Thinking about getting a pet squirrel? Laws change a lot from state to state. Some places flat-out ban keeping wild squirrels, but a few states allow pet squirrels—sometimes with a permit, sometimes not. You’ll only find a handful of states where owning a squirrel is totally legal, and in others, you might need a permit or proof that your squirrel came from a breeder.
This article breaks down which states let you keep a squirrel, what permits you might need, and some basics about responsible care. If you’re curious about where you can legally own one, what paperwork could pop up, or just want to know how to keep a squirrel safe and healthy, you’re in the right place.
Where Is It Legal to Own a Squirrel in the United States
State and city laws about keeping squirrels can be all over the map. Some states say yes, no questions asked. Others want permits or set limits, and plenty just say no.
States With No Permit Needed
A small number of states let you have a squirrel without any special paperwork. Arkansas, Idaho, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming usually come up on these lists. In these places, you can usually buy or adopt a captive-bred squirrel and keep it as a pet under state law.
You still have to follow general animal welfare rules, of course. Local ordinances, landlord policies, or HOA rules can still block you, even if the state gives the green light.
For a detailed breakdown, check this pet squirrel legal states list.
States Allowing Squirrels With Permits or Restrictions
Some states say yes, but only if you get a permit or follow special rules. Delaware, Indiana, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Rhode Island, and South Carolina usually want you to have a permit for exotic pets or wildlife.
A few states add extra twists. Nebraska might allow squirrels only if you didn’t take them from the wild. Massachusetts and Montana sometimes only allow flying squirrels. South Dakota could let you keep a squirrel if you bought it from a state where it’s legal.
Permit applications usually ask for proof your squirrel came from a breeder, and you’ll need to show how you’ll house and care for it. Fees, inspections, and renewals are pretty common. Your state wildlife or agriculture agency will have the details.
States Where Squirrel Ownership Is Prohibited
A lot of states ban pet squirrels completely. California and Colorado, for example, generally don’t let people own wild squirrels. They only give licenses for rehab or education.
If you keep a squirrel illegally, you could face fines, lose the animal, or even get criminal charges if it’s serious. Bringing a squirrel into a state that bans them can get you in more trouble.
If you’re in a state with a ban, you might want to consider other small pets that fit your local exotic pet laws.
Differences Between State and Local Laws
State laws set the basics, but cities and counties can add their own restrictions. So even if your state allows pet squirrels, your city or HOA might not.
Always double check local laws and zoning rules before you get a squirrel. Ask your landlord or HOA in writing, just to be safe. It’s smart to call animal control or your city clerk too.
If you need a permit, local officials can walk you through the steps, tell you what kind of enclosure you’ll need, and explain inspection or vet requirements. Local rules can also affect how you transport, sell, or breed squirrels.
Requirements, Permits, and Responsible Squirrel Ownership
If you’re thinking about a squirrel, you’ll need to know what permits you might face, how to get one legally, and the basics of care that states expect. Most rules depend on whether the state sees squirrels as exotic pets, native wildlife, or captive wildlife.
Types of Permits and Their Purposes
A lot of states require a permit to keep a squirrel. You’ll hear names like wild animal possession permit, captive wildlife permit, or exotic pet permit. These permits exist to track who owns what, protect wild populations, and make sure animals get decent care.
You’ll usually need to prove where your squirrel came from—often a bill of sale from a USDA-licensed breeder. Officials might ask for your cage plans or a vet’s contact info. Some permits only allow certain species (like flying squirrels) or ban wild-caught animals.
Fees, renewal times, and inspection rules aren’t the same everywhere. You might have to renew every year and pass an inspection that checks cage size and safety. If you break the rules, you could lose your squirrel or pay a fine.
Acquiring Pet Squirrels Legally
If your state allows it, buy from a licensed breeder or authorized dealer. Never catch a wild squirrel if the law says it’s not allowed—most states ban wild-caught pets and want proof your animal was born in captivity.
When you buy, get a bill of sale with the species, date of birth, and breeder’s license. Hold onto all your paperwork for permits and inspections. If your state says you need a permit before you get the squirrel, apply first—some places fine you if you get the animal before approval.
Check your city or county rules too. Your state might say yes, but your town could say no. If you move, double check transport rules, since what’s legal in one state could be illegal in the next.
Care Guidelines for Legal Ownership
If you own a flying squirrel, you’ll want to set up an escape-proof enclosure that’s big enough for climbing and gliding. Toss in some sturdy branches, a cozy nest for hiding, and a few safe chew toys.
Keep the bedding clean and swap it out every week. That really helps cut down on disease risk.
When it comes to food, stick with a balanced diet. Offer nuts (but not too many), fresh fruits and veggies, and protein that fits their species. Stay away from processed human snacks and definitely skip anything toxic, like chocolate or avocado.
Make sure you bring your squirrel to a vet who understands exotic pets or wildlife. Regular checkups matter.
To help prevent disease and stress, socialize your squirrel the right way. Some of these little guys need a buddy, but others seem to do fine solo.
Always follow quarantine guidelines after you bring a new squirrel home. If your permit requires inspections, don’t skip those—it’s part of keeping things legal.
