Keeping Capybara as a Pet
Here are some Geographic Range and Legal Statuses for Keeping a Capybara as a pet. Don't be caught on the wrong side of the law.
Capybaras are native to the wetlands and grasslands of South America. Their status as pets varies widely around the world, and even where legal, ownership is often highly regulated.
USA: The legality of owning a capybara as a pet in the United States varies by state and, in some cases, by municipality. This is not an exhaustive list, and it’s essential to check with your specific state, county, and city for the most current laws.
States where ownership is generally illegal: Georgia, Pennsylvania, California, Oregon, Texas (for certain counties).
States where ownership is generally legal, but often requires a permit or license: New York (though illegal in New York City), Florida, Indiana, Washington State, Arizona, Maine.
Alabama: Possession of non-native animals may be allowed with a permit if they were owned before a specific date.
Arkansas: Requires permits for specific exotic animals, which may include capybaras.
Europe: As with the USA, there is no single law for the entire continent. Regulations are often much stricter, and many countries prohibit or severely restrict ownership of wild or exotic animals.
United Kingdom: It is legal to own a capybara, but a license from your local council is mandatory. You must prove you can provide a suitable, secure habitat that meets all welfare needs.
Italy: Ownership is illegal.
France and Poland: Ownership may be possible but is subject to extremely stringent requirements.
Other European Countries: Due to strict animal welfare and invasive species laws, ownership is often prohibited or requires specific, difficult-to-obtain permits.
How to take Care of a Capybara as a pet
Capybaras have incredibly demanding needs that make them unsuitable for most households.
Housing and Environment: Capybaras are semi-aquatic animals and require a large, secure outdoor enclosure.
- Space: A minimum enclosure size of at least 20 by 20 feet is recommended for a pair. They need a large grassy area for grazing, as well as a heated shelter for protection from cold weather.
- Water: Access to a large, clean body of water is non-negotiable. The pool should be at least 3.5 to 4 feet deep to allow them to fully submerge and swim. Capybaras often defecate in the water, so be prepared for regular cleaning. Avoid high levels of chlorine as they drink from their pool.
- Security: Fencing must be robust and tall enough to prevent escapes, with no gaps they can squeeze through.
Capybara Diet and Nutrition: Their diet is crucial for their health.
- Core Diet: Capybaras are herbivores, and their diet should consist mainly of high-quality, pesticide-free grass and hay. They can consume up to 8 pounds of fresh grass per day.
- Vitamin C: A daily vitamin C supplement is essential to prevent scurvy, a common and potentially fatal condition for captive capybaras.
- Enrichment: You can provide enrichment by offering fresh, untreated wood branches (like willow or birch) and sturdy chew toys to help them wear down their continuously growing teeth.
- Coprophagia: They are naturally coprophagic, meaning they re-ingest their own feces to get essential nutrients and beneficial bacteria. This is a normal and necessary behavior.
- What to Avoid: Never feed them sugary, salty, or spicy foods. Soft foods should also be avoided as they do not aid in dental health.
Social Needs: Capybaras are highly social herd animals. In the wild, they live in stable groups of 6 to 16 individuals.
- Keeping a single capybara as a pet is considered inhumane. They require companionship from other capybaras to thrive emotionally and psychologically. A lone capybara will become stressed and lonely, which can lead to destructive behaviors.
Veterinary Care: You must have an exotic animal veterinarian who has specific experience with capybaras. Their unique dietary and dental needs require specialized knowledge.
How much do Capybaras Cost to buy?
The initial cost of a capybara can be substantial, as they are considered exotic pets and are not commonly available. Looking for Capybaras for sale? here is a brief cost estimate.
- In the United States, capybara prices typically range from $1,500 to over $5,000 per animal, with prices varying based on the breeder, the animal’s age, and location. It’s important to remember that since capybaras are highly social animals, you must buy at least two, effectively doubling this initial purchase price.
- In Europe, capybara prices are similar, with a single capybara often costing around £1,000 or more. As with the US, you should factor in the cost of purchasing at least two capybaras to meet their social needs.
It’s also crucial to remember that the purchase price is just the beginning. You will also need to budget for the high costs of creating a suitable enclosure, providing proper nutrition, and ongoing veterinary care.
Find a Detailed Cost Estimate here.
Page Last Updated: August 8, 2025