Can You Have a Capybara as a Pet?

Capybaras are extremely popular right now. While I don’t like to refer to animals as “trendy” because it makes them sound like products, I understand the sudden appreciation for them. Capybaras are the biggest rodents in the world, but they’re still extremely adorable like all other rodents. So, I’m sure many people have asked “can you have a capybara as a pet?” Let’s get to the bottom of that question.

What is a Capybara?

Capybaras are large rodents, weighing 77 to 143 pounds. They’re semi-aquatic, meaning they can walk on land or use their partially-webbed toes to swim. They’re native to South America, particularly the northern and central countries. However, a small population of capybaras has become invasive in Florida.

Despite being so big, they’re closely related to guinea pigs. Like guinea pigs, they’re constantly eating to wear down their teeth. Capybaras primarily eat aquatic plants and grass, but they may snack on other plants too. In the morning, they eat their own feces because it’s rich in protein. While it seems disgusting to us, it helps them handle difficult-to-digest grasses by allowing their bodies to digest them twice.

Can You Have a Capybara as a Pet?

Since capybaras are adorable and sort of like giant guinea pigs, many people ask if you can have a capybara as a pet. While these unique mammals are technically legal to own in many areas, legality isn’t the only thing to consider when it comes to getting a pet. Even if capybaras are legal as pets in your area, it’s best not to get one.

The reason you shouldn’t have a capybara as a pet is because they have complex care requirements. They need a large, semi-aquatic space that most homes don’t have enough room for. Plus, they’re social creatures, so you would need to commit to more than one. They’re also much bigger than guinea pigs and other common pet rodents, so they need a lot more food. If their needs aren’t properly met, they can quickly develop severe health problems.

On top of care requirements, there are also ethical considerations. Capybaras are wild animals with complex care needs, so anyone selling them as pets probably isn’t doing so for the right reasons. In rare cases, they may appear at rescues, but they would usually go to an animal sanctuary instead of a person’s home.

Where Can You Legally Own a Capybara?

There might be rare cases where someone is experienced with exotic animal care and has tons of space for a capybara habitat. Even then, it's better for them to go to sanctuaries where they can live like wild animals instead of pets. However, I know people will still try to keep them as pets, so if that's the case, make sure you do it ethically (such as a rescue situation) and make sure owning a capybara is legal where you live.

Most states allow capybaras with a permit (and unfortunately, a few allow them without it). These are the only states that DO NOT allow capybaras as pets at all:

• Alaska

• California

• Colorado

• Connecticut

• Georgia

• Massachusetts

• Oregon

• Vermont

Even if your state allows capybaras as pets, make sure you check your local city/town regulations. Many places are strict about who can own a capybara because these animals aren’t meant to be pets, so it would be bad for the animals if they end up in the wrong hands. Please don’t get them as a pet unless you’re extremely experienced and doing it for the right reasons.

Do Capybaras Make Good Pets?

Like all wild animals, the average person shouldn’t have capybaras as pets. But the fact that they’re unethical as pets isn’t the only reason you shouldn’t have one. They also don’t make good pets.

Capybaras are expensive with complicated care requirements, so they take up a lot more time and money than most people expect. They’re also not likely to be friendly toward humans. While there are always exceptions, they’re not domesticated so they’re more likely to keep to themselves or stay near their fellow capybaras than get close to humans.

They’re usually calm and docile toward humans, which causes people to think they’d make good pets. However, it’s important to consider all aspects of an animal’s care and needs when deciding what pet to get. Capybaras require more space, time, money, and research than most people can provide, making them not good pets.

Alternatives to a Capybara as a Pet

Even though capybaras aren’t good pets, there are plenty of other similar mammals that are. If you adore capybaras, the following animals might be good alternative pets for you. They’re easier to care for and often friendlier. 

However, even with common pets like these, you should still thoroughly do your research before bringing one home. This includes finding an ethical source and ensuring you have the time and money for all care requirements.

Guinea Pigs

Capybaras are closely related to guinea pigs, but guinea pigs are smaller, friendlier, and much easier to care for than capybaras. Like capybaras, they’re social critters, so they should live in pairs or small groups, but they can also bond with their humans. I’ve fostered guinea pigs before, and they’re such adorable and sweet creatures. However, I always warn people that they’re very messy and poop a lot, so be prepared for a lot of cleaning.

Rats

People are quick to overlook rats as pets because many people are scared of them. Yet, rats actually make great pets. They’re cleaner than other rodents and they’re highly intelligent, so you can teach them tricks. They’re also more affordable than similar pets, but unfortunately, they don’t live very long.

Rabbits

If you want a small mammal that’s a little bigger than a rat or guinea pig, consider rabbits. They’re gentle and quiet, and some form strong bonds with their humans. They need more space than other small pets and they poop a lot, but they can work well for a variety of lifestyles as long as you have enough space and supplies for them. Just be careful where you get them from because there are bunny mills (rabbit versions of puppy mills) out there.

Chinchillas

A chinchilla is another adorable furry creature that will be much happier as a pet than a capybara. While some chinchillas prefer to keep to themselves, some can form close bonds with humans. Most of their care requirements are relatively easy to maintain, but like similar rodent species, they poop a lot. Also, don’t forget to offer them dust baths.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much is a Capybara Pet?

Pet capybaras typically cost $1,000 to $3,000, but that’s just to purchase the animal. You’ll also need to spend thousands of dollars on the enclosure and hundreds of dollars on food and vetting every month. Due to their high costs and complex care requirements, most people should not own capybaras.

Can You Pet Capybaras?

It depends on the capybara. Some capybaras enjoy being pet and may even seek it out while others prefer to keep to themselves. Do not pet wild capybaras and go slow when meeting a capybara in captivity. Even if you have one as a pet, you should never force the animal to be pet if they seem uncomfortable.

Are Capybaras Dangerous?

No, capybaras aren’t usually dangerous. They’re known for being docile, but any wild animal can be dangerous, especially if provoked. These large rodents have a powerful bite and can be unpredictable, so like with all wild animals, it’s best to keep a distance.

What Sounds Do Capybaras Make?

Capybaras make a variety of sounds, including barking, whistling, chirping, and chittering. Many of their sounds resemble the noises of guinea pigs.

Do Capybaras Have Predators?

Yes, many animals hunt capybaras in the wild. Jaguars, caimans, and anacondas are just a few that may target adult capybaras. Young capybaras may become prey for predatory birds and smaller snakes.

Capybaras are Cute, But Not Good Pets

Capybaras are adorable without a doubt. However, just because we love how an animal looks doesn’t mean we should keep that animal as a pet. It’s easy to get blinded by cuteness, but all animals require time, money, space, and commitment, so we need to think practically when getting pets. This is especially true for exotic pets.

Capybaras are wild animals, not pets. Therefore, they should only be kept in captivity by professionals, such as animal sanctuaries and other experts who have space and money for a large, semi-aquatic habitat. If you love capybaras and wish you could have one as a pet, please consider smaller rodents that are known for being good pets instead, such as guinea pigs and rats. Trust me, it’ll be better for both you and the animals.