Can You Actually Have a Capybara as a Pet?

Attention exotic animal lovers: The capybara is one animal that you should never keep as a pet. These huge, semi-aquatic rodents can weigh 70 to 150 pounds, and are capable of injuring someone with their body weight alone. “It is very difficult to meet a capybara’s needs,” says Amy Haddock, assistant curator and registrar at the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. “Most people would not be able to provide the physical, social, behavioral, and psychological needs of a capybara.” It’s due to these reasons (plus others) that keeping a capybara as a pet is illegal in many states.

Can capybaras be pets?

No, says Haddock, “Capybaras should not be kept as pets.” State and local laws aside, she explains that capybaras are social animals who should live together in a herd. They also require much more space and food than anyone outside of a zoo could provide. A pet capybara would likely be not just unhappy, but have a hard time surviving in domestic environments. They could also pose a real danger to you and your family. 

But is it legal to have a capybara as a pet?

That depends on your location. You must check the current wildlife or exotic-pet regulations in each state and local jurisdiction, as they can vary. Some states — including Vermont, California, and Florida — require permits to keep exotic animals (such as capybaras) in captivity. Other states, such as Georgia and Alaska, ban capybaras as pets altogether. 

While capybaras may not face prohibitions in some states, local jurisdictions and cities within those states may have specific restrictions against keeping capybaras as pets. For instance, although capybaras are permissible in the state of New York, they are prohibited in New York City.

Do capybaras make good pets?

Probably not. Here’s what you should know about caring for a capybara, and why making the world’s largest rodent your next pet is not a good idea.

Capybara behavior and temperament

Capybaras are crepuscular, like cats. This means they are most active at dawn and dusk. According to Brandywine Zoo, their Latin name means “water pig,” an apt moniker given their favorite pastime: hanging out in the water to cool down and eat. They can be chatty animals with at least seven distinct vocalizations including guttural purrs, barks, clicks, squeaks, whistles, and even grunts.

Where do capybaras live?

Capybaras are native to South America, where they roam riverbanks, marshes, and other wet areas. In captivity, capybaras should live with at least one other capybara companion in an enclosure of at least 312 square feet. Of course, the size of the enclosure must increase with the size of the capybara herd, Haddock explains. 

Additionally, capybaras require both indoor and outdoor pools, totaling at least 950 square feet. Being able to hold their breath for up to five minutes, they often use water to hide from predators. The enclosure should also have natural substrate, such as mulch, sod, or river rock, as well as nesting and bedding materials like hay or straw.  

What do capybaras eat?

Wild capybaras use their webbed feet to navigate wet areas, eating six to eight pounds of water plants and grasses each day, according to the San Diego Zoo. In captivity, capybaras get most of their nutrition by foraging, but need a diet supplemented with fiber-rich foods and vitamin C. “An adult capybara should consume 2,500 calories per day,” says Haddock.

Capybara health

The right diet is crucial for a capybara’s health. When fed an unbalanced diet that’s too high in sugars and carbohydrates — and not enough fiber — capybaras frequently experience health issues such as:

• Tooth decay

• Overgrown teeth

• Obesity

• Type II diabetes 

How much does a capybara cost? 

One capybara costs around $1,000, but remember that capybaras should not live alone. You’ll also need to factor in the cost of their diet and building their enclosure: “Considering the above-mentioned diet, it would be several hundred dollars a month in food alone,” says Haddock. “Also, the cost of running two pools on constant filtration would add several hundred dollars each month to an electric bill.” 

How long do capybaras live? 

According to Haddock, capybaras live an average of four years in the wild and 10 years in zoo captivity. 

Where can you pet a capybara, ethically? 

Capybaras are wild animals. Despite their cuteness, they have sharp teeth and are not domesticated. So petting a capybara may not be as pleasant as you imagine. Some zoos provide behind-the-scenes encounters with capybaras, says Haddock, “So individuals can get up close while still maintaining safe boundaries.”

There are also opportunities to “adopt” capybaras. For instance, the capybara named Candance at the Brandywine Zoo in Wilmington, Delaware, is seeking sponsors. Says Haddock, “These ‘adoptions’ come with adoption certificates, animal fact sheets, and even admission passes and memberships, depending on the level of sponsorship.” 

Smaller rodents that make great pets 

Although capybaras aren’t good pets, there are many small, furry rodents that can make excellent pets, including guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, and rats. If it’s the large size of the capybara that is enticing, consider adopting a giant dog. “People should always consider adopting before purchasing any animal as a pet,” Haddock says. “There are foster homes even for guinea pigs.” 

Commonly asked questions

Are capybaras domesticated?

Capybaras are not domesticated. They are wild, exotic animals. 

Are capybaras really rodents?

Yes, in fact, capybaras are the world’s largest rodents. 

What is a group of capybaras called?

A group of capybaras is called a herd.

Are capybaras herbivores?

Yes, capybaras are herbivores. They use their long teeth and webbed feet to eat six to eight pounds of water plants and grasses each day. 

Are capybaras nice?

Yes, capybaras can be nice. Capybaras are wild animals with large teeth, sharp bites, and considerable body sizes. Like any wild animal, their temperaments can be unpredictable. However, captive capybaras in zoo settings tend to be docile in nature.

Can capybaras be potty-trained?

No, Capybaras cannot be house-trained. They are messy, wild animals who should not be kept in a home as pets. 

Do capybaras bite?

Yes, capybaras bite. “Capybaras have a very strong bite that could cause serious injury,” says Haddock. 

Are capybaras endangered?

Capybaras are not endangered. Still, the biggest threats to capybara populations include habitat loss and illegal poaching.