Is It Legal to Own a Squirrel in Pennsylvania? What You Need to Know
May 24, 2026
Pennsylvania has some of the most layered wildlife ownership laws in the country, and squirrels sit right in the middle of that complexity. If you have been wondering whether you can keep a squirrel as a pet in the Keystone State, the answer is not a simple yes or no — it depends on the species, where the animal came from, and whether you have the right documentation in place.
Before you consider bringing a squirrel home, it helps to understand exactly what state law says, which permits apply, and what risks come with getting it wrong. This guide walks you through every layer of Pennsylvania’s squirrel ownership rules so you can make an informed decision.
Is It Legal to Own a Squirrel in Pennsylvania
The short answer is: it depends, and the rules are stricter than most people expect. Native Pennsylvania wildlife — including squirrels — is protected under the Pennsylvania Game and Wildlife Code, 34 Pa.C.S. § 2901, and generally cannot be kept as pets. That protection covers the gray squirrel, red squirrel, and fox squirrel that you likely see in your backyard every day.
However, the law does carve out a narrow path to legal ownership. Pet squirrels are legal in Pennsylvania, but they must come from a USDA breeder in Pennsylvania that has been approved by the Pennsylvania Game Commission Special Permits Enforcement Division. This means that simply rescuing a squirrel from your yard or purchasing one from an unlicensed seller is not a lawful route.
Pennsylvania laws on exotic pets can be complicated and confusing and include some animals you may believe are legal to have. The key takeaway is that squirrels occupy a gray area: ownership is not outright banned for everyone, but it is tightly controlled and requires proper documentation. If you are exploring the broader world of squirrels as animals, understanding state-specific rules is an essential first step.
Important Note: Taking a squirrel from the wild — even an injured one you intend to nurse back to health — is not legal under Pennsylvania law. Wildlife that has been rehabbed cannot be kept as a personal pet under state regulations.
Which Squirrel Species Are Legal in Pennsylvania
Not all squirrels are treated equally under Pennsylvania law, and the species you want to keep makes a significant difference in what is permitted.
Pennsylvania law defines “game animals” to include the red, gray, and fox squirrel, which means these native tree squirrels fall under Game Commission jurisdiction. They can be legally possessed only through the proper permit process and only when sourced from an approved breeder. This applies specifically to red squirrels, gray squirrels, and fox squirrels. Laws may be different for non-native species of squirrels and flying squirrels.
Flying squirrels are treated somewhat differently. Pennsylvania is listed among the states where flying squirrels are legal to keep as pets, which puts them in a more accessible category than their tree-squirrel relatives. The southern flying squirrel is native to Pennsylvania, and southern flying squirrels are legal because they are native — though you should still verify current permit requirements with the Game Commission before acquiring one. You can learn more about this species in our guide to the flying squirrel.
Non-native squirrel species — such as Siberian chipmunks or exotic foreign species — face additional restrictions. One Pennsylvania resident was turned down for a Siberian chipmunk propagating permit, as you simply cannot have them in the state without meeting very specific exotic permit criteria that are difficult to satisfy. For a broader look at squirrel diversity, see our overview of the different types of squirrels found around the world.
| Species | Legal Status in PA | Permit Required | Source Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Gray Squirrel | Legal with conditions | Yes (propagators or menagerie license) | PA-licensed breeder only |
| Red Squirrel | Legal with conditions | Yes | PA-licensed breeder only |
| Fox Squirrel | Legal with conditions | Yes | PA-licensed breeder only |
| Southern Flying Squirrel | Generally legal | Verify with Game Commission | Lawfully obtained |
| Non-Native Species (e.g., Siberian chipmunk) | Heavily restricted | Exotic permit (very difficult) | Specialized sourcing required |
| Wild-Caught (any species) | Illegal | None available for personal pets | N/A |
Permit and License Requirements in Pennsylvania
If you want to legally own a tree squirrel in Pennsylvania, you will need to navigate the state’s permit system. Pennsylvania requires a propagators or menagerie license, and the squirrel must come from a PA-licensed breeder. These are not casual permits — they come with meaningful requirements that you need to meet before approval.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission requires applicants to be 18 years of age or older. New applicants for an exotic wildlife possession permit must provide documentation of at least two years of hands-on experience with the species from a recognized facility. A letter of reference from the facility’s owner, manager, or licensee is also required.
Beyond experience, your application needs to address how you will care for and house the animal. Housing and containment must be proper, safe, and sanitary, meeting established standards. Inspections of facilities are often conducted prior to permit approval to ensure compliance. Applicants should also secure a letter of approval from their local governmental body.
Demonstrating financial responsibility for the animal’s ongoing care, including veterinary needs, is also expected. Required documentation includes information about the animal species, number of animals, and their source. Enclosure dimensions and personal identifying information are also necessary.
Pro Tip: To get information on how to obtain a permit to own an exotic pet in Pennsylvania, contact the Pennsylvania Game Commission Special Permits Enforcement Division directly at 717-783-8164. Speaking with them before you begin the process can save you significant time and effort.
It is also important to understand the federal layer. Squirrels can 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 ask for documentation before any transaction.
Where to Legally Obtain a Pet Squirrel in Pennsylvania
Finding a legal source for a pet squirrel in Pennsylvania is one of the most challenging parts of the process. The state’s rules are specific: the animal must come from within Pennsylvania’s licensed breeder network, not from another state or from the wild.
Gray squirrels are considered exotic animals and are required to have a permit to be “legal” in PA, as long as they are purchased with a valid receipt from a licensed exotic breeder in the state of Pennsylvania. That receipt matters — it is part of your documentation trail and may be requested by wildlife officers.
Purchasing from an out-of-state breeder is a complicated route. The Pennsylvania Game Commission has stated it is “illegal to bring these types of animals into the state without a permit” and references laws that restrict captive-bred wildlife from other states. There is a legal gray area here stemming from the “Nutkin” court case, but relying on that loophole is risky and not a recommended strategy.
You can get a squirrel as a pet through a breeder, and this is the easiest way to get a squirrel as a pet. When searching for a breeder, confirm they hold both USDA licensing and Pennsylvania Game Commission approval before committing to a purchase. Ask for written documentation of both.
- Request the breeder’s USDA license number and verify it independently
- Confirm the breeder is approved by the Pennsylvania Game Commission
- Obtain a bill of sale or receipt at the time of purchase
- Keep all paperwork on file in case of a wildlife officer inspection
- Never accept a squirrel from someone who cannot provide documentation
Wild squirrels — including orphaned or injured ones you find outdoors — are never a legal source for a personal pet. Wildlife that has been rehabbed is not allowed to be kept under Pennsylvania law. If you find an injured squirrel, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator instead. You can also read about the types of squirrels in the US to better identify what you may have encountered.
Housing and Care Requirements in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s regulations set clear expectations for how any permitted wildlife must be housed and cared for. These standards are not guidelines — they are legally enforceable conditions of your permit.
It is unlawful to maintain exotic wildlife in confinement in an unsanitary or unsafe condition, or in a manner which results in maltreatment, mistreatment or neglect. No exotic wildlife may be confined in a pen, cage, or enclosure which does not meet the minimum pen specifications. An animal may not be chained or tethered, or otherwise impeded from moving freely within a cage or enclosure unless otherwise indicated on the permit.
Enclosure construction standards are also codified. A cage or enclosure must be covered at the top to prevent escape, and it must be provided with bedding required for the animal’s comfort and to protect it from inclement weather. Cages must also have a secure locking mechanism — key-locked or padlocked — to prevent accidental escape.
Beyond the physical structure, daily care routines are part of your legal obligation. Clean, fresh water must be provided daily, and water containers must be cleaned and disinfected daily. Sanitation procedures must also comply with local, state, and federal waste disposal requirements.
Key Insight: Squirrels are highly active animals with strong natural instincts to climb, forage, and chew. A small cage will not meet their behavioral needs or Pennsylvania’s housing standards. Plan for a spacious, enriched enclosure with climbing branches, nesting material, and appropriate foraging opportunities.
From a practical care standpoint, squirrels in captivity present unique challenges. Pet owners face challenges like finding veterinarians experienced with exotic mammals and managing destructive behaviors, such as chewing on furniture or electrical wires. Additionally, squirrels’ lifespan in captivity — six to twelve years — requires a long-term commitment, often underestimated by prospective owners.
Before acquiring a squirrel, identify a veterinarian in your area who has experience with exotic or wild-caught mammals. Routine checkups are important, and pet squirrels can carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans, so it is important to practice good hygiene and cleanliness. If you are interested in how squirrels interact with their environment more broadly, our article on animals that eat squirrels provides useful ecological context.
Local and Municipal Restrictions in Pennsylvania
State law is only one layer of the regulatory picture. Even if you obtain the proper Game Commission permit, local governments in Pennsylvania may impose additional restrictions that affect your ability to keep a squirrel.
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 be able to help you get one, and they may also have additional city or county bylaws that you need to be aware of.
In fact, the Game Commission’s own permit process accounts for this. Applicants are expected to secure a letter of approval from their local governmental body as part of the permit application. This means your township, borough, or municipality must sign off before the state will grant you permission — making local rules a prerequisite, not an afterthought.
If you rent your home, additional restrictions may apply. 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. Homeowners association rules can also restrict exotic animal ownership even on private property.
Common Mistake: Many people assume that a state-level permit covers everything. In Pennsylvania, you also need local government approval as part of your application. Skipping this step can result in a denied permit even if you meet all other criteria.
Pennsylvania cities and counties vary widely in how they handle exotic pet ordinances. Some municipalities have broad bans on any wild or exotic animal regardless of state permits, while others have no specific local rules at all. Contact your local zoning or animal control office directly — and get any approvals in writing. For context on how squirrel populations vary across the state’s neighbors, see our pages on squirrels in Ohio and squirrels in New York.
Penalties for Illegal Squirrel Ownership in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania takes wildlife violations seriously, and the penalties for illegal squirrel ownership can escalate quickly. Understanding what is at stake helps put the importance of proper permitting in perspective.
Under the Pennsylvania Game and Wildlife Code, violations are classified as summary offenses with fines that compound daily. A violation relating to permits is a summary offense of the third degree. Any other violation is a summary offense of the fifth degree. Each day of violation constitutes a separate offense, but under no circumstances shall the accumulated penalty for purposes of a field receipt exceed $300. There shall be no limit on any accumulated penalty a court may assess.
That last point is significant: while the field receipt cap is $300, a court can impose unlimited accumulated penalties for ongoing violations. If you have kept an unlicensed squirrel for months or years, each of those days counts as a separate offense in court proceedings.
Beyond fines, there is the matter of the animal itself. If you live in Pennsylvania and own a squirrel without proper authorization, you could be subject to legal fines, which can get quite expensive. Wildlife officers have the authority to seize the animal, and in some documented cases, seized squirrels have been euthanized rather than returned to the wild — particularly if they have been in captivity long enough to lose survival instincts.
The “Nutkin” case from Schuylkill County illustrates how enforcement can unfold. Resolving a court case in which a couple were fined for keeping a squirrel as a pet proved to be a tough nut to crack. The state Game Commission said it would not try to take the squirrel if the owners paid a $155 fine for having the animal in the first place. That case involved a squirrel originally acquired in South Carolina, and the family ultimately kept the animal — but only after significant legal effort and expense.
Federal law adds another dimension. While federal laws like the Lacey Act regulate the trade of wildlife, state laws dictate whether you can legally keep a squirrel as a pet. If your squirrel was purchased from an unlicensed seller across state lines, you could face federal wildlife trafficking charges on top of state penalties. Always verify the legal status of any seller before completing a purchase.
If you are passionate about squirrels but find Pennsylvania’s ownership rules too restrictive, there are legal alternatives worth exploring. Supporting a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, volunteering with a wildlife organization, or simply creating a welcoming backyard habitat are all ways to enjoy these animals without legal risk. Our guides on squirrels in Delaware and plants that repel squirrels offer additional perspectives on living alongside these animals responsibly. You might also find our pages on squirrels in Michigan and squirrels in Wisconsin useful for understanding regional wildlife law patterns.
Important Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Pennsylvania’s wildlife laws are complex and subject to change. Always consult directly with the Pennsylvania Game Commission and a qualified attorney before pursuing squirrel ownership.
Owning a squirrel in Pennsylvania is possible in limited circumstances, but it requires the right species, a legitimate source, proper permits, compliant housing, and local government approval. The legal path is narrow, and the consequences of getting it wrong — fines, animal seizure, and potential federal charges — are real. If you are serious about pursuing legal ownership, start by contacting the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Special Permits Enforcement Division and consulting a wildlife attorney before taking any other steps.