Can You Own a Squirrel in Iowa? Laws, Permits, and What You Need to Know

Iowa is home to a surprising variety of wildlife, and if you’ve ever watched a fox squirrel dart across a park or spotted a gray squirrel raiding a bird feeder, you may have wondered whether you could keep one as a pet. The answer in Iowa is nuanced — not a flat-out ban, but not a simple yes either.

State law draws a careful line between lawfully acquired, permit-holding squirrel owners and people who simply take a wild animal home on a whim. Understanding exactly where that line falls — and what happens if you cross it — is essential before you pursue squirrel ownership in Iowa. This guide walks through every layer of the law, from statewide statutes to local ordinances.

Is It Legal to Own a Squirrel in Iowa?

The short answer is: it can be legal, but only under specific conditions. According to Squirrel Forum, which bases its findings on direct contact with state DNR officials, squirrel ownership in Iowa is legal if the animal was lawfully acquired and the owner holds an education permit — but it is illegal to catch and hold Iowa native wildlife.

Iowa’s primary framework for wild animal ownership comes from two bodies of law. Pet ownership in Iowa is governed by state statutes and administrative codes, and Iowa Code Chapter 717F regulates dangerous wild animals, prohibiting ownership of species like large cats, bears, and primates without proper authorization. Squirrels, as native wildlife, fall under a different regulatory track — the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) — rather than the Dangerous Wild Animals chapter.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) oversees wildlife possession under Iowa Administrative Code 571, Chapter 77. This means that if you want to keep a squirrel legally in Iowa, you are dealing with DNR permit requirements, not simply the dangerous-animal statutes that govern lions or bears.

Important Note: Iowa’s laws distinguish between native wildlife (regulated by the DNR) and “dangerous wild animals” (regulated under Iowa Code Chapter 717F). Squirrels are native wildlife, so the DNR permit pathway — not the dangerous-animal ban — is the relevant legal framework for prospective squirrel owners.

The bottom line: you cannot simply trap a squirrel in your backyard and keep it as a pet. Lawful acquisition and a valid permit are both required. If either piece is missing, you are in violation of Iowa law. You can read more about the squirrels native to Iowa to better understand which species you might encounter in the state.

Which Squirrel Species Are Legal in Iowa?

Iowa is home to several squirrel species, and the regulatory picture differs slightly depending on which one you’re considering. The state’s most common tree squirrels are the eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) and the fox squirrel (Sciurus niger), both of which are classified as game animals by the Iowa DNR and are subject to hunting seasons and possession rules.

Iowa’s DNR hunting regulations list both fox squirrels and gray squirrels as game species with defined seasons. Because they are classified as game animals, possessing them outside of a hunting context — without a permit — is not permitted under state law.

The northern flying squirrel and the southern flying squirrel are also present in Iowa. Data on legal pet squirrels generally applies to native squirrels such as red squirrels, gray squirrels, and fox squirrels, while non-native species and flying squirrels may be subject to different regulations. If you’re specifically interested in a flying squirrel, check out this overview of the flying squirrel for background on the animal’s care needs and natural behavior.

Non-native squirrel species — such as Prevost’s squirrel or other exotic varieties not found wild in Iowa — fall outside the scope of the DNR’s native-wildlife rules but may still require federal documentation depending on how they were imported. You should confirm the species’ legal status with both the Iowa DNR and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service before acquiring any non-native squirrel. For a broader look at squirrel diversity, the different types of squirrels guide covers a wide range of species.

Permit and License Requirements in Iowa

Iowa does not issue a simple “pet squirrel permit.” The pathway that exists is an educational permit administered by the Iowa DNR, and it comes with real requirements attached.

The Iowa DNR may issue a permit for protected live birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, or invertebrate species to any university, college, school, county conservation board, public agency, other organization, or person engaged in a natural resource education program approved by the Department of Natural Resources. This means the permit is tied to an educational purpose — not simply personal enjoyment.

• Educational Project Permit: The primary permit available for holding a live protected mammal such as a squirrel. You must be engaged in an approved natural resource education program.
• Scientific Collector’s License: A scientific collector’s license may, after investigation, be issued to any university, college, or other person engaged in a scientific project approved by the Department of Natural Resources. This is not a standard pet-ownership route.
• Lawful acquisition requirement: Even with a permit, the squirrel must have been lawfully obtained — meaning it cannot have been taken from the wild in Iowa.

Iowa’s permitting process often includes demonstrating adequate facilities and expertise to care for the animal, and permit holders are subject to inspections to ensure compliance. You should contact the Iowa DNR directly at 515-725-8200 to request the Educational Project Permit application (Form #542-1368) and confirm current requirements before proceeding.

Pro Tip: Contact the Iowa DNR before acquiring any squirrel. Permit approval is not guaranteed, and purchasing or receiving a squirrel before your permit is approved puts you in legal jeopardy from the moment the animal arrives.

Story County’s local exotic animal ordinance also references an Iowa Collectors Permit pathway. No person may own, possess, or have custody of certain exotic animals unless they obtain a license from the Animal Control Department — though individuals holding a valid Iowa Collectors Permit from the Iowa DNR and certification that the animal was born and maintained continuously in captivity in accordance with all applicable regulations are exempt from those local provisions.

Where to Legally Obtain a Pet Squirrel in Iowa

Because Iowa prohibits taking native wildlife from the wild, the only legal route to obtaining a pet squirrel is through a captive-bred source. Even in permissive states, legal possession almost always requires using a captive wildlife or breeder permit and ensuring the animal is legally sourced — often from a USDA-licensed breeder.

Here is what a lawful acquisition looks like in practice:

1. USDA-licensed breeders: Look for breeders who hold a USDA Animal Welfare Act license, which indicates the animals are captive-bred and legally sold. Reputable breeders will provide documentation of the squirrel’s origin.
2. Out-of-state sources: If you purchase a squirrel from a breeder in another state, confirm that the export is legal in that state and that Iowa’s import rules are satisfied. Additional documentation may be needed for animals with special conservation statuses, and federal regulations may require further permits, highlighting the complexity of exotic pet ownership.
3. Avoid wild-caught animals: Taking a squirrel from the wild in Iowa — even an injured or orphaned one — is illegal without a wildlife rehabilitation permit. If you find an injured squirrel, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator rather than keeping the animal yourself.

Laws regarding pet squirrels can change at any time, and pet squirrels may be regulated at the county, municipal, or local level even in states where they are legal at the state level. Always verify the current status with the Iowa DNR before completing any purchase. For more context on squirrel behavior and biology, the squirrels overview is a helpful starting point.

Housing and Care Requirements in Iowa

Iowa does not publish a standalone squirrel-specific housing standard for private owners, but permit holders are expected to demonstrate adequate facilities as part of the approval process. General principles drawn from captive wildlife care standards apply.

Squirrels are active, highly mobile animals that need far more space than a standard pet cage provides. A minimum enclosure for a single squirrel should be at least 2 feet wide by 2 feet deep by 4 feet tall, though larger is always better. Wire mesh construction — fine enough to prevent escape but open enough for ventilation — is the standard material. Squirrels can chew through wood and thin plastics, so the frame must be reinforced accordingly.

Care Category	Minimum Standard	Notes
Enclosure size	2 ft x 2 ft x 4 ft (minimum)	Larger multi-level enclosures strongly preferred
Diet	Nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, leafy greens	Avoid processed foods and excessive sunflower seeds
Enrichment	Branches, climbing structures, nesting material	Mental stimulation prevents stress behaviors
Veterinary care	Exotic-animal vet with rodent/wildlife experience	Most standard vets do not treat squirrels
Temperature	60–80°F ambient range	Avoid drafts and direct heat sources

Iowa’s permitting process includes demonstrating adequate facilities and expertise to care for the animal, and permit holders are subject to inspections to ensure compliance. This means your enclosure setup may be reviewed before or after a permit is issued. Document your housing arrangement thoroughly when submitting your application.

Finding a veterinarian experienced with squirrels can be challenging. Call exotic-animal clinics in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, or Iowa City in advance to confirm they accept squirrel patients before you bring one home. Iowa’s wildlife is diverse, and understanding the broader ecosystem your squirrel comes from — including its natural predators — can help you better appreciate its stress responses and behavioral needs in captivity.

Pro Tip: Squirrels have continuously growing incisors and need hardwood branches or untreated wooden toys to wear them down. Without appropriate chewing material, dental problems can develop quickly and become expensive to treat.

Local and Municipal Restrictions in Iowa

Even if you satisfy all state-level permit requirements, local law may still prohibit squirrel ownership in your specific city or county. This is one of the most commonly overlooked aspects of exotic pet ownership in Iowa.

Just because an animal is legal to own at the state level does not mean the city you live in allows it. Many local cities and counties have their own restrictions on which animals are legal to keep, and you should check with your local city and county for their regulations.

While the importation and possession of wild animals are regulated under both federal and state laws, county and municipal governments may also regulate animals within their jurisdictions. Local ordinances typically restrict the possession of animals, regulate activities involving animals, or set minimum standards for the housing and care of animals.

A few examples of how Iowa municipalities handle exotic animals:

• Story County: Requires a local Animal Control Department license for certain exotic animals, though holders of a valid Iowa DNR Collectors Permit with proof of captive birth may be exempt from the local license requirement.
• Centerville: Apes are classified as “dangerous animals” and it is illegal to own or keep a dangerous animal within the city limits — illustrating that Iowa municipalities do actively restrict wildlife possession beyond state minimums.
• Rental housing: If you are renting, check with your landlord before acquiring a squirrel, because even if it is legal in your state, you will need to ensure it is permitted in the home.

Prospective squirrel owners are encouraged to confirm legality with local authorities before adopting. Contact your city clerk’s office or county animal control department and ask specifically about native wildlife or exotic mammal ordinances. Iowa’s natural world extends well beyond squirrels — if you’re curious about other wildlife in the state, guides on owls in Iowa, hawks in Iowa, and snakes in Iowa offer useful context on the state’s broader wildlife regulations.

Penalties for Illegal Squirrel Ownership in Iowa

Iowa takes unlawful wildlife possession seriously, and the penalties are significant enough to be a genuine deterrent. Violations can trigger both civil and criminal consequences depending on the circumstances.

Iowa imposes strict penalties for illegal possession of prohibited animals. Violators of Iowa Code Chapter 717F without necessary permits face civil and criminal penalties, including fines ranging from $200 to $2,000 per day for each violation.

For native wildlife possessed without a DNR permit, enforcement falls under Iowa Code Chapter 481A. Penalties under that chapter can include:

• Civil fines assessed per animal and per day of violation
• Criminal misdemeanor charges for unlawful possession of protected wildlife
• Seizure of the animal by Iowa DNR conservation officers or local animal control
• Forfeiture of any equipment used in the illegal taking or possession of wildlife

Criminal charges can range from misdemeanors to felonies depending on the circumstances, and if illegal possession results in harm, penalties may escalate to imprisonment.

Under Iowa Code Chapter 717F, a person owning or possessing a dangerous wild animal in violation of the chapter is subject to a civil penalty of not less than $200 and not more than $2,000 for each dangerous wild animal involved in the violation. While squirrels are not classified as dangerous wild animals under that chapter, the penalty structure illustrates how seriously Iowa treats wildlife possession violations generally.

Important Note: Animal seizure is a real outcome of illegal possession in Iowa. If a squirrel is confiscated, it may be transferred to a wildlife rehabilitator or sanctuary — and in some cases may be euthanized if no placement is available. The risk extends beyond fines to the animal’s welfare.

While your state may allow you to keep certain animals as pets, local laws can restrict ownership. State laws are also frequently changing in response to concerns for public safety and animal well-being, so you should always double-check for any new or proposed state or local legislation.

If you find yourself in a gray area — for example, you rescued an orphaned squirrel and aren’t sure what to do — the safest step is to contact a licensed Iowa wildlife rehabilitator through the Iowa DNR’s permit programs page or call the DNR directly at 515-725-8200. Rehabilitators are the only individuals legally authorized to receive and temporarily hold distressed native wildlife. You might also find it helpful to explore related Iowa wildlife topics such as bats in Iowa or frogs in Iowa, both of which are subject to similar DNR oversight.

Owning a squirrel in Iowa is possible — but only through a narrow, well-documented legal path. Secure your permit before acquiring the animal, source it from a lawful captive-bred supplier, verify your local ordinances, and set up proper housing before the squirrel arrives. Taking those steps in the right order keeps both you and the animal on the right side of Iowa law. For additional reading on plants that repel squirrels or the types of squirrels found in Canada, those resources offer useful context on squirrel behavior and ecology.