need tall cages or safe spaces to climb, plus stuff to chew on that they can’t destroy.
Most regular small-animal cages just won’t cut it—they’re too small and too easy to escape from.
Bites, scratches, and diseases like leptospirosis or ringworm are real risks. Finding a vet who knows how to treat squirrels can be tricky.
Their diets are complicated. Squirrels need a mix of plants and animal proteins, and if you get it wrong, they could end up overweight or with organ issues.
They can get aggressive, make noise at night, and chew up wood, wires, or furniture. If a squirrel escapes, it might not survive on its own after living with people.
You need to plan for long-term care, a proper enclosure, access to a vet, and legal compliance before you even think about keeping a squirrel as a pet.
Essential Care and Considerations
Before you bring a squirrel home, think about the species, how much space it needs, its diet, and whether you can get medical support. Each of these things will affect your daily routine, your home setup, and any legal issues.
Understanding Squirrel Species and Types
Different squirrels need different things. Tree squirrels (like eastern gray squirrels) climb a lot and want tall spaces with branches.
Flying squirrels are nocturnal, so they need dark nesting boxes and gentle handling. Ground squirrels love to burrow, so they need secure floor space and stuff to dig in.
When you research care or laws, look up the scientific family name, Sciuridae. Some species are flat-out illegal to own in a lot of places.
Figure out exactly what kind of squirrel you have so you can match its diet, activity, and social needs to what it does in the wild.
Temperament varies, too. Flying squirrels might get used to gentle handling if you start early. Tree squirrels often stay pretty wild and can bite. Ground squirrels can be social but need room to dig and hide.
Requirements for Squirrel Housing and Environment
Squirrels care more about vertical space and things to do than a big floor area. For tree and flying squirrels, go for a cage that’s at least 6–8 feet tall, with branches, perches, and different levels.
Add hiding boxes and nesting material. Ground squirrels want deep soil or substrate to dig in and a sheltered burrow spot.
Use solid floors or bedding, not wire mesh—it can hurt their feet. Both indoor and outdoor setups need to keep out predators and prevent escapes.
Keep the temperature steady; most tree and flying squirrels do best inside where it’s moderate. Give them UVB light or natural sunlight for vitamin D if your vet says so.
Switch up toys and rearrange things to keep them from getting bored.
Dietary and Health Needs
Feed them a varied diet that fits their species. Tree squirrels eat nuts, fruits, and leafy greens—don’t overdo it on fatty treats.
Flying squirrels need more insects and protein, along with nuts and fruit. Ground squirrels do well with high-fiber veggies and safe grains.
Make sure they always have fresh water in a shallow dish. If your vet recommends it, add calcium sources like cuttlebone or powder.
Steer clear of chocolate, processed foods, and avocado—those can be toxic.
Watch for signs of sickness: if your squirrel seems tired, loses weight, has swollen joints, weird droppings, or teeth that look too long, it’s time to worry.
Check their weight regularly so you catch problems early. Find a vet who knows exotic mammals before you need help.
Specialized Care, Socialization, and Veterinary Support
Different species have their own social needs. Some tree squirrels prefer to be alone and honestly, they get pretty stressed if you try to handle them.
Flying squirrels, on the other hand, act much more social. They usually tolerate gentle, nightly interaction. Ground squirrels sometimes bond if you’re careful and consistent with your handling.
Set aside plenty of time for enrichment. Try foraging puzzles, climbing structures, and let them have supervised play outside their enclosure. When you start handling, put on gloves and move slowly—nobody wants to get bitten.
Look for a vet who understands exotics or wildlife, specifically Sciuridae. Be prepared for higher costs and, well, not every town has someone qualified. Always ask about things like vaccinations, parasite control, and common health issues such as dental disease or metabolic bone disease.
If your area requires it, keep your legal permits or rehab contacts handy. Local laws can be surprisingly strict.
