Though most people are content with having normal animals like dogs and cats, some Americans love the company of squirrels and even keep them as pets. However, with squirrels considered exotic animals, not all states are okay with it.
While some states aren’t okay with squirrels at all, others need a permit or paperwork to legally own one. And some states don’t need anything. Here is how the states feel about Squirrels.
The Legalities
There are plenty of legalities when it comes to pet ownership. Before anything else, check to see if you can even own a pet where you stay. If you rent, make sure it’s okay to own a pet, let alone an exotic one.
Even if owning a squirrel is legal in your state, some local municipalities have restrictions on exotic pets. Thankfully, normally, a permit is all that’s needed. Along with the permit, pay special attention to any bylaws surrounding your animal that are specific to your municipality.
A few states don’t seem to have any requirements for owning a squirrel. If you’re looking to own a squirrel, then these states are lucky enough to have few rules around it – Arkansas, Idaho, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
It needs to be reiterated that while state laws don’t prohibit exotic animal ownership, local laws may be different.
Permitted With Some Steps
Nebraska law dictates that squirrel ownership is perfectly legal but with a caveat. Anyone taking in a squirrel as a pet cannot take it from the wild. Wild squirrels must be returned to where they were found even if nursed to health by a person.
New Jersey technically does not allow the ownership of all squirrels (Sciuridae). Red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) are the ones that are legal in the state. Flying squirrels (Pteromyini) are also allowed to be owned as pets. Be careful when and make sure your pet is not the wrong kind of squirrel.
Other States
South Dakota allows the ownership of a squirrel but with one catch. The squirrel needs to be bought from a state where it is legal – Arkansas, Idaho, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Montana and Massachusetts are fine with flying squirrels, but no other squirrels are legal to own.
The last set of states that require a permit if you’re looking to own a squirrel as a pet is the following in alphabetical order: Delaware, Indiana, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Rhode Island, and South Carolina.
While owning a wild squirrel in Missouri is illegal, there are some exceptions. Getting a domesticated squirrel from a reputable breeder is allowed. But domesticated squirrels can cost nearly $500.
Owning a squirrel is illegal in the following states – Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington.
Getting A Squirrel
If you want to own a squirrel yourself and you live in a state where it is legal, Bear in mind that while some states allow wild squirrels, they are hard to catch, and it is unethical to take them out of the wild. Not to mention, it’s nearly impossible to domesticate a wild squirrel.
Breeders are the best and most convenient way of getting a squirrel that will make an ideal pet. While the idea of rescuing one from the wild and looking after it is heartwarming, some states specifically do not allow this.
