Can You Buy Pet Squirrels? Legality, Care, and Considerations

Are you wondering, “Can You Buy Pet Squirrels?” Yes, you can buy pet squirrels, but the legality varies significantly by state. PETS.EDU.VN offers comprehensive resources to help you understand the regulations, proper care, and ethical considerations involved in owning a pet squirrel. Learn about squirrel ownership, squirrel adoption, and squirrel behavior.

1. Understanding the Legality of Pet Squirrels: Can You Legally Own One?

Can you buy pet squirrels legally? The answer depends on where you live. Laws regarding owning squirrels as pets differ greatly from state to state. Some states have no restrictions, others require permits, and some completely prohibit keeping squirrels as pets. Understanding these regulations is the first step in responsible squirrel ownership.

States with No Restrictions: Arkansas, Idaho, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming generally allow pet squirrels without requiring permits or paperwork. However, it’s always best to double-check local ordinances.
States with Specific Squirrel Types Allowed: New Jersey permits red squirrels and flying squirrels as pets. Massachusetts and Montana allow only flying squirrels.
States Requiring Permits: Delaware, Indiana, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Rhode Island, and South Carolina require permits to own a squirrel. The process and requirements for obtaining a permit vary by state.
States with Specific Conditions: Nebraska allows pet squirrels only if they were not captured from the wild. South Dakota allows squirrels purchased from states where they are legal.
States Where Squirrels are Illegal: In all other states and the District of Columbia, keeping a squirrel as a pet is prohibited.
Florida’s Ambiguity: Florida allows many exotic animals, but squirrels are not specifically mentioned, making the legality unclear.

It’s important to note that even if a state allows pet squirrels, local municipalities or homeowner associations might have additional restrictions. Always verify with your local government and housing authorities before acquiring a pet squirrel.

2. Steps to Ensure Your Pet Squirrel is Legal

Can you buy pet squirrels without facing legal issues? Ensuring your pet squirrel is legal involves several steps:

2.1. Check State Laws

Start by researching your state’s specific laws regarding owning squirrels. State wildlife agencies or animal control departments are excellent resources for this information.

2.2. Verify Local Ordinances

Even if your state allows pet squirrels, your city, county, or municipality might have additional restrictions. Contact your local government to inquire about any relevant ordinances or bylaws.

2.3. Consult with Landlords or HOAs

If you rent your home or live in a community with a homeowner’s association (HOA), check their policies on exotic pets. A landlord or HOA might prohibit squirrels even if they are legal under state and local laws.

2.4. Obtain Necessary Permits

If your state requires a permit, understand the application process and requirements. This might involve providing proof of housing, veterinary care plans, and knowledge of squirrel care.

2.5. Source Squirrels Legally

Avoid capturing wild squirrels, as this is illegal in many states and can be harmful to the animal. Purchase squirrels from licensed breeders or rescues that comply with local and state laws.

Alt Text: A curious baby squirrel, or juvenile squirrel, peers from its tree hollow, exemplifying natural squirrel behavior and the challenge of domesticating wild animals.

3. Where Can You Buy Pet Squirrels?

Can you buy pet squirrels from any source? No, you should only acquire squirrels from reputable breeders or rescues. Here’s how:

3.1. Licensed Breeders

Licensed breeders specialize in raising domesticated squirrels. They ensure the squirrels are healthy, well-socialized, and legally obtained. Finding a reputable breeder involves:

Research: Look for breeders with positive reviews and a history of ethical breeding practices.
Visit: If possible, visit the breeder’s facility to observe the living conditions and health of the squirrels.
Ask Questions: Inquire about the squirrel’s history, health records, and socialization process.
Documentation: Ensure the breeder provides documentation proving the squirrel was legally obtained and is free from diseases.

3.2. Reputable Rescues

Some animal rescues specialize in squirrels and other exotic animals. Adopting from a rescue offers several benefits:

Ethical Choice: Rescuing a squirrel provides a home for an animal in need.
Reduced Cost: Adoption fees are typically lower than purchasing from a breeder.
Knowledgeable Staff: Rescue staff can provide valuable information about the squirrel’s history and care needs.

3.3. Avoiding Wild Capture

Capturing squirrels from the wild is strongly discouraged and illegal in many states. Wild squirrels are not adapted to living in captivity and may carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans or other pets. Additionally, wild-caught squirrels are more likely to exhibit aggressive behavior and struggle to adjust to a domestic environment.

4. The Pros and Cons of Owning a Pet Squirrel

Can you buy pet squirrels without fully understanding the responsibilities? Before acquiring a pet squirrel, weigh the advantages and disadvantages:

4.1. Advantages

Unique Companionship: Squirrels can be entertaining and affectionate pets, providing a unique companionship experience.
Intelligent and Curious: Squirrels are intelligent animals that can be trained to perform tricks and interact with their owners.
Relatively Low Maintenance (Compared to Some Exotic Pets): Squirrels do not require as much space or specialized care as some other exotic pets.

4.2. Disadvantages

Destructive Behavior: Squirrels have a natural instinct to chew and dig, which can lead to damage to furniture and property.
Specialized Care Requirements: Squirrels require a specialized diet, housing, and veterinary care that can be expensive and time-consuming.
Potential for Aggression: Squirrels can become aggressive if they feel threatened or improperly handled, especially during mating season.
Legality Issues: As mentioned earlier, the legality of owning squirrels varies by state, which can create complications and legal risks.
Lifespan Commitment: Squirrels can live for 10-20 years in captivity, requiring a long-term commitment from their owners.
Zoonotic Diseases: Squirrels can carry diseases that are transmissible to humans, such as rabies, tularemia, and salmonellosis.
High Energy Levels: Squirrels are active animals with high energy levels, needing plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
Difficulty Finding Veterinary Care: Not all veterinarians are experienced in treating squirrels, which can make it difficult to find appropriate medical care.

5. Essential Care Tips for Pet Squirrels

Can you buy pet squirrels and provide them with adequate care? Providing proper care for a pet squirrel is essential for its health and well-being. This includes housing, diet, enrichment, and veterinary care.

5.1. Housing

Spacious Cage: Squirrels need a large, secure cage with plenty of space to climb and explore. A wire cage with a solid bottom is ideal. The cage should be at least 4 feet tall, 3 feet wide, and 2 feet deep.
Climbing Structures: Provide branches, ropes, and platforms for the squirrel to climb on.
Nesting Box: Offer a nesting box or shelter where the squirrel can sleep and feel secure.
Chew Toys: Provide a variety of chew toys to satisfy the squirrel’s natural urge to chew.
Cleanliness: Clean the cage regularly to prevent the buildup of bacteria and odors.

5.2. Diet

Balanced Diet: Squirrels need a balanced diet consisting of nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, and commercial squirrel food.
Nuts and Seeds: Offer a variety of nuts and seeds, such as acorns, walnuts, almonds, and sunflower seeds.
Fruits and Vegetables: Provide fresh fruits and vegetables, such as apples, bananas, grapes, carrots, and broccoli.
Commercial Squirrel Food: Supplement the diet with commercial squirrel food formulated to meet their nutritional needs.
Calcium: Ensure the squirrel gets enough calcium to prevent metabolic bone disease. Calcium supplements or calcium-rich foods like leafy greens can help.
Avoid Harmful Foods: Avoid feeding squirrels chocolate, caffeine, onions, garlic, and processed foods, as these can be toxic.

5.3. Enrichment

Toys: Provide a variety of toys to keep the squirrel entertained, such as puzzle toys, balls, and chew toys.
Foraging Opportunities: Hide food in the cage to encourage the squirrel’s natural foraging behavior.
Social Interaction: Spend time interacting with the squirrel to provide social enrichment.
Safe Outdoor Access: If possible, provide supervised access to a safe outdoor area where the squirrel can explore and exercise.
Training: Train the squirrel to perform tricks or respond to commands using positive reinforcement techniques.

5.4. Veterinary Care

Regular Checkups: Take the squirrel to a veterinarian experienced in treating exotic animals for regular checkups.
Vaccinations: Vaccinate the squirrel against rabies and other common diseases.
Parasite Control: Implement a parasite control program to prevent and treat fleas, ticks, and worms.
Dental Care: Provide chew toys and a diet that promotes good dental health.
Emergency Care: Know where to find emergency veterinary care in case the squirrel gets sick or injured.

Alt Text: An Eastern Gray Squirrel, or Sciurus carolinensis, enjoys a nut, highlighting the importance of a balanced diet for pet squirrels.

6. Understanding Squirrel Behavior

Can you buy pet squirrels and understand their unique behaviors? Understanding squirrel behavior is crucial for providing proper care and creating a harmonious living environment.

6.1. Natural Instincts

Squirrels have several natural instincts that influence their behavior:

Chewing: Squirrels have a constant need to chew to keep their teeth from overgrowing.
Digging: Squirrels dig to bury food and create nests.
Climbing: Squirrels are natural climbers and need opportunities to climb and explore.
Foraging: Squirrels spend much of their time searching for food.
Nesting: Squirrels build nests for sleeping and raising young.

6.2. Social Behavior

Squirrels are generally solitary animals, but they may exhibit social behavior in certain situations:

Communication: Squirrels communicate through a variety of vocalizations, body language, and scent markings.
Territoriality: Squirrels are territorial and may defend their territory against intruders.
Mating Behavior: During mating season, squirrels engage in courtship rituals and mating behaviors.
Mother-Offspring Interactions: Mother squirrels care for their young until they are independent.

6.3. Common Behaviors in Captivity

Pet squirrels may exhibit certain behaviors in captivity:

Cage Chewing: Squirrels may chew on their cage if they are bored or stressed.
Food Hoarding: Squirrels may hoard food in their cage, burying it in bedding or hiding it in corners.
Nesting: Squirrels may build nests in their cage using bedding, fabric, or other materials.
Climbing: Squirrels will climb on anything available in their cage, including branches, ropes, and toys.
Vocalization: Squirrels may vocalize to communicate with their owners or express their emotions.

6.4. Addressing Problem Behaviors

Some squirrel behaviors can be problematic for owners:

Destructive Chewing: Provide plenty of chew toys and redirect the squirrel’s chewing behavior to appropriate items.
Aggression: Handle squirrels gently and avoid sudden movements or loud noises that may startle them.
Biting: If a squirrel bites, clean the wound thoroughly and seek medical attention if necessary.
Escaping: Ensure the cage is secure and prevent the squirrel from escaping.
Spraying: Male squirrels may spray urine to mark their territory; neutering can reduce this behavior.

7. Potential Health Issues in Pet Squirrels

Can you buy pet squirrels and be prepared for potential health issues? Being aware of potential health issues is crucial for maintaining your pet squirrel’s well-being.

7.1. Common Diseases

Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD): Caused by a calcium deficiency, leading to weakened bones and fractures.
Dental Problems: Overgrown teeth, abscesses, and other dental issues can occur if squirrels don’t have enough to chew on.
Parasites: Squirrels can be infested with fleas, ticks, mites, and worms.
Respiratory Infections: Pneumonia and other respiratory infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
Abscesses: Abscesses can develop from bites, scratches, or other injuries.
Cancer: Squirrels can develop various types of cancer, including skin cancer, bone cancer, and lymphoma.

7.2. Zoonotic Diseases

Squirrels can carry diseases that are transmissible to humans:

Rabies: A viral disease that affects the nervous system.
Tularemia: A bacterial infection that can cause fever, skin ulcers, and pneumonia.
Salmonellosis: A bacterial infection that can cause diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
Leptospirosis: A bacterial infection that can cause flu-like symptoms and kidney damage.
Ringworm: A fungal infection that can cause skin lesions.

7.3. Signs of Illness

Recognizing signs of illness in squirrels is essential for early detection and treatment:

Loss of Appetite: A decrease in appetite can indicate a variety of health problems.
Lethargy: A lack of energy or activity can be a sign of illness.
Weight Loss: Unexplained weight loss can indicate an underlying health issue.
Difficulty Breathing: Labored breathing, coughing, or sneezing can indicate a respiratory infection.
Discharge from Eyes or Nose: Discharge from the eyes or nose can be a sign of infection.
Diarrhea or Vomiting: Diarrhea or vomiting can indicate a gastrointestinal problem.
Skin Lesions: Skin lesions, such as sores, scabs, or hair loss, can indicate a skin infection or parasite infestation.
Behavioral Changes: Changes in behavior, such as aggression, depression, or confusion, can indicate a neurological problem.

7.4. Preventative Measures

Proper Diet: Feed squirrels a balanced diet to prevent nutritional deficiencies.
Clean Environment: Keep the cage clean to prevent the spread of disease.
Parasite Control: Implement a parasite control program to prevent and treat parasites.
Regular Veterinary Checkups: Take squirrels to a veterinarian for regular checkups and vaccinations.
Quarantine New Squirrels: Quarantine new squirrels before introducing them to existing pets.
Hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly after handling squirrels or cleaning their cage.

8. Ethical Considerations of Owning a Pet Squirrel

Can you buy pet squirrels and consider the ethical implications? Owning a pet squirrel involves several ethical considerations:

8.1. Animal Welfare

Meeting Needs: Ensure squirrels’ physical and psychological needs are met.
Enrichment: Provide enrichment to prevent boredom and stress.
Humane Treatment: Treat squirrels with kindness and respect.
Avoiding Exploitation: Avoid exploiting squirrels for entertainment or profit.

8.2. Conservation

Avoiding Wild Capture: Do not capture squirrels from the wild.
Supporting Conservation Efforts: Support organizations that protect squirrel habitats and promote conservation.
Preventing Invasive Species: Prevent pet squirrels from escaping and becoming invasive species.

8.3. Public Health

Preventing Disease Transmission: Take precautions to prevent the transmission of diseases between squirrels and humans.
Educating Others: Educate others about the risks and responsibilities of owning pet squirrels.

8.4. Legal Compliance

Following Laws: Comply with all laws and regulations regarding owning squirrels.
Obtaining Permits: Obtain necessary permits and licenses.
Responsible Ownership: Be a responsible pet owner and follow ethical guidelines.

9. Training and Socialization for Pet Squirrels

Can you buy pet squirrels and train them effectively? Training and socialization can help pet squirrels adjust to living in captivity and improve their interactions with humans.

9.1. Basic Training Techniques

Positive Reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise, to reward desired behaviors.
Clicker Training: Use a clicker to mark the exact moment a squirrel performs the desired behavior.
Target Training: Use a target, such as a stick or a toy, to guide the squirrel’s movements.
Consistency: Be consistent with training and use the same commands and cues each time.
Patience: Be patient and understanding, as squirrels may take time to learn new behaviors.

9.2. Socialization Strategies

Early Exposure: Expose young squirrels to a variety of people, places, and situations to help them become well-adjusted.
Gentle Handling: Handle squirrels gently and avoid sudden movements or loud noises that may startle them.
Positive Interactions: Create positive interactions by offering treats, playing games, and providing attention.
Supervised Interactions: Supervise interactions between squirrels and other pets to prevent conflicts.
Respect Boundaries: Respect the squirrel’s boundaries and avoid forcing interactions.

9.3. Teaching Commands and Tricks

Come: Teach squirrels to come when called by using a treat or a clicker.
Sit: Teach squirrels to sit by holding a treat above their head and saying “sit.”
Stand: Teach squirrels to stand by holding a treat in front of them and saying “stand.”
Fetch: Teach squirrels to fetch by throwing a toy and rewarding them when they bring it back.
Roll Over: Teach squirrels to roll over by luring them with a treat and saying “roll over.”

9.4. Addressing Behavioral Issues Through Training

Chewing: Redirect chewing behavior by providing plenty of chew toys.
Biting: Address biting by identifying the triggers and avoiding situations that provoke aggression.
Escaping: Prevent escaping by securing the cage and providing plenty of enrichment.
Spraying: Reduce spraying behavior by neutering male squirrels and providing a clean environment.

10. Alternatives to Owning a Pet Squirrel

Can you buy pet squirrels without considering alternatives? If owning a pet squirrel is not feasible or ethical, consider these alternatives:

10.1. Wildlife Rehabilitation

Volunteer: Volunteer at a wildlife rehabilitation center to care for injured or orphaned squirrels.
Donate: Donate to organizations that support wildlife rehabilitation efforts.
Educate: Educate others about the importance of protecting wildlife.

10.2. Supporting Conservation Organizations

Donate: Donate to organizations that protect squirrel habitats and promote conservation.
Advocate: Advocate for policies that protect wildlife and their habitats.
Participate: Participate in citizen science projects that monitor squirrel populations and habitats.

10.3. Enjoying Wildlife from a Distance

Birdwatching: Observe squirrels in their natural habitat while birdwatching.
Photography: Capture photos of squirrels in the wild.
Nature Walks: Take nature walks and observe squirrels in their natural environment.

10.4. Other Exotic Pets

Rats: Rats are intelligent and social animals that can make great pets.
Hamsters: Hamsters are small and relatively easy to care for.
Gerbils: Gerbils are active and curious animals that enjoy playing and exploring.
Guinea Pigs: Guinea pigs are social animals that enjoy interacting with their owners.

By carefully considering the legality, care requirements, and ethical implications, you can make an informed decision about whether owning a pet squirrel is right for you. At PETS.EDU.VN, we’re committed to providing you with the most accurate and up-to-date information to help you care for your pets responsibly.

For more detailed information and expert advice on squirrel care, visit pets.edu.vn or contact us at 789 Paw Lane, Petville, CA 91234, United States, Whatsapp: +1 555-987-6543. We are here to help you provide the best possible life for your animal companions with resources on responsible pet ownership, exotic pet care, and animal behavior.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Squirrels

1. Is it legal to own a pet squirrel in the USA?

The legality of owning a pet squirrel varies by state. Some states allow it without permits, others require permits, and some prohibit it entirely. Check your local laws.

2. What do pet squirrels eat?

Pet squirrels eat a balanced diet of nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, and commercial squirrel food. Avoid chocolate, caffeine, onions, and garlic.

3. How long do pet squirrels live?

Pet squirrels can live for 10-20 years with proper care.

4. Do pet squirrels need vaccinations?

Yes, pet squirrels should be vaccinated against rabies and other common diseases.

5. Are pet squirrels destructive?

Yes, squirrels have a natural instinct to chew and dig, which can damage furniture and property. Provide chew toys and a secure cage.

6. Can pet squirrels be litter-trained?

While it’s challenging, some owners successfully litter-train their squirrels. It requires patience and consistency.

7. Do pet squirrels bite?

Squirrels can bite if they feel threatened. Handle them gently and avoid sudden movements.

8. What kind of cage do pet squirrels need?

Squirrels need a large, secure wire cage with plenty of space to climb and explore, at least 4 feet tall, 3 feet wide, and 2 feet deep.

9. How much does it cost to care for a pet squirrel?

The cost varies, but expect to spend on food, housing, veterinary care, and enrichment items. It can be quite expensive.

10. Where can I find a vet for my pet squirrel?

Look for a veterinarian experienced in treating exotic animals. Not all vets are familiar with squirrel care.