It is not legal to own an owl as a personal pet in the United States. Every native owl species is protected under federal law, and private individuals cannot simply purchase or keep one as a companion animal regardless of which state they live in.
That said, owning an owl is not impossible for everyone. Specific federal permits allow qualified individuals to possess owls for falconry, education, and wildlife rehabilitation. The key word is “qualified.” The requirements are real, the process is lengthy, and the permits are not available to casual animal enthusiasts.
The misconception that drives most searches on this topic is straightforward: people assume that if something isn’t specifically banned, it must be allowed. With owls, the opposite is true. Federal law prohibits possession by default. You need explicit authorization.
This article explains the federal framework, covers state-specific rules for California, Texas, and Washington, breaks down which permits exist and who can get them, and tells you what happens if you keep an owl without authorization.
Is It Legal to Own an Owl
No, it is not legal to own an owl as a pet in the United States without specific federal and state permits that are not available to the general public for personal pet ownership.
All native owl species in North America are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, codified at 16 U.S.C. 703. This federal statute prohibits the take, possession, import, export, transport, sale, purchase, and barter of any migratory bird, including all native owls, without proper authorization from the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
The MBTA covers over 1,000 bird species. Every owl species native to the US, from the great horned owl to the tiny elf owl, falls within its protection. There is no carve-out for pet ownership. The statute doesn’t distinguish between someone who found an injured owl and someone who purchased one from a breeder. Unauthorized possession is a violation.
The only legal pathways for private individuals to possess an owl involve specific USFWS permits. These are:
- Falconry permit: Allows trained falconers to use certain raptor species, including some owls, for the sport of falconry
- Education permit: Allows qualified educators and institutions to possess non-releasable owls for public education programs
- Wildlife rehabilitation permit: Allows licensed rehabilitators to temporarily possess injured or orphaned owls for care and release
- Special purpose possession permit: Covers very specific situations authorized by USFWS on a case-by-case basis
None of these permits authorizes keeping an owl as a household companion animal. Every one of them comes with conditions, inspections, and ongoing compliance requirements.
Is It Illegal to Own an Owl
Yes, it is illegal to own an owl in the United States without the appropriate federal and state permits. Unauthorized possession of any native owl species is a violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which is a federal criminal statute.
The MBTA creates criminal liability for unauthorized possession even when the person had no intent to break the law. You don’t have to have bought the owl from a poacher or captured it yourself. If you’re in possession of a native owl without a valid USFWS permit, you’re in violation. Intent matters for determining the severity of the charge, but not for the basic fact of the violation.
Both criminal and civil penalties apply under the MBTA. Criminal penalties fall into two categories. Misdemeanor violations carry fines up to $15,000 per violation and up to six months in jail. Felony violations, which involve knowing or intentional conduct, carry fines up to $250,000 per violation and up to two years in prison.
The Lacey Act adds a separate layer of federal liability when owls are transported across state lines or are the subject of commercial transactions. Lacey Act violations carry civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation and criminal penalties up to $20,000 and five years in prison for felony commercial violations.
Quick Facts:
- Governing federal statute: Migratory Bird Treaty Act, 16 U.S.C. 703
- Misdemeanor penalty: Up to $15,000 fine, up to 6 months imprisonment
- Felony penalty: Up to $250,000 fine, up to 2 years imprisonment
- Lacey Act: Additional penalties for commercial or interstate violations
- Enforcement agency: US Fish and Wildlife Service special agents
Can You Own an Owl as a Pet in the United States
No, you cannot own an owl as a pet in the United States. No permit category exists under federal law that authorizes keeping a native owl species as a companion animal.
This is probably the most important myth to bust directly. Owls are not like ferrets or hedgehogs, where some states allow them and others don’t. The federal prohibition is absolute for pet ownership purposes, and state law cannot override it. A state cannot grant permission for something federal law categorically prohibits.
The Harry Potter effect is real and documented. Interest in owning owls spiked significantly after the Harry Potter film series popularized Hedwig the snowy owl as a pet. USFWS and wildlife rehabilitation organizations have noted increases in inquiries about and illegal possession of owls that correlate with spikes in the franchise’s cultural popularity.
What you cannot do:
- Purchase an owl from a breeder and keep it as a pet
- Keep an owl you found injured after it recovers
- Accept an owl as a gift from someone with a falconry permit
- Keep a captive-bred owl without a specific USFWS permit
What non-native owl species allow in theory: owls that are not native to the US and not protected under the MBTA have different legal status. The common barn owl is actually listed as a migratory species and is protected. Truly exotic non-native owls not covered by the MBTA exist but are rare in the pet trade, and state laws may still prohibit their possession.
Where Is It Legal to Own an Owl
There is no location in the United States where it is legal to own a native owl species as a personal pet. The federal prohibition applies in all 50 states, US territories, and on federal lands.
The “where” question comes from a reasonable assumption that wildlife laws, like many other laws, vary by state. For most wildlife questions, that assumption is correct. For owls and all other MBTA-protected species, it is not. Federal supremacy means the MBTA’s prohibition applies uniformly regardless of what any state law says.
What does vary by location is the specific permit structure and state-level add-on requirements. A falconer who holds a valid federal falconry permit still needs a state falconry permit from the state where they operate. A falconry permit holder in Texas faces different state-level requirements than one in California, even though the federal permit is the same.
The practical question “where can I legally be around owls” has better answers:
- Wildlife rehabilitation centers: Legal possession by the facility, open to public volunteers in many cases
- Educational facilities with education permits: Zoos, nature centers, schools of natural history
- Falconry demonstrations: Licensed falconers can demonstrate with their birds at public events
- Sanctuaries: Non-releasable owls often reside permanently at licensed wildlife sanctuaries
None of these allow you to take an owl home. They represent the legal ways to interact with owls that exist within the permit framework.
Key Takeaway: There is no US state or jurisdiction where owning a native owl as a pet is legal. Federal law prohibits it universally, and the only legal possession pathways require specific USFWS permits tied to falconry, education, or rehabilitation.
What States Allow Owl Ownership
No US state allows private pet ownership of native owl species because federal law prohibits it, and state law cannot override federal MBTA protections. States do, however, set their own rules on top of federal requirements for permit holders.
The question of which states “allow” owl ownership is really a question about which states have permit programs that allow qualified individuals to possess owls for approved purposes. Every state has a state wildlife agency that issues state-level permits for falconry and education, which work alongside the federal permit.
The states with the most active falconry communities, and therefore the most permit holders legally possessing owls under falconry rules, include:
| State | State Falconry Permit | State Education Permit | Governing Agency |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | Yes | Yes | CA Dept of Fish and Wildlife |
| Texas | Yes | Yes | TX Parks and Wildlife Dept |
| Washington | Yes | Yes | WA Dept of Fish and Wildlife |
| Colorado | Yes | Yes | CO Parks and Wildlife |
| Pennsylvania | Yes | Yes | PA Game Commission |
| Oregon | Yes | Yes | OR Dept of Fish and Wildlife |
| Montana | Yes | Yes | MT Fish, Wildlife and Parks |
Every state has both permit types because federal regulations require state-level endorsement of the federal permit. But having a state permit program is not the same as allowing casual owl ownership. The permits require qualifying credentials, facility inspections, and ongoing compliance.
Is It Legal to Own an Owl in California
No, it is not legal to own an owl as a pet in California. State law reinforces the federal prohibition, and California imposes additional restrictions on raptor possession under its own wildlife codes.
California Fish and Game Code Section 3503.5 makes it unlawful to take, possess, or destroy any birds of prey (raptors), including owls, without specific authorization. This state provision applies on top of the federal MBTA prohibition, creating a dual state-federal protection framework.
California does have a state falconry permit program administered by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. California falconers who hold a valid state falconry permit in addition to their federal permit may possess certain owl species used in falconry. Great horned owls, for example, can be used in falconry in California by licensed practitioners.
California’s education permit program allows qualified wildlife educators and institutions to possess non-releasable owls for education purposes. These permits require CDFW approval, facility inspections, and annual reporting. The owls must be birds that cannot survive in the wild due to injury or other factors.
California imposes some of the strictest enforcement of wildlife possession laws in the country. CDFW game wardens actively investigate illegal wildlife possession, and penalties under state law stack on top of federal MBTA penalties.
- Governing state statute: California Fish and Game Code Section 3503.5
- State permit types: Falconry permit, education permit (both require CDFW approval)
- Enforcement agency: California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW)
- Penalty for illegal possession: State misdemeanor or felony, fines up to $40,000 for commercial violations under California Fish and Game Code
Is It Legal to Own an Owl in Texas
No, it is not legal to own an owl as a personal pet in Texas. Texas law prohibits possession of native raptors without proper state and federal permits, and personal pet ownership does not qualify as an authorized purpose.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Code Chapter 64 governs the possession of protected birds in Texas. Raptors, including all owl species native to North America, are protected under both the MBTA federally and Texas state law. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) does not issue permits for owl ownership as companion animals.
Texas does have an active falconry community and a state falconry permit program. Texas falconers can use great horned owls in certain falconry applications, but the permit is for the practice of falconry, not for keeping owls as pets. TPWD issues state falconry licenses in three classes: apprentice, general, and master, each with different privileges regarding which species and how many birds may be possessed.
Texas also has a wildlife rehabilitation permit program for licensed rehabilitators. These permits allow temporary possession of injured owls for care and release, but the goal is always return to the wild, not permanent pet ownership.
Quick Facts:
- Governing state law: Texas Parks and Wildlife Code Chapter 64
- State permit types: Falconry license (apprentice, general, master), rehabilitation permit
- Governing agency: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD)
- Pet ownership of owls: Prohibited under both state and federal law
- Penalty for illegal possession: State Class A misdemeanor, fines up to $4,000 plus federal MBTA penalties
Is It Legal to Own an Owl in Washington State
No, it is not legal to own an owl as a pet in Washington State. Washington law prohibits the possession of native raptors without specific state permits, and no permit authorizes personal pet ownership.
Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 220-450-030 governs raptor possession in Washington State, administered by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). Washington’s raptor regulations mirror the federal framework while adding state-specific requirements for permit holders.
Washington is home to multiple owl species including the great horned owl, barn owl, barred owl, spotted owl, and snowy owl. All are protected under the MBTA federally and under Washington state wildlife law. The spotted owl has additional protection as a federally threatened species under the Endangered Species Act in parts of its range.
Washington’s falconry permit program requires falconers to hold both the USFWS federal falconry permit and a Washington State falconry license. WDFW administers the state license and conducts facility inspections to ensure falconers meet housing and care standards before a permit is issued.
Washington also has a state-level education permit program for wildlife educators. Schools, nature centers, and wildlife organizations can possess non-releasable owls for education purposes under WDFW authorization.
| Permit Type | Issued By | Purpose | Pet Ownership? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal falconry permit | USFWS (50 CFR Part 21) | Falconry sport | No |
| WA state falconry license | WDFW | State endorsement of federal permit | No |
| Education permit | WDFW + USFWS | Public education programs | No |
| Rehabilitation permit | WDFW + USFWS | Temporary care and release | No |
Key Takeaway: California, Texas, and Washington all reinforce the federal prohibition with their own state wildlife statutes, meaning owl ownership without authorized permits is illegal at both the federal and state level in all three states.
What Permit Do You Need to Own an Owl
To legally possess an owl in the United States, you need at minimum a federal permit from the US Fish and Wildlife Service under 50 CFR Part 21, and in most cases a matching state wildlife permit from your state wildlife agency.
The federal permit system has distinct permit types that serve different purposes. None of them authorize keeping an owl as a household pet. Each permit comes with specific requirements about facilities, record-keeping, bird sourcing, and ongoing compliance.
The main permit types that allow owl possession:
| Permit Type | Federal Authority | Who Qualifies | Owl Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Falconry permit | 50 CFR Part 21.29 | Trained falconers with sponsor and facility | Active falconry only |
| Education permit | 50 CFR Part 21.31 | Qualified educators and institutions | Public education programs |
| Wildlife rehabilitation permit | 50 CFR Part 21.31 | Licensed rehabilitators | Temporary care, goal is release |
| Special purpose possession | 50 CFR Part 21.27 | Case-by-case USFWS approval | Specific approved purposes |
| Scientific research permit | 50 CFR Part 21.23 | Researchers with institutional affiliation | Research activities only |
Obtaining a falconry permit, the most common pathway for private individuals who want hands-on experience with owls, requires completing a written examination, completing a minimum two-year apprenticeship under a licensed general or master falconer, maintaining an inspected and approved housing facility, and obtaining both the federal permit and the state license.
The entire process from starting an apprenticeship to receiving a general falconry license typically takes a minimum of two years and often longer.
Can You Own an Owl with a Falconry Permit
Yes, a federal falconry permit allows you to legally possess certain owl species, but the permit is specifically for the practice of falconry and does not authorize keeping an owl as a pet.
The falconry permit under 50 CFR Part 21.29 authorizes licensed falconers to possess raptors, including great horned owls and other owl species used in the sport, for the purpose of falconry. Falconry is the training and use of raptors to hunt wild quarry. The permit is tied to that specific use.
A falconer who receives a permit cannot simply use it to keep an owl as a companion animal. The birds must be used for falconry or returned to USFWS-approved custody if the permittee stops practicing the sport. The permit conditions are specific and auditable. Permit holders are subject to unannounced inspections by USFWS special agents and state game wardens.
The three levels of falconry permits carry different privileges:
- Apprentice: May possess up to two raptors of approved species under the supervision of a general or master falconer; minimum two-year apprenticeship period
- General: May possess up to three raptors of a wider range of approved species; requires at least two years as an apprentice
- Master: May possess up to five raptors; may sponsor apprentice falconers; eligible for additional species
Great horned owls are among the species approved for falconry use. Barn owls and other species may be permitted depending on the state. Not all owl species are authorized for falconry, and the species list is set by regulation.
Can You Own an Owl for Education Purposes
Yes, a federal education permit allows qualified individuals and institutions to legally possess non-releasable owls for public education programs, but the permit requirements are strict and the bar for qualification is high.
The education permit under 50 CFR Part 21.31 authorizes possession of birds that cannot survive in the wild due to injury, imprinting, or other factors. The permit is specifically for conducting public education programs. It is not for personal enrichment or private display.
Qualifying for an education permit requires demonstrating that you or your institution will actively use the bird in public education programs, that you have appropriate housing facilities, and that you have the knowledge and resources to provide proper care. USFWS reviews applications and may conduct facility inspections before issuing the permit.
The types of organizations that commonly hold education permits include:
- Zoos and aquariums with bird programs
- Wildlife nature centers and environmental education organizations
- Schools with established wildlife programs
- Libraries and community organizations with documented education programming
- Individual educators with robust public outreach programs
Individuals who are not affiliated with a qualifying institution face a higher bar when applying for individual education permits. USFWS expects to see documented history of public education activities and a sustainable plan for ongoing programming.
The birds possessed under education permits must be non-releasable. A rehabilitated owl that recovers fully must be released. Only owls that genuinely cannot survive independently qualify for permanent placement in an education program.
Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Owl Ownership
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act, enacted in 1918 and codified at 16 U.S.C. 703, is the primary federal law that makes unauthorized owl ownership illegal in the United States, and it applies to all native owl species without exception.
The MBTA implements four international treaties between the United States and Great Britain (for Canada), Mexico, Japan, and Russia. These treaties obligate the US to protect migratory birds through domestic law. The statute’s protection is extraordinarily broad. It covers not just hunting but take, possession, transport, sale, purchase, barter, import, and export of protected species and their parts, eggs, and nests.
The MBTA’s strict liability standard is what makes it particularly powerful. For misdemeanor offenses, the government does not need to prove that you knew your conduct was illegal. Unknowingly possessing a protected owl is still a misdemeanor violation. Intent matters only for the felony provisions, where knowing and willful violation is required.
The regulatory framework implementing the MBTA is found at 50 CFR Part 21. This regulation sets out the specific permit types available under the MBTA and the requirements for each. The permit types outlined in Part 21 are exhaustive. If a type of possession is not covered by one of the listed permits, it is not authorized.
- Statute: Migratory Bird Treaty Act, 16 U.S.C. 703
- Regulations: 50 CFR Part 21
- Scope: All take, possession, transport, and sale of migratory birds including owls
- Liability standard: Strict liability for misdemeanor offenses
- Enforcement: USFWS Office of Law Enforcement
Can You Own a Barn Owl as a Pet
No, you cannot own a barn owl as a pet in the United States. The barn owl, Tyto alba, is listed as a migratory species protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and its unauthorized possession is a federal violation.
The barn owl is one of the most widely distributed bird species in the world, which leads some people to assume it must be less protected than rarer species. Legal protection under the MBTA has nothing to do with abundance. The statute protects listed species based on their migratory status and treaty coverage, not their population size.
Barn owls are actually listed specifically as a species of greatest conservation need in a number of states, including Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Ohio, where their populations have declined significantly due to habitat loss and rodenticide exposure. In those states, state-level protections add to the federal prohibition.
The barn owl is commonly used in educational settings because of its dramatic face and striking appearance. Many wildlife education centers have non-releasable barn owls that were brought in as injured birds or birds that became human-imprinted during rehabilitation. These birds live out their lives in the education program under the facility’s education permit.
- Species: Barn owl, Tyto alba
- Federal protection: Migratory Bird Treaty Act (listed species)
- State additional protection: Listed as species of concern in multiple states
- Legal possession: Education permit or falconry permit for qualified holders only
- Pet ownership: Illegal under federal law regardless of state
Can You Own a Great Horned Owl as a Pet
No, you cannot own a great horned owl as a personal pet in the United States. The great horned owl, Bubo virginianus, is a native migratory species fully protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
The great horned owl is North America’s largest and most powerful owl, which may be part of its appeal to people who ask about ownership. It is also one of the most commonly used owls in licensed falconry programs, which creates the false impression that it is somehow more accessible for private ownership than other species.
The falconry pathway for great horned owls is real but restricted to licensed falconers. A general or master falconer with an inspected facility can possess a great horned owl for use in the sport of falconry. That permit does not allow the bird to be treated as a pet, kept in a living room, or used primarily for personal companionship.
Great horned owls in the wild are apex predators capable of hunting skunks, herons, and other large animals. In captivity, they require a very large flight enclosure, a diet of whole prey animals, and skilled handling. They are not behaviorally domesticated and do not adapt to companion animal status.
Wildlife rehabilitators regularly receive great horned owls that were found injured and brought to care centers. Rehabilitators are permitted to possess these birds temporarily. Any owl that recovers sufficiently for wild survival must be released. Only truly non-releasable birds are candidates for placement in education or falconry programs.
Key Takeaway: Neither barn owls nor great horned owls can be legally owned as pets. Both are fully protected under the MBTA, and the only legal possession pathways for qualified individuals involve falconry, education, or rehabilitation permits with strict conditions.
What Happens If You Keep an Owl Illegally
If you keep an owl illegally, you face federal criminal charges under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, potential civil penalties, immediate seizure of the bird, and in commercial cases, additional felony charges under the Lacey Act.
The enforcement sequence typically begins with a report. Wildlife violations involving owls most often come to USFWS attention through complaints from neighbors, reports from veterinarians who treat the bird, or through social media posts by the owner. USFWS special agents investigate these reports and can execute search warrants to seize illegally held birds.
Once discovered, the owl is immediately seized and transferred to a licensed wildlife facility. The owner cannot recover the bird regardless of how long they held it or how attached they have become to the animal.
Criminal charges follow the investigation. A first-time misdemeanor charge for unknowing possession carries fines up to $15,000 and up to six months in jail. A knowing or willful violation escalates to a felony with fines up to $250,000 and up to two years in prison. Multiple violations are charged separately.
State wildlife charges stack on top of federal charges in most cases. A California resident charged with illegal owl possession faces both federal MBTA charges and California Fish and Game Code violations simultaneously. The total penalty exposure can be significant.
Social media evidence is used routinely in these cases. Posting photos or videos of your illegally kept owl online creates a documented record of both the possession and the date, which helps prosecutors establish the duration and knowing nature of the violation.
Penalty for Owning an Owl Without a Permit
The penalty for owning an owl without a permit ranges from a federal misdemeanor fine of up to $15,000 for unknowing possession to a federal felony with fines up to $250,000 and up to two years in prison for knowing or intentional violations.
The MBTA establishes a tiered penalty structure based on intent. The distinction between a misdemeanor and a felony charge matters enormously for the long-term consequences. A misdemeanor conviction may be less likely to affect employment and licensing in most fields. A felony wildlife conviction can affect voting rights, firearm ownership, and professional licenses.
| Violation Type | Law | Fine Range | Imprisonment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unknowing MBTA possession | 16 U.S.C. 707(a) | Up to $15,000 | Up to 6 months |
| Knowing/willful MBTA violation | 16 U.S.C. 707(b) | Up to $250,000 | Up to 2 years |
| Lacey Act (commercial/interstate) | 16 U.S.C. 3373 | Up to $20,000 civil; $20,000 criminal | Up to 5 years |
| California state violation | Fish and Game Code | Up to $40,000 (commercial) | Up to 1 year |
| Texas state violation | TPWD Code | Up to $4,000 | Up to 1 year |
Beyond fines and imprisonment, convicted violators typically face:
- Permanent forfeiture of the seized owl
- Revocation of any existing wildlife permits
- Prohibition from obtaining future wildlife permits for a defined period
- Forfeiture of equipment used in the offense
The severity of enforcement varies based on the circumstances. A person who found an injured owl and held it overnight before calling a rehabilitator faces different treatment than someone who purchased an owl from a black market source and kept it for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to own an owl as a pet in the United States?
No, it is not legal to own an owl as a pet in the United States.
All native owl species are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. 703), which prohibits unauthorized possession by any private individual.
No permit category exists that authorizes keeping a native owl as a companion animal.
Legal possession of owls is limited to licensed falconers, qualified wildlife educators, and licensed wildlife rehabilitators operating under specific USFWS permits.
What permits allow you to legally possess an owl?
Three main USFWS permit types allow legal owl possession: the falconry permit (50 CFR Part 21.29), the education permit (50 CFR Part 21.31), and the wildlife rehabilitation permit.
The falconry permit is for trained falconers using owls in the sport of falconry, not for pet ownership.
The education permit is for qualified educators and institutions conducting public education programs with non-releasable birds.
All three require both a federal USFWS permit and a matching state wildlife permit, facility inspections, and ongoing compliance.
Is it legal to own an owl in California?
No, it is not legal to own an owl as a pet in California.
California Fish and Game Code Section 3503.5 prohibits possession of all raptors, including owls, without specific authorization.
California reinforces the federal MBTA prohibition with its own state law, creating a dual protection framework.
Licensed falconers and permitted wildlife educators can possess owls in California under CDFW-issued state permits that work alongside federal permits.
What is the penalty for illegally owning an owl?
Penalties for illegally owning an owl range from up to $15,000 in fines and six months in jail for unknowing possession under the MBTA to up to $250,000 in fines and two years in prison for knowing or willful violations.
State charges stack on top of federal charges in most cases, increasing total penalty exposure.
The seized owl is immediately forfeited and cannot be returned to the owner.
Commercial violations involving sale or interstate transport can escalate to Lacey Act felony charges with up to five years imprisonment.
Can you own a barn owl or great horned owl as a pet?
No, you cannot own a barn owl or great horned owl as a personal pet in the United States.
Both species are native migratory birds protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Great horned owls are used in licensed falconry programs, but only by permit holders who meet strict facility and training requirements.
Barn owls frequently appear in licensed education programs as non-releasable birds, but that possession belongs to the institution, not to a private individual as a pet.
Owl ownership laws are among the strictest in American wildlife law, and the federal prohibition leaves no room for exceptions based on state, circumstance, or how the bird was obtained.
Bookmark this article if you’re researching wildlife ownership laws, or share it with someone who is considering getting an owl before they make a decision that creates serious federal legal exposure. The rules are not changing in 2026, and the penalties are as real as they’ve ever been.
