Pet Squirrel Legal States 2025
State | Legality of Pet Squirrels↓ | Additional Details | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Arkansas | Legal | If they are taken “by hand” from the wild. Once taken, the squirrel must remain in the owner’s custody. The squirrel cannot be sold or rehomed. If the owner wishes to get rid of the squirrel it can only be turned over to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. |
 | Florida | Legal | With a Class III Personal Pet No-Cost Permit when the animal is purchased from a USDA permitted breeder. | Taking squirrels from the wild is illegal in Florida. It is federally illegal to sell squirrels without a permit from the USDA and is considered wildlife trafficking. |
 | Idaho | Legal | The Idaho State Department of Agriculture does not explicitly mention squirrels on its Household Pet Imports page, but certain exotic species, such as African tree squirrels, are classified as "Deleterious Exotic Animals" and require special permits. While common native squirrels are not listed as deleterious, ownership of native wildlife may still be subject to restrictions. To ensure compliance with state laws, individuals should consult the Idaho State Department of Agriculture or the Idaho Department of Fish and Game before keeping a squirrel as a pet. |
 | Indiana | Legal | With a Class I Wild Animal Possession permit when the animal is purchased from a USDA permitted breeder. |
 | Iowa | Legal | With a game breeders license |
 | Kentucky | Legal | With a permit when purchased from a USDA licensed breeder |
 | Michigan | Legal | With a permit when purchased from a USDA licensed breeder |
 | Nebraska | Legal | With a permit when purchased from a USDA licensed breeder |
 | Ohio | Legal | As long as you obtain them from a USDA breeder. | It is illegal to sell or trade squirrels in Ohio without a state permit, and federally illegal to sell or trade squirrels without a USDA permit as well. |
 | Oklahoma | Legal | With a permit when purchased from a USDA licensed breeder |
 | Pennsylvania | Legal | Pet squirrels are legal in Pennsylvania, but they must come from a USDA breeder in Pennsylvania that has been approved by the Pennsylvania Game Commission Special Permits Enforcement Division. |
 | South Carolina | Legal | If the squirrel was taken from the wild in South Carolina, it can legally be kept as a pet. Squirrels may not be imported into South Carolina from other states, meaning you cannot move to South Carolina with a squirrel even if it was born in captivity. |
 | South Dakota | Legal | With a permit when purchased from a USDA licensed breeder |
 | Tennessee | Legal | It is legal to keep a squirrel as a pet in Tennessee with a permit, as long as the animal is purchased from a USDA licensed breeder. The squirrel must be captive born and cannot be taken from the wild. |
 | West Virginia | Legal | With a permit when purchased from a USDA licensed breeder |
 | Wisconsin | Legal | Squirrels are legal in Wisconsin when the squirrels are from a USDA licensed breeder. Red squirrels do not need a permit in Wisconsin, other species like grey and fox squirrels might. |
 | Wyoming | Legal | With a permit when purchased from a USDA licensed breeder |
 | Alabama | Illegal | |
 | Alaska | Illegal | |
 | Arizona | Illegal | |
 | California | Illegal | |
 | Colorado | Illegal | |
 | Connecticut | Illegal | |
 | Delaware | Illegal | |
 | Georgia | Illegal | |
 | Hawaii | Illegal | |
 | Illinois | Illegal | |
 | Kansas | Illegal | |
 | Louisiana | Illegal | |
 | Maine | Illegal | |
 | Maryland | Illegal | |
 | Massachusetts | Illegal | |
 | Minnesota | Illegal | |
 | Mississippi | Illegal | |
 | Missouri | Illegal | |
 | Montana | Illegal | It is allowed to keep flying squirrels |
 | Nevada | Illegal | |
 | New Hampshire | Illegal | |
 | New Jersey | Illegal | |
 | New Mexico | Illegal | |
 | New York | Illegal | |
 | North Carolina | Illegal | |
 | North Dakota | Illegal | |
 | Oregon | Illegal | |
 | Rhode Island | Illegal | |
 | Texas | Illegal | |
 | Utah | Illegal | |
 | Vermont | Illegal | |
 | Virginia | Illegal | |
 | Washington | Illegal |
- Laws regarding pet squirrels many change at any time.
- Pet squirrels may be regulated at the county, municipal, or local level even in states in which they are legal at the state level.
- Additionally, data shown applies to native squirreld (typically red squirrels, grey squirrels, and/or fox squirrels). Non-native species of squirrel and flying squirrels may be subject to different regulations.
- In light of the listed complexities, prospective squirrel parents are encouraged to confirm legality with local authorities before adopting.
Squirrels are considered exotic animals and many Americans do enjoy keeping them as pets. In some states, you can own a pet squirrel with no paperwork or permits required. Arkansas, Idaho, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming all allow people to own pet squirrels.
Additionally, Nebraska requires that the squirrel wasn’t captured from the wild for it to be a legal pet. New Jersey allows red squirrels and flying squirrels to be kept as pets. South Dakota allows squirrels to be kept as pets as long as they were purchased from a state where they are legal. Massachusetts and Montana allow pet squirrels as long as they are flying squirrels.
Other states allow pet squirrels if a permit is obtained. These states are Delaware, Indiana, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Rhode Island, and South Carolina.
Florida allows for many exotic animals to be owned, but squirrels are not specifically mentioned. It is unclear if squirrels can be kept as pets in Florida.
In all other states and the District of Columbia, you are not allowed to keep a squirrel as a pet.
Making Sure Your Pet Squirrel is Legal
There are a number of ways that you can ensure that the pet you want to own is legal. First, if you are renting, check with your landlord to see if it is okay for you to have a pet. While a squirrel may be legal in your state, you will need to ensure it is permitted in the home.
Local municipalities can also have restrictions on exotic animals, and squirrels are considered to be exotic animals. Check with your local municipality before you seek a squirrel permit. They may be able to help you to get one, and they may also have additional city or county bylaws that you need to be aware of when you want to ensure your squirrel is legal to own and love.
Owning a Squirrel as a Pet
You can get a squirrel as a pet through a breeder. This is the easiest way to get a squirrel as a pet. Some people can catch them and domesticate them on their own, but they are not easy animals to catch on your own. Wild squirrels are also very difficult to tame. They just don’t want to be tamed, and it could cause many problems in your home, and for the squirrel. It is also important to remember that some states will not allow you to own a squirrel that was rescued from the wild. Purchasing squirrels from breeders will get you a domesticated animal that will be enjoyable to own and take care of.
Sources
- Are Pet Squirrels Legal In My State? - Exotic Pet Wonderland
- Pets Banned in Alabama - AL
- Legal Pets - Alaska
- Can You Keep A Squirrel As A Pet What You Need to Consider - Squirrel Enthusiast
- 5 Popular Animals That are Illegal as Pets in California - Mission Legal Center
- Don't Domesticate - Colorado Parks and Wildlife
- Exotic Animals - Delaware Department of Agriculture
- 10 Exotic Pets That Are Legal in Florida - Pet Helpful
- Why Is It Illegal To Have A Pet Squirrel Louisiana - Squirrel Arena
- The Legality of Owning a Squirrel and Other Important Things to Consider - Pet Blog
- Leave Young Wildlife Alone - Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks
- Can You Keep Wildlife As Pets? - Advanced Wildlife Control
- Can You Have A Pet Squirrel In Montana? - Squirrel Enthusiast
- What Exotic Pets Are Legal in Nebraska - Loup City
- Permits - Wyoming Game and Fish Department
- Chapter 169. Captive Wildlife - Animal Legal and Historical Center
- Squirrels as Neighbors - The Wildlife Center of Virginia
- Squirrel - Nevada Department of Wildlife
