Can You Own a Squirrel in North Dakota? Laws, Permits, and Care Requirements

North Dakota is one of the few states in the country where owning a pet squirrel is genuinely permitted under state law. That said, “permitted” does not mean unrestricted. While it is legal to own a squirrel in North Dakota, residents must understand the rules of permits, licenses, and care before taking on such a responsibility.

Whether you’ve spotted a Richardson’s ground squirrel darting across a prairie road or you’ve been researching captive-bred tree squirrels, the path to legal ownership runs through the North Dakota Department of Agriculture. This guide walks you through every step — from the state’s classification system and which species qualify, to where to find a legal source and what happens if you skip the paperwork.

Pro Tip: Secure your non-traditional livestock license and have your enclosure inspected before you acquire any squirrel. Under North Dakota law, the license must be obtained prior to bringing the animal home.

Is It Legal to Own a Squirrel in North Dakota?

It is not illegal to own a squirrel or other exotic and non-traditional animals in North Dakota — but you must possess the proper licensing and housing requirements to do so. That distinction matters. Ownership is legal, but it is conditional.

The state classifies exotic and non-traditional animals into three categories. Squirrels are classified as Category 2, requiring owners to possess a non-traditional livestock license. This puts squirrels in the same regulatory tier as prairie dogs, opossums, otters, and coyotes — animals the state considers potentially hazardous to human health or the environment.

Category 2 animals are certain protected species or those that may pose health risks to humans or animals, or may be environmentally hazardous, as determined by the board. The licensing requirement exists to protect both the public and the animal, not to discourage ownership outright.

It is also worth noting what the law prohibits entirely. Ownership of raccoons and skunks is prohibited — a person may not keep a skunk or raccoon in captivity. Squirrels face no such blanket ban, which puts North Dakota in a notably more permissive position than many neighboring states. For more context on how North Dakota approaches other wildlife regulations, see our guide on venomous animals in North Dakota and roadkill laws in North Dakota.

Which Squirrel Species Are Legal in North Dakota?

In short, you can possess a grey, flying, fox, or red squirrel in North Dakota, but you must be aware of the regulations. These are the species most commonly kept as pets and the ones most likely to be available through licensed breeders.

North Dakota is known as the “Flickertail State” because of the abundance of ground squirrels found throughout the state. Like most other states, you can find both tree and ground squirrels such as Eastern gray, flying, red squirrels, and Southern fox squirrels. However, North Dakota is also home to another species of ground squirrel known as the Flickertail, which is also known as Richardson’s ground squirrel and can be seen throughout much of the state.

The four species most relevant to prospective owners are summarized below.

Species	Common Name	Category	License Required?
Sciurus carolinensis	Eastern Gray Squirrel	Category 2	Yes — Non-Traditional Livestock License
Tamiasciurus hudsonicus	Red Squirrel	Category 2	Yes — Non-Traditional Livestock License
Sciurus niger	Fox Squirrel	Category 2	Yes — Non-Traditional Livestock License
Glaucomys volans	Southern Flying Squirrel	Category 2	Yes — Non-Traditional Livestock License

Pet squirrels are legal in North Dakota with a non-traditional livestock license, so long as the squirrel is from a USDA-licensed breeder. Laws may be different for non-native species of squirrels and flying squirrels. If you are considering a less common species, contact the North Dakota Department of Agriculture directly to confirm its classification before purchasing.

Permit and License Requirements in North Dakota

Owners of Category 2 species must maintain non-traditional livestock licensure. A Permit to Possess, Propagate, or Domesticate (PPD) from the North Dakota Game and Fish Department is required for some Category 2 species. The PPD permit is issued through the Animal Health Division of the North Dakota Department of Agriculture.

The licensing process has a specific sequence you must follow. Those wishing to have a non-traditional livestock license must have appropriate facilities completed and inspected before submitting an application. A license must be obtained prior to obtaining animals. Animals imported from out of state must meet health requirements specific to that species.

Once licensed, your obligations continue on an annual basis. License renewals and inventory reports are sent out to current licensees in December of each year and are due by January 31st. Any births, deaths, sales, or purchases must be recorded on the form provided by the board.

Important Note: The license must be in hand before you bring your squirrel home — not after. Acquiring the animal first and applying later is a violation that can result in civil penalties. Contact the North Dakota Department of Agriculture’s Animal Health Division at (701) 328-2655 to request an application and get species-specific health requirements from the State Veterinarian’s office.

There is also a federal layer to consider. Squirrels may only legally be bought from USDA-licensed breeders. If someone is trying to sell a squirrel without a USDA license, even if they are licensed by the state or county to possess that squirrel, that is wildlife trafficking and is a federal crime. Always verify a breeder’s USDA credentials before completing any purchase. You can read more about how North Dakota handles other animal-related legal matters in our overview of pit bull laws in North Dakota and leash laws in North Dakota.

Where to Legally Obtain a Pet Squirrel in North Dakota

Your sourcing options are narrow by design. The state and federal framework both point to the same requirement: the squirrel must come from a licensed source, not from the wild.

• USDA-Licensed Breeders: This is the primary legal pathway. A breeder must hold an active USDA license to sell squirrels across state lines or within a state for pet purposes. Ask to see the license number and verify it through the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) database before completing a purchase.
• In-State Licensed Holders: Another licensed North Dakota owner may sell or transfer a squirrel, provided both parties hold valid non-traditional livestock licenses and the transaction is recorded on the board’s forms.
• Out-of-State Purchases: If you buy from a breeder in another state, the animal must meet North Dakota’s health requirements for that species upon entry. A certificate of veterinary inspection is typically required.

Be prepared to pay for a domesticated squirrel. Prices range from $300 to $800 or more, according to Squirrel Enthusiast, though prices vary by species, breeder, and demand. Flying squirrels tend to command higher prices than gray or red squirrels due to their smaller size and novelty as companion animals.

Taking a squirrel from the wild is not a legal path to ownership in North Dakota. There are only two licensed wildlife rehabilitation centers in North Dakota: the Raptor Recovery Center and the Dakota Zoo in Bismarck. Both of these facilities can take in sick, injured, or orphaned animals. The Raptor Recovery Center specializes in birds of prey. If you have found an orphaned or injured squirrel, the best thing you can do is contact one of these two facilities for help.

Housing and Care Requirements in North Dakota

A license or permit may not be granted by the board until it is satisfied that the provisions for housing and caring for such non-traditional livestock and for protecting the public are proper and adequate. That means your enclosure must be inspected and approved before you receive your license — not as an afterthought.

While North Dakota’s administrative code provides detailed housing specifications primarily for Category 3 species, Category 2 owners are still bound by the general adequacy standard. The following care principles apply broadly to squirrel ownership and align with what inspectors look for:

• Escape Prevention: You must take precautions to prevent the escape of your pet squirrel. If your squirrel escapes and is found by someone else, they have the legal right to kill the animal. Enclosures should use hardware cloth (not chicken wire), with a secure latch system.
• Space and Enrichment: Enclosures must mimic the animal’s natural environment, with ample space for climbing, foraging, and nesting. For tree squirrels, a multi-level enclosure at least 4 feet wide by 4 feet deep by 6 feet tall is a widely accepted minimum.
• Diet: Squirrels require a diet rich in nuts, seeds, and fresh fruits, supplemented with vitamins to prevent metabolic bone disease. Avoid feeding only sunflower seeds or peanuts, which are high in phosphorus and can deplete calcium levels over time.
• Veterinary Care: Find an exotic-animal veterinarian experienced with rodents before you bring your squirrel home. Routine health checks are important, and some species-specific health requirements may be set by the State Veterinarian’s office.
• Record-Keeping: Any births, deaths, acquisitions, or sales must be logged and reported annually to the board.

Pro Tip: Flying squirrels are nocturnal and do best in households that can accommodate their active nighttime schedule. Eastern gray and fox squirrels are diurnal and generally easier to observe during normal waking hours — a practical consideration for families.

If you’re interested in the broader wildlife picture in North Dakota, our articles on types of bats in North Dakota and when snakes come out in North Dakota offer useful background on the state’s native fauna and how seasonal behavior affects animal activity.

Local and Municipal Restrictions in North Dakota

A state-issued non-traditional livestock license does not automatically override local rules. While your state may allow you to keep certain animals as pets, local laws can restrict ownership. State laws are frequently changing in response to concerns for public safety and animal well-being. You should always double-check for any new or proposed state or local legislation.

Local municipalities can also have restrictions on exotic animals, and squirrels are considered to be 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 when you want to ensure your squirrel is legal to own.

Cities like Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Minot each maintain their own municipal codes governing exotic or non-traditional pets. Some cities prohibit any animal not traditionally kept as a domestic pet, regardless of state licensing. A few specific situations to check before proceeding:

• Rental Housing: If you are renting a house or apartment, there may be a clause in the lease agreement concerning pets. Consult the lease or rental agreement and if it is unclear, contact the landlord or building owner.
• HOA Communities: Many homeowners live in areas that have homeowners associations that could also have rules regarding pets. HOA bylaws often go further than city ordinances in restricting non-traditional animals.
• Zoning Regulations: Some residential zones in North Dakota cities restrict the keeping of any wildlife-classified animal, even with a valid state license. Contact your city’s planning or animal control office to confirm.

Permit pathways dominate: even in permissive states, legal possession almost always requires using a captive wildlife or breeder permit and ensuring the animal is legally sourced. Local ordinances mean that even if state law permits ownership, counties or municipalities frequently impose bans or additional restrictions, such as exotic pet ordinances or house pet bans.

For a broader look at how North Dakota regulates animal-related matters at the local level, our coverage of rooster crowing laws in North Dakota and neighbor’s cat in your yard laws in North Dakota shows how municipal rules can diverge significantly from state-level policy.

Penalties for Illegal Squirrel Ownership in North Dakota

Skipping the licensing process carries real financial and legal consequences. The penalties operate on two tracks — civil and criminal — and can escalate depending on the nature of the violation.

If, after a hearing, the board finds that a person has brought, kept, or received any non-traditional livestock in this state and the livestock are not in compliance with the rules, a civil penalty up to five thousand dollars per violation may be assessed against that person. A person who knowingly violates any rule of the board is guilty of an infraction.

Beyond fines, the state has authority over the animal itself. Any non-traditional livestock brought into this state illegally may be ordered by the board to be returned to the state of origin, or the board may order the animals slaughtered or destroyed. That outcome — the destruction of the animal — is the most serious consequence for the squirrel itself, and it underscores why proper licensing matters before acquisition.

Liability does not stop at the licensing violation. You may be subject to criminal penalties if the squirrel causes damage, injures, or kills a person or another animal. You must also take precautions to prevent the escape of your pet squirrel. Owners can face personal injury liability under North Dakota tort law if their animal harms someone, regardless of whether the animal was licensed. For related context, see our article on what happens if a dog bites someone in North Dakota, which illustrates how the state approaches owner liability for animal-caused injuries.

The federal layer adds another dimension. Purchasing from an unlicensed seller — even if you hold a valid state license — constitutes wildlife trafficking under federal law. Federal laws like the Lacey Act regulate the trade of wildlife, while state laws dictate whether you can legally keep a squirrel as a pet. Both sets of rules apply simultaneously, and federal penalties can be substantially more severe than state-level fines.

Violation Type	Potential Consequence	Authority
Unlicensed possession	Civil penalty up to $5,000 per violation	ND Department of Agriculture
Knowingly violating board rules	Infraction (criminal)	ND State Board of Animal Health
Illegally imported animal	Animal returned to origin state or destroyed	ND State Board of Animal Health
Purchasing from unlicensed seller	Federal wildlife trafficking charges	USDA / Federal Law (Lacey Act)
Animal causes injury or property damage	Criminal penalties and civil liability	ND Courts

North Dakota gives squirrel owners a genuine legal pathway that most states do not. The requirements — a non-traditional livestock license, an inspected enclosure, a USDA-licensed source, and annual record-keeping — are manageable for a prepared owner. The key is completing each step in the correct order, before the animal arrives. If you are still exploring the wildlife landscape of the Peace Garden State, our guides on squirrels in Northern Arizona and spring bird migration in North Dakota offer additional reading on regional wildlife behavior and ecology.