![Is It Illegal to Keep a Squirrel As a Pet in Your Home?](http://townsquare.media/site/341/files/2024/04/attachment-Featured-Images-19.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Is It Illegal to Keep a Squirrel As a Pet in Your Home?
Squirrels seem to be everywhere in many parts of the U.S. But before you let one of them into your home, there are a few things you should know.
Can You Legally Keep A Squirrel As A Pet?
It's probably cheaper than owning a dog, right? Not to mention there seems to be a never-ending army of those fluffy-tailed creatures scurrying around this time of the year.
Whether you can legally own a squirrel or not mostly comes down to where you live. World Population Review lists nine states that allow their residents to keep squirrels as pets with no questions asked.
- Arkansas
- Idaho
- Louisiana
- New Mexico
- Oklahome
- Tennessee
- Utah
- Virginia
- West Virginia
A handful of other states will let you have a pet squirrel with the proper permit (a squirrel permit?). Those states include
- Delaware
- Indiana
- Maine
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Wyoming
Even if your state does allow you to welcome a squirrel into your home, you might want to consider the risks involved before opening up your door.
Preparing Your Home For A Pet Squirrel
Squirrels aren't domesticated animals. You're going to need to make some changes to your home if you want that little ball of fur to have a comfortable life.
READ MORE: Only One State Won't Let You Take Home Roadkill
WebMD suggests several things to consider before your pet squirrel's first day in its new home.
- Remove small objects the squirrel can knock over when climbing
- Cover holes where the squirrel might be able to escape
- Put away all snacks and harmful chemicals
- If you do have an enclosure, the squirrel should not be able to escape through small openings.
While this all of this may seem like a lot of work, WebMD does say squirrels can be toilet trained using a litter box. You'll just need to clean them up with a cotton ball until they're fully trained.
Maybe just watching squirrels outside your window is a better option.
LOOK: Here are the states where you are most likely to hit an animal
Gallery Credit: Dom DiFurio & Jacob Osborn
LOOK: Longest-living dog breeds
Gallery Credit: Sophia June
More From AM 1240 WJON
![5-7 Minnesota Gophers Get Last Bowl Spot](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2023/11/attachment-GettyImages-1813854146.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![State Patrol Crash Totals Saturday, Sunday](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2021/05/State-Patrol-WJON-Stock-.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Wait A Minute! Is There Another Moose On The Loose In MN?](http://townsquare.media/site/65/files/2023/11/attachment-lesly-derksen-fBFy2peBZxE-unsplash.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Make Your Dream Vacation A Reality With Dream Getaway 75!](http://townsquare.media/site/68/files/2018/07/GettyImages-9745525901.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Minnesota Sheriff Warns Parents About iPhone Update](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2023/11/attachment-sebastian-bednarek-NuAamGgwymw-unsplash.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Duck Hunter’s Kayak Overturns, Taken To Hospital](http://townsquare.media/site/164/files/2020/02/RS4860_86264985.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Dog Rescued After Falling Through Ice Near Spicer](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2023/11/attachment-Kandiyohi-County-Sheriff.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Five People From St. Joseph Hurt in Crash](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2023/06/State-Patrol-Stock-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Prince “Lexer” Martin, 25, Clear Lake](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2019/07/ObitLily_Kokako.jpg?w=980&q=75)