What States Can You Keep a Squirrel As a Pet?
Are squirrels legal to own as pets? If so, you aren’t the only one. If you have a backyard that’s overrun with trees, a squirrel might be the perfect pet for you. In many states, squirrels are legal to own and feed, but not in all of them. The laws governing exotic pets are quite different from those regarding other animals, including farm animals, fish, reptiles and birds.
Florida
While Florida is one of only a few states in the U.S. that allows squirrels as pets, the requirements are fairly strict. In Florida, you must obtain a permit to keep a squirrel. The state also has rules about the size of the cage, which must be large enough for two squirrels, and larger by 25 percent for each additional squirrel. You also must provide a nest, raised climbing apparatus, and items that provide physical stimulation and chewing.
Arizona
Owning an Arizona squirrel is possible, as long as you follow state laws. This means finding a license and obtaining a permit, which is necessary if you want to keep the animal as a pet. In addition to a license, squirrels need ample space and a lot of food. If you do decide to keep a squirrel as a pet, you should consult a veterinarian and wildlife expert to make sure the care of your new friend will be safe. You should also provide the ideal enclosure and all of the necessary supplies.
California
Keeping a squirrel as a pet is illegal in California. These creatures are protected by laws on exotic pets and wildlife conservation. They are best left as wild animals and should not be domesticated. However, it is possible to keep a squirrel as a pet if you have a special permit to keep it as a pet. Regardless of the reason for keeping a squirrel, be sure to educate yourself about these regulations before you decide to get one.
Vermont
If you live in the Vermont area, you may have seen these cute creatures. They are easy to identify because they are similar to other species. These squirrels are typically 28 to 35.5 cm in length and weigh between 200 and 250 grams. Their mortality rate is about twenty percent during their first year. However, they can live up to 2.5 years. Read on to learn more about Vermont squirrels as pets. Let’s start with a brief introduction to these adorable animals.
South Carolina
If you’re thinking about keeping a squirrel as a pet, there are a few things to keep in mind before doing so. First, the state of South Carolina has lenient laws regarding wild animals, and while squirrels are legal to own and keep as pets, they can cause great damage. To ensure that you don’t break any laws, you should first look into obtaining a permit from the state. This state also has a voluntary registry of wildlife rehabilitators, which you can check out if you’re not familiar with the laws regarding wild animals. In addition, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources has a list of the animals you’re permitted to own and care for.
Washington state
A squirrel may sound like a great pet, but you should know that it’s actually illegal to own one in Washington State. Selling a squirrel for a profit is against the law, and you could face fines or other legal action if caught. Nonetheless, if you’ve bought a squirrel legally from another state, you may be able to keep it. In Washington State, you’re also not allowed to keep wild animals as pets. Among those prohibited are bears, bobcats, deer, falcons, quail, skunks, and squirrels.
Vermont requires permit to keep dangerous animals as pets
In Vermont, you need a license if you want to keep a dangerous animal as a pet. There are some exceptions to this rule, however. Some species are exempt from the license requirement, including a wolf, skunk, and bear. Reptiles, apes, and non-human primates, however, are not subject to this rule. Before you can buy or own any of these animals, you must register them with the state’s animal control authorities.
Alabama
Although the Alabama Administrative Code prohibits the possession of squirrels as pets, many people still choose to keep them as pets. In fact, many rescue squirrels, which often end up as pets. Unfortunately, it is illegal to release these animals back into the wild when they are fully grown. While it may seem cruel to reintroduce an animal to its natural habitat, the law is very strict in Alabama. If you’d like to get your own squirrel, you’ll need to first research the laws governing the pet industry in Alabama.
What states allow you to keep a squirrel as a pet?
Answer 1: Illinois Missouri Ohio and Pennsylvania are a few states that allow you to keep a squirrel as a pet with a permit.
How do you go about getting a permit to keep a pet squirrel?
Answer 2: In Ohio for example you would need to contact the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
What kind of housing do pet squirrels need?
Answer 3: A pet squirrel needs a cage that is at least 24 x 24 x 36 inches with a metal bar spacing of no more than 1/2 inch.
What do pet squirrels eat?
Answer 4: A diet for a pet squirrel should consist of about 60% nuts and seeds 25% fresh vegetables and 15% fresh fruit.
What kind of personality does a pet squirrel have?
Answer 5: Squirrels are known to be playful curious and active.
They are also good jumpers and climbers.
How much time do pet squirrels need out of their cage each day?
Answer 6: A pet squirrel needs at least four hours out of its cage each day to play and exercise.
How can I tell if my pet squirrel is healthy?
Answer 7: A healthy pet squirrel will have bright eyes a clean coat and be alert and active.
What are some common health problems for pet squirrels?
Answer 8: Some common health problems for pet squirrels include fleas mites and ringworm.
How do I treat a pet squirrel with fleas?
Answer 9: You can treat a pet squirrel with fleas using a mild shampoo made for animals such as oatmeal shampoo.
How do I treat a pet squirrel with mites?
Answer 10: You can treat a pet squirrel with mites using a mite spray made for animals such as Advantage Multi.
How do I treat a pet squirrel with ringworm?
Answer 11: You can treat a pet squirrel with ringworm using an antifungal cream such as Lotrimin.
What should I do if my pet squirrel gets sick?
Answer 12: If your pet squirrel gets sick you should take it to the vet.
What should I do if my pet squirrel escapes?
Answer 13: If your pet squirrel escapes you should try to find it and put it back in its cage.
What should I do if I find a wild squirrel?
Answer 14: If you find a wild squirrel you should not try to catch it or put it in a cage.
What are some things I should not do with my pet squirrel?
Answer 15: Some things you should not do with your pet squirrel include: pulling its tail grabbing it by the skin on its back or putting it in your mouth.
Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg.
