Missouri is home to a surprising variety of squirrel species, and it is easy to understand why someone might want to keep one as a companion animal. But before you act on that idea, you need to know exactly where the law stands — and in Missouri, the answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no.
Owning a squirrel in Missouri is possible under specific conditions, but it requires the right permit, a legal source animal, and ongoing compliance with state wildlife regulations. Getting any one of those elements wrong can expose you to criminal penalties and the loss of the animal. This guide walks you through everything you need to know, from the governing statutes to housing requirements and local restrictions.
Is It Legal to Own a Squirrel in Missouri
In Missouri, it is illegal to keep a squirrel as a pet without the appropriate permits and licenses. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) regulates the possession of wildlife, including squirrels, and enforces the Wildlife Code of Missouri.
Under the Wildlife Code, squirrels are classified as wildlife and are protected by the state. This means that keeping a squirrel as a pet without the proper authorization is against the law. That said, the state does provide a legal pathway for private ownership — but it comes with strict conditions attached.
It is not legal to trap or capture wild animals, including squirrels, to keep them as a pet. The key distinction in Missouri law is the source of the animal. An individual who finds an injured squirrel under law cannot care for and raise the animal — but buy the same animal from a breeder, and the law says the animal is yours. That source-based rule shapes every other aspect of squirrel ownership in the state.
Key Insight: Missouri allows squirrel ownership through a permit system, but only if the animal was purchased from a licensed Missouri wildlife breeder. Wild-caught squirrels cannot legally be kept as pets, regardless of the circumstances under which they were found.
Squirrel Forum’s state-by-state tracking of wildlife laws lists Missouri as a state where no licenses are issued except for rehabilitation and education. However, the Wildlife Hobby Permit under 3 CSR 10-9.420 does represent a legal avenue for private possession — provided the animal is breeder-sourced. Always verify the current status of these regulations directly with the MDC, as the list of animals can change periodically.
Which Squirrel Species Are Legal in Missouri
Missouri hosts several native squirrel species, but not all of them carry the same legal and practical status for private ownership. Understanding which species live here — and how they are classified — helps you make an informed decision before pursuing a permit.
The Wildlife Code of Missouri classifies both the eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) and the fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) as game mammals. Missouri is home to several types of squirrels, but the gray squirrel and eastern fox squirrel are the most commonly seen throughout the state. These are also the two species most commonly held under the Wildlife Hobby Permit.
You can explore the full range of squirrel species found across the United States to better understand where Missouri’s native species fit within the broader family. Missouri also has a smaller ground-dwelling species: the least chipmunk, which is the smallest type of ground squirrel found in Missouri, and is yellowish gray with tawny dark stripes. For a deeper look at ground-dwelling varieties, the different types of ground squirrels resource covers their characteristics in detail.
One species that deserves special attention is the flying squirrel. States where flying squirrels are legal to keep as pets include Missouri, though the same permit and source requirements apply. If you are specifically interested in a flying squirrel as a companion, review the dedicated flying squirrel care and ownership guide for species-specific information before moving forward.
Important Note: Missouri does not permit the possession of Class II wildlife, hoofed mammals, or skunks under the Wildlife Hobby Permit. Confirm that the specific squirrel species you are interested in falls within the approved confined wildlife species list maintained by the MDC.
| Species | Native to Missouri | Classification | Legal Under Hobby Permit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Gray Squirrel | Yes | Game mammal | Yes, if breeder-sourced |
| Fox Squirrel | Yes | Game mammal | Yes, if breeder-sourced |
| Southern Flying Squirrel | Yes | Game mammal | Yes, if breeder-sourced |
| Least Chipmunk | Yes | Game mammal | Verify with MDC |
| Wild-caught any species | N/A | Protected wildlife | No |
Permit and License Requirements in Missouri
The primary legal mechanism for keeping a squirrel as a personal pet in Missouri is the Wildlife Hobby Permit, codified under 3 CSR 10-9.420. This rule establishes a permit to possess certain forms of wildlife for personal use but not for sale.
Here is exactly what the permit authorizes and restricts:
- A wildlife hobby permit authorizes the holder to hold in captivity not more than one (1) game mammal purchased from a Missouri wildlife breeder permit holder, except that Class II wildlife, hoofed mammals, and skunks may not be held under this permit.
- Game mammals may be held in captivity but may not be propagated or sold. This permit shall be obtained prior to receipt of wildlife.
- The permittee must furnish proof that game mammals were legally obtained. Wildlife must be confined in humane and sanitary facilities that meet standards specified in 3 CSR 10-9.220.
- Wildlife may be disposed of only in accordance with instructions of an agent of the department but may not be released, sold, or given away.
The permit fee, as listed in the Missouri Code of State Regulations, is eleven dollars ($11). That is a low barrier to entry financially, but the compliance requirements are significant. Permits are valid from July 1 through June 30 of the prescribed permit year listed on the permit. This means annual renewal is required to maintain legal possession.
Confined wildlife held within the provisions of this chapter, and any facilities used to hold such wildlife, are subject to inspection by a conservation agent at any reasonable time. Refusal to allow access for an inspection shall constitute sufficient cause for suspension or revocation of permit privileges.
Pro Tip: Apply for your Wildlife Hobby Permit before you acquire the animal. Under 3 CSR 10-9.420, the permit must be obtained prior to receipt of the wildlife — not after. Starting the application process early also gives you time to build proper housing before the squirrel arrives.
If you are interested in wildlife rehabilitation rather than private ownership, a separate pathway exists. Missouri offers a wildlife rehabilitator permit for residents who meet the requirements. Individuals who graduate from a school of veterinary medicine or other wildlife rehabilitation training course may apply. The permit allows individuals to possess, take, transport, and hold in captivity injured or sick Missouri wildlife — however, wildlife rehabilitators cannot keep the animals in possession for more than 120 days.
Where to Legally Obtain a Pet Squirrel in Missouri
The source of your squirrel is not a minor detail — it is the legal foundation of your entire ownership arrangement. Missouri law is explicit: the animal must come from a licensed Missouri wildlife breeder permit holder.
Missouri offers the 3 CSR 10-9.420 wildlife hobby permit to individuals who purchased a game animal from a Missouri wildlife breeder with a valid permit. This means you cannot legally acquire a squirrel from a neighbor, rescue it from the wild, or purchase one from an out-of-state seller who is not operating under Missouri’s breeder permit framework without additional documentation.
When searching for a breeder, keep the following in mind:
- Verify that the breeder holds a current Missouri wildlife breeder permit before completing any transaction.
- Request a dated bill of sale or receipt that identifies the seller, the species, and the date of purchase. This documentation is required to prove legal acquisition under your hobby permit.
- Interstate travel with squirrels is generally regulated at the state level. You should have a breeder receipt or a letter from your vet stating they are lawfully obtained.
- Purchasing squirrels from breeders will get you a domesticated animal that will be more manageable to own and take care of.
You can contact the Missouri Department of Conservation directly at their Jefferson City office or through mdc.mo.gov to request a list of current Class I wildlife breeder permit holders in the state. The MDC maintains oversight of all licensed breeders and can confirm whether a specific breeder’s permit is active and in good standing.
Common Mistake: Do not attempt to rehabilitate a wild-caught baby squirrel and then transition it into a pet. Missouri law treats wild-caught wildlife differently from breeder-sourced animals, and possessing a wild-caught squirrel without a rehabilitation permit — even with good intentions — is a violation of the Wildlife Code.
For broader context on squirrel behavior, biology, and what to expect as an owner, the comprehensive squirrel resource provides a strong foundation before you commit to ownership.
Housing and Care Requirements in Missouri
Missouri does not leave housing standards to interpretation. Wildlife must be confined in humane and sanitary facilities that meet standards specified in 3 CSR 10-9.220. These standards govern the physical space, sanitation, and general welfare conditions for confined wildlife held under a hobby permit.
While the specific dimensions outlined in 3 CSR 10-9.220 should be reviewed directly from the MDC’s current published code, the general principles for appropriate squirrel housing align with best practices for exotic small mammals:
- Enclosure size: Squirrels are highly active animals that require substantial vertical space for climbing. A multi-level enclosure with a minimum footprint of 2 feet by 2 feet and at least 3 to 4 feet of height is generally considered a baseline for a single animal.
- Materials: Use hardware cloth or heavy-gauge wire mesh rather than standard window screening, which squirrels can chew through easily.
- Environmental enrichment: Branches, nest boxes, and foraging opportunities are essential to prevent stress-related behaviors and stereotypies in captive squirrels.
- Temperature regulation: Missouri experiences significant seasonal temperature swings. Indoor housing or climate-controlled outdoor enclosures protect the animal from temperature extremes.
- Sanitation: Enclosures must be cleaned regularly to meet the humane and sanitary standards required under the permit.
Squirrels are wild animals and have specific needs and behaviors that may be challenging to meet in a domestic setting. Before deciding to keep a squirrel as a pet, ensure that you are fully prepared to provide the necessary care, time, and resources for their well-being.
Diet is another important consideration. Squirrels require a varied diet that includes nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, and protein sources. A diet of only sunflower seeds or peanuts is nutritionally inadequate and can lead to metabolic bone disease. Consulting with an exotic animal veterinarian before and after acquiring a squirrel is strongly recommended, as not all general practice veterinarians have experience treating squirrels.
You may also find it helpful to read about the different types of squirrels and their distinct behavioral traits, since care needs can vary meaningfully between species.
Local and Municipal Restrictions in Missouri
Obtaining a state Wildlife Hobby Permit does not automatically clear you to keep a squirrel in every Missouri city or county. Local governments retain the authority to impose restrictions that are more stringent than state law.
Just because an animal is legal to own in the state 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. Consider checking with your local city and/or county for their regulations regarding what pets you can and cannot own.
Local municipalities can also have restrictions on exotic animals, and squirrels are considered exotic animals. Check with your local municipality before you seek a squirrel permit. They may also have additional city or county bylaws that you need to be aware of.
The following situations commonly trigger additional local restrictions:
- Urban and suburban zoning codes: Cities like Kansas City and St. Louis may have ordinances that restrict or prohibit exotic animal ownership within city limits, even when state law permits it.
- Homeowners associations (HOAs): Many homeowners live in areas that have homeowners associations that could also have rules regarding pets. Review your HOA covenants before acquiring any exotic animal.
- Rental agreements: If you are renting, check with your landlord to see if it is okay for you to have a pet. While a squirrel may be legal in your state, you will need to ensure it is permitted in the home.
- County health codes: Some Missouri counties have enacted health-based restrictions on wildlife possession that go beyond the state’s minimum requirements.
Important Note: Always verify local ordinances independently of your state permit application. The MDC’s issuance of a Wildlife Hobby Permit does not constitute an exemption from city, county, or HOA rules. Contact your city clerk’s office or county government directly to confirm current local regulations.
It is your responsibility to comply with all local laws, ordinances, and covenants before importing or possessing live wildlife. This responsibility rests entirely with the permit holder, not the issuing agency.
Missouri’s squirrel populations vary by region, and understanding what species are native to different parts of the state can help you identify what you may encounter locally. Neighboring states’ squirrel profiles — such as those for Ohio and Wisconsin — offer useful comparisons for understanding regional species distribution.
Penalties for Illegal Squirrel Ownership in Missouri
Violating Missouri’s wildlife possession laws carries real legal consequences. The state takes wildlife law enforcement seriously, and ignorance of the regulations is not a recognized defense.
No bird, fish, crayfish, mussel, amphibian, reptile, mammal, or other form of wildlife shall be molested, pursued, taken, hunted, trapped, poisoned, killed, transported, possessed, imported, or exported except as specifically permitted by Missouri regulations. Squirrels fall squarely within this broad protective language.
When a wildlife law violation occurs, a conservation agent issues a ticket and the matter goes to court. The judge decides the fine and any jail time. If you are convicted of the violation, the court may assess a fine — which goes to the county — and/or time in jail.
Missouri also operates a points-based enforcement system. Missouri uses a point system. At the time of conviction, depending on the violation, MDC staff assign anywhere from zero to 16 points per violation. If you accumulate 16 points, MDC staff will review all the circumstances surrounding your violations and may recommend the Commission consider revoking or suspending your permit privileges for up to one year.
Beyond state-level consequences, federal law may also apply. Proper documentation will eliminate the possibility of prosecution under the Lacey Act (16 U.S.C. §§ 3371–3378), a federal conservation law that prohibits trade in wildlife, fish, and plants that have been illegally taken, possessed, transported, or sold. If you transport an illegally possessed squirrel across state lines, the Lacey Act elevates what might otherwise be a state misdemeanor into a federal matter.
Specific penalties you may face for illegal squirrel possession include:
- Criminal fines assessed by the county court
- Possible jail time depending on the severity of the violation
- Seizure of the animal by MDC conservation agents
- Loss of all hunting, fishing, and wildlife permit privileges for up to one year
- Federal charges under the Lacey Act if interstate transport is involved
Pro Tip: Missouri has an Operation Game Thief program through which violations can be reported. Missouri has Operation Game Thief — you can report poaching, illegal hunting, or any wildlife violation. This means illegal possession can be reported by neighbors, landlords, or anyone else who becomes aware of it.
The bottom line is straightforward: the permit process is inexpensive and accessible, and the consequences of bypassing it are disproportionately severe. If you want to legally own a squirrel in Missouri, the correct path is to secure your Wildlife Hobby Permit, purchase from a licensed breeder, maintain proper housing, and renew annually.
For additional context on how squirrel ownership laws compare across different states and regions, you can explore resources covering squirrels in Nebraska, squirrels in Alabama, and squirrels in Delaware — each state takes a distinct regulatory approach that illustrates just how variable these laws can be.
Missouri’s wildlife laws are designed to protect native species while still allowing responsible private ownership. By understanding the rules before you act, you protect yourself legally and give any squirrel in your care the best possible chance at a healthy, well-supported life.