Yes, you can buy squirrels as pets in some places, but state wildlife rules and sourcing laws decide what’s legal.
Squirrels look small and friendly, so it’s easy to lump them in with pet-store rodents. That shortcut causes headaches. In many regions they’re treated as native wildlife, not household pets.
This guide helps you answer one thing with confidence: is ownership legal where you live, and can you meet the care load without cutting corners?
Buying Squirrels As Pets By State And Permit Rules
In the United States, pet-squirrel rules are a patchwork. Some states allow certain species with no permit. Others allow possession only under licenses tied to rehabilitation, education, or breeding. Many states ban private possession of native squirrels.
Start by learning what your state calls a squirrel: pet, exotic animal, or wildlife. That label controls permits, acceptable sources, transport, and what happens if an animal is seized.
| What to check | What to look for | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| State wildlife code | Rules on possession, purchase, transport, and release | Sets legal ownership in your state |
| City and county rules | Animal control ordinances, enclosure limits, nuisance rules | Local bans can override state permission |
| Species allowed | Grey, red, fox, ground, flying squirrels listed by name | Some places allow one species and ban another |
| Source paperwork | Captive-bred proof, breeder license, dated receipt | Wild-caught animals often trigger seizure |
| Interstate transport | Crossing state lines, airline rules, carrier standards | Moving the animal can create a new violation |
| Veterinary access | Clinics that treat small exotics and wildlife-adjacent species | Care can be hard to find on short notice |
| Housing plan | Chew-proof cage, safe climbing routes, escape control | Poor setups lead to injuries and runaway pets |
| Daily time budget | Feeding, cleaning, supervised activity, training | Squirrels don’t thrive as “set and forget” pets |
Can You Buy Squirrels As Pets? In The United States
Begin with your state fish and wildlife agency or department of natural resources site. Search their pages for “wildlife possession,” “captive wildlife,” or “exotic pets.” Many agencies post permit lists, species tables, and phone numbers for the unit that handles private possession.
Then read three points closely: (1) possession, (2) origin, and (3) release. Even in states that allow ownership, taking a squirrel from the wild is often illegal. Releasing a captive squirrel can also be illegal.
If you’re buying from out of state, check transport rules before you pay. A seller saying “It’s legal where I live” doesn’t protect you where you live. Keep receipts and breeder paperwork with the animal’s records.
What “legal” tends to require
When a state allows pet squirrels, it commonly expects a captive-bred animal. Proof may be a breeder license number, a dated bill of sale, or a captive-birth statement that matches the animal’s species and age.
States that restrict possession may allow squirrels only for licensed rehabilitation. Permits can come with training, facility standards, recordkeeping, and limits on public contact.
Where pet squirrels come from and what to avoid
People usually run into three sources: breeders, rehab placements, and “rescues” pulled from the wild. Only one is usually clean for private ownership.
Licensed breeders
A reputable breeder focuses on captive-bred lines and clear records. Ask for the animal’s birth date, diet history, and the breeder’s license or permit number. If they won’t share that, walk away.
Questions to ask a breeder before you pay
- Is the squirrel captive-bred? Ask for written proof tied to that animal.
- How was it weaned? A rushed wean can lead to digestive trouble and frantic food hoarding.
- What does it eat today? You want a clear base diet, not “nuts and whatever.”
- What handling has it had? Some babies tolerate hands; others stay skittish.
- What’s your return plan? A seller who refuses any talk of returns is telling you a lot.
Squirrels also live longer than many small rodents. If you’re choosing one as a pet, plan for a long commitment, not a short phase. That includes backup plans for travel, landlord changes, and moves across state lines.
Watch for sales pitches that sound like a loophole: “found injured,” “rescued from a cat,” or “raised in my garage.” Those stories may be true, yet they often point to a wild-caught animal. A legal seller will still provide paperwork and will tell you what permits apply on your end.
Ask for photos of the parents and the breeding setup too.
Wildlife rehabilitation placements
Some non-releasable squirrels stay in long-term care due to injury. In many places, those animals are placed with permitted caretakers, not casual pet homes. If you want to help an animal that can’t return outdoors, contact licensed rehabilitators and ask what legal routes exist in your region.
Taking a squirrel from the wild
This is where people get burned. Even if you saved a baby squirrel after a storm, keeping it can violate possession rules. It can also be hard on the animal once it matures, since adult squirrels chew, dig, and test every latch.
Health and bite risk
Squirrels aren’t typical domestic pets, so local health rules can play out differently after a bite. Rabies is often the first fear. In the U.S., small rodents like squirrels are rarely found with rabies, yet bite wounds can still get infected and require care.
Scan CDC rabies guidance, then ask your local health department what they do with squirrel bites in your county.
Issues vets see in captive squirrels
- Metabolic bone disease: poor mineral balance can lead to weakness and fractures.
- Dental injury: chewing is constant, so safe chew items matter.
- Parasites: fleas, mites, and intestinal parasites are more common in wild-caught animals.
- Stress injury: frantic cage running can break nails and cause nose rubs.
Even hand-raised squirrels can bite, especially during adolescence. Smart handling is slow, calm, and based on trust built over time. If you can’t accept occasional nips, a squirrel is a rough match.
Housing and diet basics
A squirrel’s cage is not a starter hamster cage scaled up. It needs vertical height, strong bar spacing, safe climbing routes, and materials that stand up to chewing. Plan for escape attempts. A loose squirrel can vanish into cabinets or wall gaps in minutes.
Cage setup that holds up
- Height and climbing: shelves, branches, and ropes that can be cleaned.
- Security: double-latch doors and tight bar spacing.
- Nesting: a sturdy nest box plus bedding that won’t tangle toes.
- Cleaning rhythm: spot-clean daily, deeper clean on schedule.
Diet mistakes are common. A nut-heavy menu can lead to obesity and mineral imbalance. Many caretakers use rodent blocks as a steady base, then add leafy greens, small fruit portions, and limited nuts as training treats. Ask a licensed veterinarian for a diet plan that fits your species and age.
Costs and time you should budget
People usually budget for the animal and the cage. The surprise costs are vet visits, chew damage, and the hours needed for cleaning and supervised activity.
| Cost item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Large cage or indoor aviary | $200–$1,000+ | Sturdier builds cost more, and upgrades are common |
| Food base and fresh add-ons | $25–$80 per month | Rodent blocks plus produce and limited nuts |
| Routine vet visit | $60–$150 | Pricing varies by clinic and region |
| Emergency vet care | $200–$1,500+ | Fractures and infections can escalate fast |
| Permits and inspections | $0–$200+ | Only in states that license possession |
| Home repairs | $0–$500+ | Chewed cords, screens, trim, cabinets |
Plan on multiple touchpoints per day: feeding, water changes, spot cleaning, and supervised out-of-cage time. If you travel often, you’ll need a caretaker who can handle squirrels safely, and that can be hard to line up.
Rules outside the United States
Ownership rules can be stricter in other countries, especially where certain squirrels are treated as invasive species. In the United Kingdom, grey squirrels are regulated, and keeping them can involve strict licensing and housing rules.
If you’re in the UK, read the government’s grey squirrel captivity requirements before you take any step toward ownership.
In Canada, rules vary by province and city, and many provinces treat squirrels as wildlife. Start with the official wildlife authority for your region, then work down to local ordinances.
What to do if you already have a squirrel
People end up with squirrels for all sorts of reasons: a rescued baby, a friend who couldn’t keep it, or a purchase without clean paperwork. If you’re asking can you buy squirrels as pets? after the animal is already in your home, shift to legal cleanup.
Check your state agency rules and your city ordinances. If private possession is banned, ask the agency what lawful options exist. In many places, a licensed rehabilitator can take the animal, assess whether it can be released, and place it under a permit if it can’t.
If possession is legal where you live, get veterinary care lined up, tighten your enclosure, and document what you have: receipts, breeder info, and any papers you were given.
Buying a squirrel without trouble
If you’re still weighing it, slow down and run the checks in the first table. A legal, healthy, captive-bred squirrel is the narrow path. Anything that feels rushed or secretive is a bad bet.
One last reality check: can you buy squirrels as pets? is also a lifestyle question. If you can meet the care load and you can meet your local rules, a squirrel can be a rewarding companion. If not, it’s smarter to enjoy them outdoors and pick a pet that fits your life.