In some places, you can legally keep a squirrel, but you’ll probably need permits, have to follow strict rules, and be ready for a pretty big care commitment. If you’re thinking about a pet squirrel, check your local laws first and know you’re signing up for a hands-on, long-term project.
So, you’re wondering if a squirrel could actually live happily with you? Let’s break down what sets squirrels apart from the usual pets, which species might handle captive life best, and what you’ll need to handle for their housing, food, and health.
You’ll get the info you need to decide if bringing a squirrel home makes sense—or if it’s better to just enjoy them in the wild.
Is It Possible To Have A Squirrel As A Pet?
Sometimes, people do keep squirrels, but you have to check the law, meet some pretty tough care standards, and seriously consider what’s best for the animal. A lot of folks who try this end up working with wildlife centers or just pick a more traditional, legal pet.
Legal Considerations By Region
Laws are all over the place depending on your state or country. Some U.S. states flat-out ban keeping native tree squirrels as pets.
Others might let you do it if you get a permit, or only if the animal can’t survive in the wild. The best move? Call your state wildlife agency or local animal control to get the real scoop.
If you find a squirrel that’s injured or orphaned, most places want you to hand it over to a licensed wildlife rehabber or center. Permits usually mean you have to prove you’ve got the right housing and access to a vet.
If you break wildlife laws, you could get fined or lose the animal. That’s not a risk worth taking.
Exotic pet rules might also kick in, and sometimes your local city or HOA adds extra restrictions. Always get written permission if you need it, and hang onto those permits and vet records.
Challenges Of Domestication
Squirrels are wild at heart—super active, always busy, and have some complex needs. They crave big, vertical spaces for climbing, tons of stuff to chew, and a diet that’s pretty close to what they’d find outside: nuts, seeds, fruits, fungi.
Standard cages for rabbits or birds? They won’t cut it. Squirrels can squeeze through tiny gaps and chew through things you’d never expect.
Training a squirrel is possible, but it’s slow going. You’ll need patience for litter training and shaping behavior.
They might bite if they get scared, and they can carry parasites or diseases. You’ll want an exotic-wildlife vet lined up for regular checkups.
If you want them inside, you have to squirrel-proof everything. Hide breakables, cover cords, and keep them away from other pets unless you’re right there.
Honestly, a lot of people end up returning their squirrels to rehab or trying to rewild them when the care gets overwhelming.
Ethical And Welfare Concerns
Keeping a wild squirrel as a pet raises some tough questions. When you keep them, they often lose the skills they’d need to survive if you ever tried to release them later.
Permanent care should really only happen if the animal can’t make it in the wild or if you’ve got a legal permit to rehab.
Wild squirrels have all kinds of social and seasonal habits—stashing food, roaming big territories, and more. Captivity limits those instincts and can lead to stress, boredom, or weird repetitive behaviors.
You’ll need to get creative with enrichment: climbing setups, foraging puzzles, and safe things to gnaw on.
If you end up with a baby or injured squirrel, it’s best to work with a wildlife rehab center. They’ll give the animal the best shot at going back to the wild, and you’ll stay on the right side of the law.
Types Of Squirrels And Essential Care Requirements
Let’s look at which squirrel types people try to keep, how their needs and personalities stack up, and the main things you’ll have to do to keep them healthy and safe.
Pay close attention to space, diet, laws, and finding the right vet or rehab help.
Tree Squirrels And Their Behavior
Tree squirrels (genus Sciurus) stay busy during the day and need tall spaces to jump and climb. You’ll catch them hiding food, chewing to keep their teeth in check, and marking their turf.
Gray, fox, and red squirrels are the usual suspects in the pet world, but they’re still wild at their core.
Give them a tall cage with lots of branches, platforms, and places to hide. Their diet needs to include different nuts, fresh fruits, veggies, and a good rodent or squirrel mix.
Keep an eye out for teeth that get too long or sudden weight changes. Those usually mean something’s wrong.
They love to chew. You’ll need to squirrel-proof your space and give them safe wood blocks or toys.
Some tree squirrels might let you handle them, but plenty will stay skittish. Always check your local laws and find a vet who knows how to care for these guys.
Flying Squirrels Compared To Sugar Gliders
Flying squirrels come out at night and use skin flaps (patagia) to glide between trees. They’re small, quiet, and need a dim, secure setup with branches for gliding and cozy boxes for daytime naps.
Feed them high-protein foods—think insects, lean meats, special mixes—plus fruits and calcium. They usually bond better at night, so handle them gently when they’re awake.
Don’t mix up flying squirrels with sugar gliders. Sugar gliders are marsupials, not rodents, and have pretty different needs.
If you’re looking up care tips, make sure you’re reading about the right animal. Both need experienced vets and lots of social time, but their housing, diet, and routines aren’t the same.
Caring For A Pet Squirrel At Home
Set up a big, sturdy enclosure with plenty of height, perches, and safe materials for chewing. If you let them roam indoors, make sure you’ve covered wires, blocked off gaps, and removed any toxic plants.
Feed a mix of good-quality squirrel or rodent food, fresh veggies and fruits, and a bit of protein now and then. Always have clean water in a heavy bowl.
Switch up their toys, foraging puzzles, and branches to keep them interested and stop them from getting destructive.
You’ll need an exotic animal vet for checkups, dental trims, and treating any parasites. Watch for fleas or mites and only use treatments your vet recommends.
Spend time with them every day, but go slow—some squirrels just don’t want much handling. If your squirrel came from the wild, talk to a wildlife rehabber about their behavior and whether releasing them is even possible.
Adopting Or Rescuing A Squirrel
Only adopt squirrels that can’t survive in the wild or that your local laws actually let you keep. Start by reaching out to licensed wildlife rehabilitators; they’ll figure out if the squirrel can go back to the wild or if it needs a permanent home.
When you decide to adopt, ask for medical records, an age estimate, and some notes on the squirrel’s behavior. You’ll need to plan for quarantine and slowly introduce the squirrel to new surroundings.
Find a vet who’s comfortable with exotic species, and double-check any permit rules with your local wildlife authorities before you make it official.
If you stumble across an injured or orphaned squirrel, call a wildlife rehabilitator instead of trying to help it at home. These folks understand the right feeding times, how to keep the animal warm, and proper weaning steps.
If you do end up with a squirrel that can’t go back to the wild, stick to the rehabber’s advice about diet, enrichment, and social stuff. That way, you can give the little guy the best shot at a good life.
