How to Care for a ‘Pet’ Squirrel?

Most people who end up “caring” for a squirrel didn’t plan on it. It usually starts with finding an orphaned baby after a storm, or an injured adult that needs help before it can be released. In those moments, the squirrel feels more like a pet than wildlife, and you’re suddenly responsible for keeping it alive and safe.

The tricky part is that squirrels are not domesticated animals, and trying to keep them as long-term pets can lead to serious problems for both you and the animal. This guide cuts through the noise, focusing on what actually works when a squirrel needs temporary care.

And since AAAC Wildlife Removal has dealt with more squirrel rescues than most people see in a lifetime, you’ll get a perspective rooted in real cases, not guesswork.

When a Squirrel Isn’t Your Furry Sidekick?

It’s tempting to think of a squirrel as just another quirky pet, especially when one ends up in your hands looking helpless. The truth is, in many states it’s actually illegal to keep a wild squirrel as a pet without the proper permits.

These animals are classified as wildlife, and laws are in place to protect them and ensure they’re cared for by licensed professionals. Even if the law allowed it, squirrels simply aren’t wired for long-term captivity. They’re high-energy, destructive chewers that need complex stimulation and space to thrive.

More importantly, raising one without proper rehabilitation training can strip it of the skills it needs to survive in the wild. That’s why the safest move is always treating your role as temporary caretaker and planning for professional involvement as soon as possible.

First Steps if You Find One

Finding a squirrel in need can feel overwhelming, but the first few minutes matter most. Keep the animal calm, warm, and safe while you figure out the next step. Avoid loud noises, excessive handling, and direct contact, since stress can quickly worsen its condition.

If it’s a baby squirrel, place it in a small ventilated box lined with soft fabrics like fleece. Add a low-set heating pad under half the box or a warm water bottle wrapped in a towel so it can choose where to rest. For adults, use a larger container with air holes, keeping it quiet and dark until professional help arrives.

These first measures don’t replace professional care, but they give the squirrel a fighting chance. Once it’s stabilized, reach out to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or call AAAC Wildlife Removal for immediate guidance on next steps.

Housing & Environment Tips That Work

If a squirrel is staying with you short-term, its environment can make the difference between recovery and decline. A quiet, low-stress space helps prevent shock, which is one of the biggest dangers for injured or orphaned wildlife. Think of it as a temporary den, not a pet cage.

Set up a small enclosure with good ventilation and soft bedding. Avoid strong-smelling materials like cedar or pine shavings, since they can irritate a squirrel’s respiratory system. Instead, use clean cloth or fleece that can be replaced easily.

Light is just as important as comfort. Keep the enclosure in a naturally lit room to maintain a day-night cycle, since constant darkness or artificial light confuses their internal rhythm. This small detail supports natural behavior patterns and keeps stress levels down.

Feeding & Hydration—By the Book

Food and water are the next priorities once a squirrel is stable. Fresh, clean water should always be available in a shallow dish, but many young or weak squirrels won’t drink on their own. In those cases, use a small syringe or dropper and offer water slowly, letting the squirrel lap it rather than forcing it.

When it comes to food, resist the urge to hand over kitchen scraps or sugary snacks. Squirrels have delicate systems, and improper feeding can cause diarrhea, dehydration, or even long-term health problems. Specialized squirrel formulas or rodent blocks provide the balanced nutrients they actually need.

For young squirrels, milk replacers designed for wildlife are essential since cow’s milk or human baby formula can be fatal. Always research or contact a rehabilitator before offering anything unfamiliar. Correct nutrition early on sets the foundation for survival and prevents painful conditions like metabolic bone disease.

Health Green Flags vs. Red Alarms

Squirrels in temporary care can look fine one moment and decline quickly the next, so spotting early signs of trouble is critical. A healthy squirrel will be alert, responsive, and able to move with coordination. Its fur should appear smooth, and its eyes should be clear and bright.

Red flags include lethargy, labored breathing, drooling, or visible injuries like open wounds. Dental overgrowth is another serious issue, squirrel teeth grow constantly, and without proper chewing materials, they can pierce the jaw or cause infections. Weakness in the limbs, trembling, or refusal to eat are also urgent signs that something is wrong.

At the first hint of these warning signals, professional intervention is the only safe move. Contacting a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or AAAC Wildlife Removal ensures the squirrel gets proper treatment before the problem escalates. Acting quickly often makes the difference between recovery and loss.

Why ‘Keeping’ a Squirrel Isn’t Your Forever Plan?

Caring for a squirrel might feel rewarding, but turning that short-term care into a lifelong arrangement creates more problems than solutions. Squirrels raised by humans often lose their natural instincts, making it impossible for them to survive if released back into the wild. What feels like kindness can actually rob them of their best chance at life.

Even in captivity, squirrels don’t transition into easy pets. They chew constantly, need endless stimulation, and can become aggressive once they mature. Housing them long-term also creates health risks for both you and the animal, since they carry parasites and can inflict serious bites.

The most responsible plan is to work with licensed rehabilitators who specialize in preparing squirrels for safe release. If release isn’t possible, they can connect the animal with sanctuaries equipped for lifelong care. Either way, treating your role as a bridge, not a permanent owner, is the most humane choice.

AAAC Wildlife Removal’s Promise

When you’re suddenly responsible for a squirrel, it’s easy to feel out of your depth. That’s where AAAC Wildlife Removal comes in, our team has handled countless squirrel rescues, from stranded babies to injured adults, and we know exactly what it takes to keep them safe. We provide step-by-step guidance and connect you with licensed rehabilitators who can take over care when it’s time.

Our approach is always humane, practical, and stress-free for both you and the animal. Instead of leaving you guessing with online tips, we offer proven solutions that prioritize safety and compliance with local laws. With AAAC on your side, you don’t have to choose between compassion and doing the right thing.

So if you’ve found yourself in the middle of a squirrel situation, don’t panic. Give us a call, and we’ll walk you through what to do next. Think of us as your rescue partner, helping you help the animal without the risks of going it alone.

Caring Is Temporary, Compassion Is Forever

Caring for a squirrel is rarely about becoming a pet owner, it’s about stepping in at the right moment and making sure the animal survives. Warmth, safe housing, proper hydration, and nutrition give it the stability it needs, but long-term well-being comes from trained rehabilitators who can prepare it for life in the wild.

By focusing on short-term care and seeking professional help, you protect both the squirrel’s future and your own safety. And with AAAC Wildlife Removal ready to guide you through every step, you’re never alone in making the compassionate choice. Sometimes the best way to “care” is knowing when to hand things over to the experts.

Need Help With a Squirrel Right Now?

If you’ve found yourself caring for a squirrel, don’t take chances trying to figure it out alone. AAAC Wildlife Removal is just a call away, ready to step in with professional guidance, safe handling, and connections to licensed rehabilitators.

We’ll make sure the squirrel gets the right care while keeping your home and family safe. Reach out today and let our experts handle the tough part. With AAAC, you’re not just helping a wild animal, you’re doing it the right way.