Can You Have a Capybara as a Pet?

The capybara is a giant rodent beloved by many on the internet, as evidenced by the 9.2 billion views of the synonymous hashtag on TikTok. But can you keep one as a pet?

Technically, at least in some places. But the question is: should you keep a capybara as a pet?

Capybaras are smart, social animals native to South America. Adults can weigh up to 174 pounds, need plenty of open aquatic space and require at least one other capybara companion. So they need a lot more care and accommodations than, say, their relative the guinea pig.

Below, we'll discuss where it's legal to own a capybara, how to take care of one and if it's a good idea to own this exotic pet.

Is It Legal to Own a Pet Capybara?

Purchasing an exotic pet is a complicated process, though it is legal in some parts of the United States. But even if your state allows you to own a capybara, your city might not. For example, New York State allows residents to own capybaras—but it's illegal in New York City.

Always check state and local laws before pursuing exotic pet ownership. Many states require permits and health certificates. But while it may be legal to own a capybara in certain states, that doesn't mean it's ethical.

Capybaras are large animals that need socialization and a very specific environment, including an aquatic space. They should live in the wild or in an environment curated by a professional zoo.

And while capybaras are generally known to be friendly creatures, they aren't domesticated. You can train them to an extent, but it's important to remember they are still wild animals.

How Much Do Capybaras Cost?

Capybara prices can range from around $1,000 to $3,000. Prices may increase depending on your location and if the rodent in question was raised in captivity or caught in the wild.

And if you do choose to buy a capybara, go with a professional breeder—and never take one from its habitat.

But keep in mind that you should double the initial price tag since you'll need at least two capybaras. And that's not the only upfront cost—other essentials include:

• Enclosure
• Custom pond or pool
• Heated shelter
• Natural substrates like hay, mulch or sod
• Food and toys
• Ongoing exotic vet care

Caring for a Capybara

Owning a pet capybara is a huge undertaking, and it's not recommended for the average pet owner. Here are the basics of capybara care:

Temperament

Capybaras are social pack animals that travel in groups of two to 30 extended family members. This is why it's so crucial that zoos and exotic pet owners have at least two capybaras in an enclosure.

They're also vocal animals and communicate via barks, chirps, whistles, huffs and purrs. Capybaras often "speak" back-and-forth to find and keep track of each other.

While capybaras are docile animals that don't tend to bite humans, they do have long, sharp teeth that can seriously injure you if they feel threatened.

And to the internet's delight, capybaras are often known to be friendly with other animals, like dogs and cats.

Enclosure and Shelter

Capybaras come from the marshes of South America, and it can be difficult (and expensive) to replicate that kind of environment at a residential home.

Capybaras are excellent swimmers thanks to their webbed toes and gravitate toward bodies of water. And because of their dry skin, capybaras require a swimming hole as part of a healthy lifestyle, according to the San Diego Zoo. The body of water should be at least 3.5 feet deep, ideally with a gradual incline, and have enough space for them to swim for exercise.

If you're seriously considering a pet capybara, keep in mind that they defecate in water. So you'll need to clean their swimming hole at least once a week.

You can house capybaras in a fenced outdoor area, provided they have access to both the swimming hole and a heated indoor shelter with bedding material like straw, hay or mulch. The fenced-in area should be a minimum of 12-by-20 feet for a pair of capybaras, and the fence should be 6 feet high.

As long as capybaras have access to water, shade and a heated shelter, they can withstand temperatures from 45-100 degrees Fahrenheit. If you're located in a colder climate and capybaras need to stay indoors some parts of the year, install UV lighting so they are still able to follow a natural light cycle.

It's also important to provide capybaras with access to enrichment activities in their enclosure. You can scatter dog toys, hide pieces of food in hay or put floating toys in the water.

Diet

Capybaras are vegetarians and eat plants like grass, hay and bark. In the wild, they only eat between three to six different types of plants, according to the San Diego Zoo.

Here's a rough breakdown of what to feed a capybara:

• High-quality alfalfa hay spread throughout the enclosure for grazing
• Daily vitamin C supplement (capybaras don't produce enough naturally)
• Fruits (less than five percent of their total diet)

If you notice that their droppings are loose, that may mean they aren't getting enough fiber or they're eating too much sugar. In this case, feed them more hay and fewer treats.

You should also provide them with hard bark or something to chew on to help grind down their teeth. Otherwise, they may develop an underbite and related health issues.

Grooming

You don't need to do much to groom a capybara other than give it the occasional bath. They mostly take care of their own grooming.

Here are a few grooming tips to keep in mind:

• Rodents' teeth continually grow, so it's helpful to provide chewable items like untreated wood and rodent-safe toys.
• Hair brushing keeps a capybara looking great and is a helpful bonding activity.
• If a capybara's nails grow too long, or you notice ingrown nails, you can cut them yourself or enlist the help of a veterinarian.

Can You Train a Capybara?

While capybaras aren't domesticated animals, you can still train them. According to the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, capybaras in some facilities have been trained in the following areas:

• Crate training
• Leash training
• Hand feeding
• Standing on hind legs

A variety of bloggers and forum commenters state that you can potty train a capybara to go in a particular spot, especially if you start when they're young.

However, capybaras are wild animals that may mark their territory or even eat their own feces (a normal behavior for capybaras). So while they're intelligent and may learn certain behaviors, there's no guarantee.

Why You May Want to Reconsider a Pet Capybara

While capybaras are cute and friendly creatures, they aren't the easiest to care for if you don't have the resources of a professional zoo.

Here's why it may not be the best idea to invest in your own pair of water pigs:

• They need expensive enclosures and swimming holes that need regular maintenance.
• They're semi-aquatic, so a standard home pool won't meet their needs.
• They're happier in packs and choose to be in groups of up to 30 in the wild.
• You'll need to find a reputable exotic vet and pay for routine visits.

Do Capybaras Make Good Pets?

Owning a capybara is a time-consuming—and expensive—commitment. It's probably best to visit these adorable rodents at your local zoo, where they're more likely to get the care and enrichment they need.

While capybaras get along with humans, the average person doesn't have the time or money to properly care for them.

You should always do your research before buying an exotic pet to make sure it's legal in your area and you have the means to care for it.

And if you don't, you can always buy a more manageable rodent like a guinea pig.