No, owning a squirrel as a pet is generally not legal for private individuals in Texas. Squirrels are classified as wild animals under Texas wildlife law, and anyone who keeps one without proper authorization risks violating state regulations. While some people assume it’s allowed because squirrels seem harmless or are found everywhere, the law treats them as native wildlife, not as domestic pets. That means you can’t legally capture one, raise it at home, or buy one as a “pet” without meeting strict state requirements.
Why Squirrels Are Illegal to Own Without a Permit
Texas regulates native wildlife through the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD). Squirrels fall under wildlife rules, and the Texas State Law Library confirms that wild animals are regulated and generally cannot be kept as pets unless the person has special authorization.
A veterinary foundation guide on non-traditional pets specifically states that owning wildlife in Texas including squirrels is illegal.
This is because the law doesn’t view squirrels like domestic animals. Whether they’re orphaned, hand-raised, or taken from the wild, they remain wildlife in the eyes of the state.
Why Texas Restricts Pet Squirrels
Texas does not allow private squirrel ownership for several reasons:
- They are native wildlife, not domesticated animals. Even baby squirrels raised by humans keep wild instincts.
- Public health and safety concerns. Squirrels can bite hard, carry parasites or pathogens, and become unpredictable as adults.
- Environmental protection. Releasing a captive squirrel later can disrupt ecosystems, spread disease, or change local populations.
- Animal welfare issues. Squirrels need specialized diets, outdoor climbing habitats, and social enrichment that most homes can’t provide.
Because of these reasons, the state requires trained wildlife rehabilitators or facilities not normal households to care for squirrels legally.
Are There Any Exceptions?
A person cannot simply purchase and keep a squirrel as a pet. However, someone may legally handle or house a squirrel only if they are:
- A licensed wildlife rehabilitator
- Working with a state-approved animal education program
- Operating a facility that’s regulated under TPWD wildlife rules
- Temporarily housing the squirrel for rehabilitation to release back into the wild
Importantly, rehabilitation permits are not pet ownership licenses. The goal is always release — never keeping the animal long-term as a pet. Once a squirrel is healthy, rehabilitators are required to release it. Keeping it at home afterward would violate the permit.
What Happens If Someone Keeps a Squirrel Anyway?
Possession of a wild animal without authorization can lead to:
- Seizure of the animal by authorities
- Fines and legal penalties
- Federal consequences if the animal crossed state lines
Even buying a “captive-bred” squirrel doesn’t automatically make it legal. Without proof of permitted breeding and legal possession under TPWD rules, a person can still be charged. Texas law requires permits based on species and purpose — not on where the animal came from.
Final Note
No, owning a squirrel as a pet in Texas is not legal for typical private individuals. Squirrels are classified as native wildlife, and keeping one at home without authorization violates state rules. Only licensed rehabilitators and approved wildlife facilities may temporarily house squirrels, and even they cannot keep squirrels as pets.
