Can You Own a Squirrel in Washington State? What the Law Actually Says

Washington State is home to a remarkable variety of squirrel species, from the nimble Douglas squirrel darting through old-growth forests to the familiar Eastern gray squirrel foraging in city parks. It is easy to understand why someone might want to bring one of these animals home. Before you act on that impulse, though, you need to know where the law stands — and in Washington, the law is unambiguous.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about squirrel ownership in Washington State, including which species live here, what permits exist (and for whom), what limited legal pathways are available, and what happens if you choose to ignore the rules. Whether you found an orphaned squirrel in your backyard or simply love the idea of a bushy-tailed companion, the information below will help you make a fully informed decision.

Is It Legal to Own a Squirrel in Washington

The short answer is no — owning a pet squirrel is illegal for the vast majority of Washington residents. It is illegal to possess any wild animal that naturally lives in Washington State, such as squirrels, unless you are transporting the animal to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. This prohibition is not a technicality or a gray area; it is a firm rule backed by multiple layers of state law.

Washington State’s laws around exotic pets and legal animals are “exclusionary,” meaning the law spells out what animals are not allowed. Animal ownership is governed primarily by RCW 16.30.010, and this list includes many prohibited species with limited exceptions spelled out. Squirrels, as native wildlife, fall squarely within those prohibitions.

There are four broad categories of animals prohibited under Washington law: animals that can carry or infect others with rabies; wild animals including native species; animals that can cause harm to the local environment or that may be invasive; and animals that are considered dangerous to humans, livestock, or pets. Native squirrel species are covered under the “wild animals including native species” category.

Important Note: Even if you legally owned a pet squirrel in another state, that permission does not follow you to Washington. Out-of-state permits are not transferable, and you would need to apply for a new permit in Washington — one that, for squirrels, is not available to private individuals.

The state’s position is rooted in both conservation and public safety. Washington has made it illegal to own pet squirrels to protect the natural ecosystem and state residents. Should Washington make it legal to own pet squirrels, the state’s natural population could dwindle. Additionally, when any exotic or unusual pet is kept in captivity, there is a risk of spreading disease or residents getting injured — squirrels can carry several diseases that can be passed on to humans.

Which Squirrel Species Are Legal in Washington

Washington is home to a diverse range of squirrel species, and understanding which ones exist here is important context for understanding the law. There are six species of tree squirrel in Washington State: the Douglas squirrel, the red squirrel, the Western gray squirrel, the Northern flying squirrel, the Eastern gray squirrel, and the Eastern fox squirrel. You can explore many of these in detail through resources on squirrels in eastern Washington and the broader types of squirrels found across the US.

The Eastern gray squirrel and the Eastern fox squirrel are not native to Washington State, but since their introduction, they have become common. These non-native species pose a real threat to native squirrel species in Washington. Their invasive status makes them no more legal to keep as pets — and in some cases, their non-native classification creates additional complications.

As for ground squirrels, there is one narrow exception worth noting. Washington does allow the sale of some species of ground squirrel, such as prairie dogs, in pet stores as exotic pets. Prairie dogs occupy a different legal category because they are not native to Washington and can be legally imported through established commercial channels. However, they are not true squirrels in the common sense, and their ownership comes with its own set of conditions discussed further below.

Species	Native to Washington	Legal as Pet	Notes
Western Gray Squirrel	Yes	No	Protected native wildlife
Douglas Squirrel	Yes	No	Protected native wildlife
Northern Flying Squirrel	Yes	No	Protected native wildlife
Red Squirrel	Yes	No	Protected native wildlife
Eastern Gray Squirrel	No (introduced)	No	Invasive; still prohibited as pet
Eastern Fox Squirrel	No (introduced)	No	Invasive; still prohibited as pet
Prairie Dog	No	Conditionally	Sold in pet stores if legally sourced

For a broader look at squirrel diversity, the different types of squirrels guide and the dedicated types of ground squirrels resource provide helpful context on how these animals are classified.

Permit and License Requirements in Washington

At the time of this writing, there is no permit in the state of Washington that makes it legal to own a pet squirrel. This is a critical distinction: unlike some states where a wildlife possession permit opens a legal path to squirrel ownership, Washington simply does not offer that pathway to private individuals.

Permits are usually restricted to zoos, research facilities, educational institutions, and wildlife rehabilitators. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) oversees exotic animal regulations, particularly for species classified as wildlife. Individuals seeking to keep certain non-native animals must apply for a special permit detailing the animal’s enclosure, diet, and veterinary care, and applicants must demonstrate expertise and resources to house the animal safely. Squirrels, however, are not among the species for which private pet permits are available.

Pro Tip: If you are passionate about working with squirrels legally, the wildlife rehabilitator path is the only realistic option for private individuals in Washington. It requires significant commitment but gives you a legitimate, supervised role in squirrel care.

While Washington State prohibits the ownership of many exotic animals, there are exceptions for individuals and organizations that meet certain criteria. Permits may be granted for educational purposes — zoos, research institutions, and educational facilities may obtain permits to possess prohibited animals for legitimate research or educational programs — and for rehabilitation and conservation, where wildlife rehabilitators may be authorized to care for injured or orphaned wild animals.

For the prairie dog exception, it is not legal for a member of the public to keep a squirrel as a pet unless purchased through legal means with documented proof that the animal has been inspected, imported, and sold through legal channels, or granted special dispensation or permitting through written approval from the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Always ask for and verify breeder information when selecting a pet to ensure the animal came from a legitimate captive breeding program and is legal for you to own.

Where to Legally Obtain a Pet Squirrel in Washington

Since it is illegal to own a pet squirrel in Washington State, there is no legal way to obtain a squirrel as a pet. This applies whether you find an orphaned baby in your yard, purchase one from an out-of-state seller, or attempt to trap one on your property. The source of the animal does not change its legal status once it is in your possession in Washington.

Pet squirrels may not be bought or sold in Washington State as owning one is illegal. If anyone is caught selling one, they may be subject to fines and legal actions. This means that even well-intentioned transactions — such as buying a squirrel from a breeder in a state where it is legal — do not create lawful ownership once you cross into Washington.

If you are drawn to squirrels and want a hands-on role with them, becoming a licensed wildlife rehabilitator is the one legitimate avenue available to you. Although it is illegal to own a pet squirrel in Washington State, one way to work directly with them is to become a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. To do so, you must obtain a Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife license.

The requirements are demanding but achievable. Applicants must be eighteen or older, must have at least six months of 1,000 hours of work with a licensed wildlife rehabilitator (including at least three months during summer or spring), must be sponsored by a veterinarian willing to offer guidance in treating wildlife who signs a Veterinarian Agreement Form, and must complete the Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit Application.

Key Insight: Wildlife rehabilitators care for injured and orphaned squirrels with the goal of releasing them back into the wild — not keeping them as pets. If you pursue this path, go in with that expectation.

For prairie dogs specifically, your best option is to purchase from a licensed exotic pet store or a USDA-licensed breeder who can provide full documentation of the animal’s legal import and health inspection history. Never support the sale of wild-caught squirrels such as communal ground squirrels and prairie dogs, which rarely breed in captivity and rely on their communities for normal mental development.

Housing and Care Requirements in Washington

Because no private pet permit exists for squirrels in Washington, there are no state-issued housing standards specifically designed for pet squirrel owners. However, if you are a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or are caring for a legally sourced prairie dog, certain baseline standards apply.

For wildlife rehabilitators, the WDFW sets enclosure requirements as part of the licensing process. Squirrels in rehabilitation care must be housed in species-appropriate enclosures that allow for natural behaviors, minimize human imprinting, and support eventual release. These are not the conditions of a pet environment — they are designed to keep the animal wild.

For prairie dogs, which occupy a different legal category, housing needs are substantial. Prairie dogs are highly social animals that suffer significantly in isolation. A proper enclosure should be large enough to allow burrowing behavior, with tunnels, hiding spaces, and enrichment items. A diet of high-quality hay, fresh vegetables, and limited pellets is standard. You should also budget for routine veterinary care from a vet experienced with exotic rodents, as prairie dogs are susceptible to respiratory illness and obesity in captivity.

• Enclosure size: At minimum 4 feet by 4 feet of floor space for a single prairie dog, larger for pairs
• Substrate: Deep bedding or a burrowing medium to allow natural digging behavior
• Temperature: Stable indoor environment; prairie dogs are sensitive to extreme heat and cold
• Diet: Timothy hay, leafy greens, limited fruits, and prairie dog-specific pellets
• Social needs: Prairie dogs are colony animals — a single animal housed alone is prone to stress and behavioral problems
• Veterinary care: Find an exotic animal vet before bringing the animal home

Wild animals are not domesticated and do not understand the concept of “correct” behavior in human society. Those animals are going to perform instinctive behaviors that often become increasingly aggressive as they get bored or grow into adolescence. This is true even for prairie dogs, which are legal — their needs are complex and their behavior can be challenging for unprepared owners.

For those interested in observing squirrels in their natural environment rather than keeping them, resources on squirrel behavior and ecology and flying squirrel facts offer a rewarding alternative to ownership.

Local and Municipal Restrictions in Washington

State law sets the floor for wildlife regulations in Washington, but local governments can — and do — add their own layer of restrictions. While a squirrel may be legal in your state, you will need to ensure it is permitted in your home. Local municipalities can also have restrictions on exotic animals, and squirrels are considered to be exotic animals.

Cities like Bellingham illustrate how local codes can be even more specific than state law. A permit from the animal control authority is required for any person, firm, corporation, or business to own or maintain any wild or exotic animal, and such a permit will be issued only if it can be demonstrated that public safety is not at risk. No person shall be permitted to own, harbor, or maintain any native species to Washington except as licensed under state law.

Even in states considered “permissive,” legal possession almost always requires using a captive wildlife, breeder, or exotic pet permit and ensuring the animal is legally sourced. Local ordinances mean that even if state law permits a species, counties or municipalities frequently impose bans or additional restrictions.

If you are a renter, there is an additional layer to consider. Your landlord’s pet policy governs what animals you can keep on the property, and most standard rental agreements prohibit exotic animals entirely. Even if a prairie dog were legally yours to own under state law, your lease may forbid it. Always review your rental agreement and speak with your landlord before acquiring any non-traditional pet.

Common Mistake: Assuming that because a neighbor or online seller says a squirrel is “legal” in Washington, it actually is. Always verify regulations directly with the WDFW and your local animal control authority before making any decisions.

Municipal animal control agencies across Washington — including those in Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, and Bellevue — enforce both state wildlife law and local ordinances. Contacting your city or county animal control office directly is the most reliable way to understand what restrictions apply in your specific location. You can compare how squirrel regulations differ in other states by reviewing guides on squirrels in Alabama, squirrels in Nebraska, and squirrels in Delaware — states with varying approaches to wildlife ownership.

Penalties for Illegal Squirrel Ownership in Washington

Washington does not treat wildlife violations lightly. If you are found in possession of a wild squirrel without authorization, you face a combination of criminal charges, fines, mandatory animal confiscation, and potential loss of hunting and fishing privileges.

It is illegal to possess wild animals as pets — this includes squirrels, bears, bobcats, deer, falcons, quail, and skunks. If caught, you could be subject to fines and legal actions. The severity of the penalty depends on the specific statute violated and whether the offense is classified as a misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, or felony.

Under the Washington Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Code (RCW Chapter 77.15), unlawful possession of wildlife can result in criminal charges. If two or more persons are convicted of illegally possessing wildlife, the criminal wildlife penalty assessment is imposed on them jointly and severally, and the criminal wildlife penalty assessment is imposed regardless of and in addition to any sentence.

A person assessed a criminal wildlife penalty assessment shall have their hunting license revoked and all hunting privileges suspended until the penalty assessment is paid. This revocation and suspension is in addition to and runs concurrently with any revocation and suspension required by law.

Beyond criminal penalties, fish and wildlife officers may seize without a warrant wildlife, fish, shellfish, and covered animal species parts and products they have probable cause to believe have been taken, transported, or possessed in violation of state law. This means the animal will be confiscated — and there is no guarantee it will survive the transition back to the wild, particularly if it has been in captivity for an extended period.

• Criminal charges ranging from misdemeanor to gross misdemeanor depending on the specific violation
• Fines that vary by offense type and are imposed in addition to any sentence
• Mandatory confiscation of the animal by fish and wildlife officers
• Revocation of hunting and fishing licenses until penalty assessments are paid
• Doubled penalties for repeat offenders within a five-year window
• Potential civil liability in addition to criminal penalties

The penalties for being found to break these laws are steep. Washington takes its wildlife protection framework seriously, and enforcement is active — particularly in areas where squirrel populations overlap with residential neighborhoods. If you are ever unsure about the legal status of an animal in your possession, legal status, wildlife holding, and trapping restrictions are subject to change, and information should be verified through your local Departments of Fish and Wildlife or conservation organization.

If you encounter an injured or orphaned squirrel and want to help, the right move is to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator rather than attempting to care for the animal yourself. Organizations like Squirrel Refuge, which is licensed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, can provide proper care and guidance. You can also report suspected illegal wildlife possession directly to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

For those who simply love squirrels and want to engage with them responsibly, there are plenty of rewarding options that do not involve ownership — from backyard feeding to volunteering with wildlife organizations. Exploring the rich variety of squirrel life in your region, including the squirrels of eastern Washington and squirrel species in neighboring states, is a great place to start. You might also find it interesting to learn about animals that eat squirrels and the broader ecological role these animals play, or consider plants that repel squirrels if managing their presence in your garden is your primary concern.