Thinking about a pet squirrel? You’ll need to figure out where it’s legal and who can actually sell or rehome one safely. You’ll usually find squirrels through licensed breeders, wildlife rehabilitators with non-releasable animals, or sometimes exotic pet sellers—but local laws and permits really decide if you can keep one at all.
This article will point you to practical places to look, how to check the legal stuff, and what you can expect from trusted sellers or rescues.
You’ll pick up the steps to take before bringing a squirrel home, so you don’t run into surprises and can actually care for the animal.
How and Where to Get a Squirrel as a Pet
Start by checking your local laws, then find a reputable seller or rehabilitator, and get ready for a long-term, specialized pet.
Costs, permits, and care can vary a lot depending on where you live and which squirrel species you want.
Legality by State and Region
Laws shift from state to state, and even between countries. Some places ban native species like the eastern gray squirrel or fox squirrel as pets.
Other areas allow ownership if you have permits or proof the squirrel was bred in captivity. Reach out to your state wildlife agency or local animal control for the exact rules.
Make sure you check permit types, quarantine requirements, and travel restrictions. If you skip the regulations, you could face fines or even lose the animal.
Keep written proof of your permits and breeder paperwork handy. If it’s illegal where you live, maybe enjoy watching wild squirrels or help out with rescues instead.
Licensed Breeders and Exotic Pet Stores
Licensed breeders can sell pet squirrels bred in captivity. Look for breeders who give you health records, the animal’s age (never under 8 weeks), and clear breeding permits.
Good exotic pet stores check your local permits before selling and offer care sheets for species like red squirrels or eastern grays.
Ask breeders about genetics, socialization, and what happens if things don’t work out. Go visit if you can—see how the animals look, check enclosure size, and make sure things are clean.
If a seller dodges your questions or only accepts cash, that’s a bad sign. Expect to pay more for well-documented, legal squirrels, and remember you’ll have ongoing vet and housing costs.
Adopting from Wildlife Rehabilitators
Wildlife rehabilitators care for injured or orphaned squirrels and sometimes let people adopt those that can’t go back to the wild.
Contact local rehabilitation centers or wildlife hospitals to ask about adoptable squirrels. They’ll screen you, want proof you have good housing, and usually give you detailed care advice.
Adopting from a rehabilitator helps a squirrel that can’t survive outside. Rehabilitators usually vaccinate, check for parasites, and share the animal’s history.
Get ready for strict rules. Some only place certain species, like baby eastern grays, and may not let you release the squirrel later.
Online Marketplaces and Directories
Online listings sometimes connect you to breeders, rescues, or private sellers. Stick to exotic-pet directories and community groups, not random classifieds.
Always verify the seller—ask for permits, photos, vet records, and references. If you can, meet the animal in a safe, public place.
Watch out for vague listings, missing paperwork, or sellers who won’t let you see the animal. Never buy a wild-caught squirrel labeled “tame” unless there’s proof of legal capture and health checks.
Online groups can help you find local rehabilitators and licensed breeders, but always double-check the legal rules before buying.
What to Know Before Owning a Squirrel
Owning a squirrel takes real planning. You’ll want to know which species work in a home, what their care looks like day to day, and how to feed them safely.
Types of Squirrels Kept as Pets
Most people keep two types: tree squirrels and flying squirrels. Tree squirrels (like eastern gray or fox squirrels) are active, need lots of vertical space, and aren’t super easy to handle.
Flying squirrels are smaller, nocturnal, and usually bond more with people. Ground squirrels and prairie dogs are different—prairie dogs look like rodents, can be friendly, but need social groups and more space than most homes offer.
Check your local laws before picking a species. Some states protect native squirrels.
Ask breeders or rescues about age, health, and whether the squirrel was captive-bred or wild-caught. Captive-bred young are usually easier and may be legal where wild-caught ones aren’t.
Squirrel Care Basics
You’ll need a tall enclosure or a whole room with branches and places to climb. Squirrels need vertical space; aim for at least 4–6 feet tall for tree squirrels.
Flying squirrels need hide boxes and low-watt night lights since they’re active at night.
Handle them gently and start with short sessions to build trust. They have a ton of energy—squirrels chew and climb constantly—so squirrel-proof wires, plants, and little gaps.
Take them to an exotic-animal vet regularly. Plan for long-term care: some species live many years, and you’ll pay for vet visits, better habitats, and plenty of enrichment along the way.
Feeding and Diet for Squirrels
Give squirrels a varied diet. Fresh nuts (unsalted), fruits, veggies, and rodent blocks designed for their needs all work well.
Skip the seed mixes and high-fat snacks. Flying squirrels especially need more protein, so toss in some mealworms or fortified pellets.
Try to switch up fresh foods every day. If there are leftovers, take them out before they spoil.
Don’t offer human treats, and definitely never give chocolate, avocado, or salty foods. Squirrels always need fresh water, so keep a sturdy dish or bottle filled.
Not sure what brands to buy or if they need extra vitamins? It’s a good idea to ask an exotic vet.
Feeding your squirrel well can help them avoid common problems like metabolic bone disease and obesity.
