Do opossums make good pets? Usually not. The wild Virginia opossum you might see in your yard is a poor fit for home life. The small short-tailed opossum from South America is a more realistic pet, but it’s a demanding one.
This guide covers the laws, lifespan, care needs, and better alternatives.
Two Very Different Animals
“Opossum” can mean two very different pets.
| Virginia Opossum | Short-Tailed Opossum | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | North American wildlife | South American, bred in captivity |
| Legality | Restricted in most places | Rules vary by location |
| Suitability as a pet | Poor | Possible, with commitment |
The Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) is the only marsupial native to North America. The gray short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica) is a small, laboratory-bred South American species that also appears in the exotic pet trade.
Are Pet Opossums Legal?
For Virginia opossums, the answer is usually no. In most jurisdictions, keeping a wild-caught opossum as a pet is illegal, and some states allow captive-bred animals only with a wildlife permit. Permits can also be hard to get. In West Virginia, one woman who kept opossums that couldn’t be released had special pet permits for them, yet was still told to stop rescuing orphaned babies.
Laws change and differ by state, county, and city. Check with your state wildlife agency before you buy or take in any opossum.
How Long Do Opossums Live?
Opossums live short lives. Wild Virginia opossums typically survive only about 1.5 to 2 years, while captive ones generally reach 3 to 4, with rare reports of 8 to 10. Short-tailed opossums do somewhat better. Just over six years is the most agreed-upon upper limit in captivity.
Either way, expect a pet you’ll have for a few years, not a decade or more.
Why Virginia Opossums Make Poor Pets
- They’re wild animals. They haven’t been domesticated, and they rarely form bonds with humans.
- Health problems. Obesity is common among captive Virginia opossums.
- Specialized care. Diet, housing, and vet care all need exotic-animal knowledge, and few vets treat them.
- Nocturnal habits. They’re most active at night, so they may keep you awake.
Some owners report success. Captive Virginia opossums can be litter trained and may adjust to their owners’ daytime schedule. That doesn’t change the legal and lifespan problems.
The Short-Tailed Opossum: A Realistic Option
The short-tailed opossum is far smaller. Adults typically weigh only 60–150 grams. Keepers describe them as clean, curious, and easy to litter train. They still come with real trade-offs:
- They live alone. Their territorial nature means they must be kept alone in captivity. Housing two together can end in serious fights.
- They climb. They need a habitat with plenty of climbing opportunities.
- The diet is complex. Meals need fruit, protein, and insects, planned carefully. Some keepers feed live crickets and even baby mice.
- They’re nocturnal. Expect most activity in the evening and overnight.
What If You Find an Orphaned Opossum?
Don’t try to raise it yourself. Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or your local wildlife agency. Rehabilitators aim to release animals back into the wild, and handling wildlife without training can hurt both you and the animal.
Is an Opossum Right for You?
Ask yourself:
- Is the species legal where I live, and do I have any required permit?
- Can I find a vet who treats exotic pets?
- Am I comfortable with a nocturnal pet that lives a few years?
- Can I commit to a specialized diet, including insects?
- Do I want a cuddly companion? Opossums usually aren’t.
If you answered “no” to several, consider a domesticated pet instead.
FAQs
Can you legally own an opossum?
It depends on the species and your location. Wild Virginia opossums are restricted in most places, and short-tailed opossums have their own rules. Check with your state wildlife agency.
Are opossums friendly?
Individual animals vary. Wild Virginia opossums rarely bond with people, while keepers often describe short-tailed opossums as tame and curious.
What do pet opossums eat?
Opossums are omnivores. Short-tailed opossums need a planned mix of fruit, protein, and insects, and you should confirm the diet with an exotic-animal vet.
How long do pet opossums live?
Captive Virginia opossums generally live 3 to 4 years. Short-tailed opossums can live longer, with a captive upper limit of about six years.
Can I keep a wild opossum I found?
Almost certainly not legally. Call a licensed rehabilitator instead.
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
Opossums are fascinating animals, but most don’t make good pets. The Virginia opossum is a protected wild species with a short lifespan and complicated legal status. The short-tailed opossum is a more realistic choice, but only if you can meet its solitary, nocturnal, and dietary needs.
- Virginia opossums are wildlife, and keeping them is usually illegal.
- Even in captivity, they live only a few years.
- Short-tailed opossums are smaller, captive-bred, and must live alone.
- Always check local laws and find an exotic vet first.
- Found a baby opossum? Call a wildlife rehabilitator.
Note: This article is general information, not legal or veterinary advice.
