Can You Own a Squirrel in Rhode Island? What the Law Actually Says

Rhode Island may be the smallest state in the country, but its wildlife laws are anything but simple. If you’ve spotted an eastern gray squirrel darting across a Providence sidewalk and wondered whether you could keep one as a pet, the answer involves a specific set of state regulations that most residents don’t know about until it’s too late.

The short version: squirrel ownership in Rhode Island sits in a legally restricted zone, and the rules differ depending on the species, where the animal came from, and whether you can secure a permit. Before you make any decisions, it’s worth understanding exactly what Rhode Island law allows — and what it doesn’t.

Is It Legal to Own a Squirrel in Rhode Island?

The direct answer is that owning a squirrel as a private pet is not legal for most Rhode Island residents. It is not legal to keep a squirrel as a pet in Rhode Island. State law says that “All native wild animals are expressly prohibited from importation or ownership without the issuance of a valid permit by the Department.”

All native wild animals are expressly prohibited from importation or ownership without the issuance of a valid permit by the Department. Ownership is restricted to the Department, the USFWS, AZA-certified zoos and aquariums, research institutions and researchers involved in approved bona fide research, and USDA licensed exhibitors authorized to possess animals of this order. Private individuals do not qualify under any of those categories.

No one in Rhode Island is allowed to possess, sell, purchase, tame, neuter, or barter wild animals. This applies whether you found a squirrel in your backyard, received one as a gift, or purchased one from an out-of-state seller. The prohibition is broad and covers all native squirrel species.

Important Note: Some sources suggest Rhode Island allows squirrel ownership with a permit. However, the RIDEM’s own regulations under 250-RICR-40-05-3 make clear that permits for native wildlife possession are restricted to institutions, researchers, and licensed exhibitors — not private pet owners. Always verify directly with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management before acting on any information you find online.

The state’s position on this comes from a public health and ecological standpoint. The threat posed by unregulated wild animal ownership can include physical harm to residents, potential disease transmission to people or other animals — both domestic and wild — and harm to the state’s native flora, fauna, and agricultural interests. It is therefore necessary to regulate the importation and possession of exotic or native wild animals and to limit possession to those species not considered a threat to public health and safety.

If you’re curious about other animal-related laws in the Ocean State, the rules around pit bull ownership in Rhode Island and goat ownership laws in Rhode Island follow a similarly layered structure of state and local oversight.

Which Squirrel Species Are Legal in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island is home to several squirrel species, and the legal status of each comes down to whether the animal is classified as native wildlife. There are over 275 species of ground, flying, and tree squirrels worldwide, but only five species live in Rhode Island. Every one of those native species falls under the state’s native wildlife prohibition.

The eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is the species most Rhode Islanders encounter daily. The red and gray squirrels are game animals, and the state allows citizens to hunt them during hunting season. The gray squirrel is a protected furbearer, and killing is regulated. Keeping one as a pet, however, is a separate matter entirely — and one the law does not permit for private residents.

The northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus) and the southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans) are also present in the state. While some sources list Rhode Island among states where flying squirrels can be kept as pets, this applies only to non-native exotic flying squirrel species — not the native Rhode Island varieties, which remain under the same native wildlife prohibition. The state’s squirrel pet laws apply specifically to red squirrels, grey squirrels, and fox squirrels. Laws may be different for non-native species and flying squirrels.

Species	Native to Rhode Island?	Legal as a Private Pet?
Eastern Gray Squirrel	Yes	No — native wildlife prohibition
Eastern Fox Squirrel	No (not established in RI)	Permit required if exotic
Northern Flying Squirrel	Yes	No — native wildlife prohibition
Southern Flying Squirrel	Yes	No — native wildlife prohibition
American Red Squirrel	Yes	No — native wildlife prohibition

For non-native exotic squirrel species not found in Rhode Island’s wild, the pathway shifts slightly — but a permit is still required, and the burden of proving the animal is not native, endangered, invasive, or a nuisance species falls on the applicant.

Permit and License Requirements in Rhode Island

Rhode Island’s permit system for wild animal possession is managed by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM). Unless exempted pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 4-18-3 and 4-18-6, no person shall be allowed to import or possess any animals defined as exotic wild animals or native wild animals without first obtaining a permit from the Department.

For native squirrel species, no permit pathway exists for private pet ownership — possession is restricted to institutions. For a non-native exotic squirrel species, an exotic animal possession permit is theoretically possible, but the application requirements are extensive. The applicant must provide a detailed written description of the manner in which the animal’s nutritional, housing, and exercise needs will be met, as well as any needs specific to the particular species.

The full permit application package requires several supporting documents:

• A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI, also known as a “Health Certificate”) issued by a federally accredited veterinarian licensed in the state of origin of the exotic animal.
• A signed letter from the veterinarian stating that they will provide routine medical care for the animal as well as performing those tests and procedures required by the Department.
• A letter from the Chief of the RI DEM Division of Fish and Wildlife, or his/her designee, stating that the above referenced animal is not considered to be a Native, Endangered, Invasive, or Nuisance species.
• Name, address, and contact phone numbers for three people who will serve as references. These people must not be members of your immediate family.
• A letter from your municipality confirming no local ordinances prohibit ownership of that animal at your address.

The permit application, along with an application fee of $5.00 per specimen, the letter from the veterinarian, and a written detailed description must be submitted within 7 days preceding the probable date of shipment. Given that native squirrels are categorically excluded from private ownership, this process would only apply to confirmed non-native exotic species.

Pro Tip: Contact the RIDEM Division of Fish and Wildlife directly at 401-222-2781 before beginning any permit application. Staff can confirm whether a specific species qualifies and save you from investing time and money in an application that cannot be approved.

There is also a separate Wildlife Rehabilitator permit category. The Division of Fish and Wildlife allows qualified citizens to care for injured or displaced wildlife temporarily. There is a $25.00 non-refundable fee for the RIDEM Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit, payable via check or money order only. The permit is valid for one year and must be renewed annually. This permit does not authorize keeping a squirrel as a permanent pet — its purpose is temporary care before release.

Where to Legally Obtain a Pet Squirrel in Rhode Island

Given that native squirrel species cannot be kept as pets in Rhode Island, there is no legal route for most residents to obtain one within the state. You cannot take a squirrel from the wild, accept one from a neighbor, or purchase one from a local seller without running into the state’s native wildlife prohibition.

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. This federal layer of protection applies regardless of what state you’re in.

For those pursuing a non-native exotic squirrel species through the permit process, the sourcing requirements are equally strict. A permit may be granted by the department to import a wild animal as a personal pet if a written affidavit or declaration under penalty of perjury is completed at the time of entry at the site of first arrival. The animal must come with verified documentation tracing its origin.

You can get a squirrel as a pet through a breeder, and this is the easiest way to get a squirrel as a pet — but only in states where doing so is legal. Rhode Island residents who relocate from a state where squirrel ownership is permitted face additional complications, as the new state’s laws apply from the moment of arrival.

If you’re drawn to native Rhode Island wildlife more broadly, you may find it more rewarding to explore legal wildlife observation. Rhode Island’s spring bird migration and endangered animals offer plenty of opportunities to engage with the state’s natural ecosystems without legal risk.

Housing and Care Requirements in Rhode Island

Because private squirrel ownership is not permitted for most Rhode Island residents, there are no state-issued care standards specifically designed for pet squirrels in private homes. The housing and care requirements that do exist apply to institutions and permit holders — and they are demanding.

It is necessary to restrict possession of exotic or native wild animals to those parties that have demonstrated that they can competently and safely care for them. Any permit application must include a detailed care plan covering nutrition, housing, and exercise before the state will consider approval.

For context, here is what squirrel care typically involves for institutions that do hold valid permits:

• Enclosure size: Squirrels are highly active and need large, multi-level enclosures with climbing structures, branches, and hiding spaces. A minimum of 4 feet wide by 4 feet deep by 6 feet tall is a commonly cited standard for tree squirrels.
• Diet: A varied diet including nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, and protein sources. A diet of only peanuts or sunflower seeds leads to nutritional deficiencies.
• Veterinary access: A signed letter from a veterinarian stating that they will provide routine medical care for the animal is a permit requirement — meaning you need an exotic-animal vet willing to treat squirrels before you even apply.
• Escape prevention: Enclosures must prevent escape into the wild, which could introduce disease or disrupt local wildlife populations.

Small mammals such as squirrels, rabbits, and raccoons carry zoonotic diseases that can be transmitted to pets and humans. This public health concern is central to why Rhode Island’s regulations are as strict as they are, and it’s a practical consideration regardless of legal status.

If you’re interested in keeping animals that are legally accessible in Rhode Island, reviewing popular cat breeds in Rhode Island or understanding leash laws in Rhode Island may point you toward more straightforward pet options.

Local and Municipal Restrictions in Rhode Island

State law sets the baseline, but Rhode Island municipalities can layer additional restrictions on top of it. Local municipalities can also have restrictions on exotic animals, and squirrels are considered to be exotic animals. You should check with your local municipality before you seek a squirrel permit. They may be able to help you to get one, and they may also have additional city or county bylaws that you need to be aware of.

The RIDEM’s own exotic animal permit application reflects this reality. The application requires a letter from the municipality where the animal will be housed, stating that there are no ordinances prohibiting ownership of that animal at that location. Without that municipal clearance letter, the state permit cannot be issued.

Cities like Providence, Cranston, and Warwick each maintain their own animal control ordinances. Some municipalities have blanket prohibitions on exotic animals that go beyond state minimums. Others may have no specific ordinance addressing squirrels, in which case state law governs by default. The only reliable way to know your city’s position is to contact your local animal control office directly.

Key Insight: Renters face an additional layer of restriction. 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. Even if a permit were theoretically obtainable, a lease prohibition would bar you from keeping the animal at that address.

Homeowners in HOA communities face similar constraints. Association rules can restrict exotic animals even when state and municipal law is silent. Always review your HOA’s governing documents before pursuing any exotic animal ownership.

Rhode Island’s layered approach to animal regulations extends to many species. The rooster crowing laws in Rhode Island and beekeeping laws in Rhode Island are good examples of how local ordinances frequently add specificity beyond what state law requires.

Penalties for Illegal Squirrel Ownership in Rhode Island

The consequences for keeping a squirrel without authorization in Rhode Island are real and can escalate quickly. The state enforces violations through two separate penalty frameworks depending on whether the animal involved is classified as an exotic wild animal or a native wild animal.

For violations involving native wildlife — which includes all squirrel species native to Rhode Island — any person found in violation may be penalized under the authority of R.I. Gen. Laws § 20-1-16. Unless otherwise specifically provided, the violation of any law or regulation relating to wild animals shall be a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not more than $500.00 or imprisonment for up to 90 days, or both.

For violations involving exotic wild animals, the penalty structure under R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-18-14 applies. Any person who violates any provisions of this chapter shall be fined not less than $100.00, and face the loss of any specimen referred to in this chapter.

Beyond those baseline penalties, the RIDEM’s regulations add further consequences for permit holders who fall out of compliance:

• Any person who fails to comply with any part of the regulations shall be fined not exceeding $300.00 per offense.
• Each and every occurrence and/or day during which the violation is repeated shall constitute a separate and distinct violation.
• Any person who fails to comply shall be responsible for all costs and fees associated with any quarantine, examination, and testing required by the State Veterinarian’s Office, and subject to forfeiture of the subject animal.
• The permit to import and/or possess an exotic or native wild animal may be suspended or revoked in addition to the imposition of any other penalty.

For violations involving endangered species specifically, the penalties are even more severe. Upon conviction of a violation, the violator shall be fined no less than $500 nor more than $5,000, or imprisoned not exceeding one year, or both.

Enforcement personnel have authority under warrant to search for and seize any goods, merchandise, or animal sold or offered for sale or otherwise used or possessed in violation. This means a complaint from a neighbor or a routine animal control call could result in your animal being confiscated.

The legal landscape for wildlife in Rhode Island is consistent across many categories of animals. If you want to understand how the state handles related situations, the roadkill laws in Rhode Island and rules around what happens if a dog bites someone in Rhode Island reflect the same enforcement-oriented philosophy.

The bottom line is straightforward: if you want a squirrel as a pet and you live in Rhode Island, state law as written under 250-RICR-40-05-3 and reviewed by the Animal Legal & Historical Center does not provide a legal path for private pet ownership of any native squirrel species. The risks — fines, animal confiscation, and a potential misdemeanor record — are not worth the uncertainty. Contact the RIDEM directly for the most current guidance, and consider whether a legally kept small mammal might be the better choice for your household.