Bat as a Pet: A Complete Guide to Ownership, Legality, and Care

Bats are interesting animals and sometimes desirable pets. But keep in mind that bats are wild animals and having one as a pet is not recommended. They don’t behave like domestic dogs and cats. Bats are not trainable.

There are many issues you must consider before taking in a bat. Keeping some types of bats is illegal in the U.S.

Do Bats Make Good Pets?

You can keep a bat as a pet, but it’s not recommended. Unfortunately, caging doesn’t work out well for bats. These mammals perform better in the wild. Bats need to fly long distances to stay strong. That means a caged bat is weaker than one in the wild. They also need to be in a colony to survive. A bat in the wild can live up to 30 years while only a few pet bats will live for even a year.

Bats need special care, housing, and nutrition. They are complicated animals, making it almost impossible to take care of them properly even if you wanted to. Many people have tried only to end up with a dead bat within a few weeks.

Bats are unique animals. Taking them away from the wild isn’t recommended. There are many laws protecting bats, and the federal government regulates the transfer of bats. Interstate laws prohibit their transport without special permits. You may often need to get U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) permits from the Animal Health Inspection Service to handle bats.

Bats are fascinating creatures, but can they be kept as pets? This guide explores everything you need to know about owning a pet bat, including legality, care, diet, cost, and where to find them.

Can You Have a Fruit Bat as a Pet?

Many people are intrigued by fruit bats due to their cute appearance and unique behavior. However, keeping a bat as a pet is highly discouraged and, in most cases, illegal. Bats require special care, socialization, and flight space, which makes domestic settings unsuitable for them.

Is it Legal to Have a Bat as a Pet?

Bats are nocturnal creatures that require a controlled environment for roosting and flight. Their specialized needs are similar to those of the Jellyfish Pet, which also requires a highly specific habitat to survive.

United States

• Illegal in most states, including Florida, Texas, Arizona, and Washington.
• Legal with permits in states like Oregon and Virginia.
• Allowed for research, sanctuaries, or zoos but not for private ownership.
• Native bats are federally protected under the Wildlife Protection Act​.

United Kingdom

• Bats are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, making it illegal to capture, harm, or keep them as pets without special authorization​.

Bat as a Pet for Sale: Where Can You Get One?

Since bats are wild animals, it is usually illegal to buy or sell them. Some licensed breeders or sanctuaries may allow adoption for research or conservation purposes, but not for personal pets​

How to Get a Pet Bat?

If you’re interested in bats, consider:

1. Supporting Bat Conservation Groups – Join programs like Bat Conservation International.
2. Volunteering at Bat Sanctuaries – Help care for rescued bats legally.
3. Building Bat Houses – Attract wild bats to your area instead of keeping them as pets.

Best Types of Bats to Have as a Pet (If Legal)

While no bats are recommended as pets, fruit bats are the most commonly sought-after species. Some types that people inquire about include:

• Egyptian Fruit Bat – Friendly and sociable, but needs vast space.
• Flying Fox (Old World Fruit Bat) – Requires high maintenance and diet diversity.
• Vampire Bat – Exotic but highly unsuitable as a pet due to their blood-based diet​.

How Much Does a Pet Bat Cost?

• Price for a Bat: $100 – $300 (if legally available).
• Enclosure Setup: $500 – $2000 for a proper flight enclosure.
• Food Costs: $50 – $100 per month.
• Vet Bills & Permits: $200+ per year.

How to Take Care of a Pet Bat: A Comprehensive Guide

Bats are fascinating creatures, but keeping one as a pet is incredibly challenging due to their specialized care requirements. In the wild, bats thrive in large colonies with vast open spaces, diverse diets, and intricate social structures. If you are considering caring for a bat (whether due to rescue or rehabilitation circumstances), it’s crucial to understand their environmental, dietary, and social needs.

1. Enclosure & Space: Providing a Suitable Habitat

Bats are not animals that can be kept in standard pet enclosures. Their natural behavior involves long flights, climbing, and hanging upside down for rest.

Minimum Enclosure Requirements:

• Size: The enclosure should be at least 12 times their wingspan squared to allow for proper flight. For example, if a bat has a 12-inch wingspan, the enclosure should be at least 12 feet wide and tall to ensure it has enough space.
• Height: Since bats prefer to roost at high points, a tall enclosure (10+ feet high) is essential.
• Material: The cage should be made of fine mesh or netting to prevent injuries while allowing airflow. Glass enclosures are dangerous because bats can crash into them, leading to fatal injuries.
• Perches & Roosting Spots: Provide wooden branches, soft fabric, or artificial cave-like structures for roosting and climbing.

Why Space Matters

Bats need to fly to maintain muscle health and mental stimulation. A bat confined to a small cage will suffer from muscle atrophy, stress, and eventual health decline.

2. Diet & Nutrition: Feeding Your Pet Bat

Bats have highly specialized diets, with their nutritional needs varying by species.

Types of Bats and Their Diets:

1. Insectivorous Bats
   • Eat between 500 to 1,000 insects per night in the wild.
   • Diet consists of mealworms, crickets, moths, and small flying insects.
   • Live insects are preferred as bats enjoy hunting their food.
   • Requires a steady supply of insects, which can be expensive and time-consuming.
2. Fruit Bats (Flying Foxes, Egyptian Fruit Bats, etc.)
   • Diet consists of fresh, soft fruits such as bananas, mangoes, figs, papayas, and melons.
   • Must avoid fruits high in pesticides—organic produce is best.
   • Need a supplement of nectar, pollen, and high-quality fruit juice.
   • Vitamin and mineral supplementation is often required to prevent deficiencies.
3. Vampire Bats (Extremely Rare & Not Recommended as Pets)
   • Vampire bats feed exclusively on blood, typically from livestock.
   • Keeping them as pets is nearly impossible due to their highly specialized needs.

Feeding Frequency & Hygiene

• Bats need to eat daily, with fresh food provided each night.
• Food dishes should be cleaned frequently to prevent bacterial growth.
• Messy eaters—fruit bats, in particular, drop food scraps everywhere, requiring regular cleaning.

3. Socialization: The Importance of Bat Companionship

Bats are highly social animals that thrive in colonies. In the wild, they live in groups ranging from dozens to thousands of individuals.

Why Isolation is Dangerous for Bats:

• A bat kept alone may experience severe stress, leading to health decline.
• Social bats communicate through echolocation and vocalizations, and being alone deprives them of natural interactions.
• Some species groom each other—a solitary bat may neglect self-grooming, leading to infections or parasites.

How to Provide Socialization:

• If keeping bats for rehabilitation, pair them with other bats of the same species.
• Mimic natural behaviors by providing hanging areas, climbing structures, and enrichment activities.
• Avoid excessive handling—bats are not domesticated pets and can become stressed if frequently touched.

4. Temperature, Humidity & Hygiene: Creating a Healthy Environment

Bats are extremely sensitive to environmental changes and require specific conditions to remain healthy.

Temperature & Humidity Needs:

• Optimal Temperature: Between 70°F and 85°F (21°C – 29°C).
• Humidity: Must be kept at 50% to 80% to prevent dehydration.
• Avoid Drafts: Bats are susceptible to respiratory infections if exposed to cold drafts.

Hygiene & Cage Maintenance:

• Bats produce a lot of waste—their enclosure must be cleaned daily to prevent bacterial infections.
• Flooring should be lined with absorbent material (like newspaper or pet pads) for easier cleanup.
• Food remains should be removed nightly to avoid attracting pests.
• Proper ventilation is essential to prevent the buildup of ammonia from bat droppings.

Common Questions About Pet Bats

Do Bats Make Good Pets?

No, bats are wild animals with specific needs that cannot be met in a home environment​

Can Bats Be Friendly to Humans?

Some bats can recognize humans and show social behavior, but they do not form affectionate bonds like dogs or cats​

Are Bat Bites Dangerous?

Yes, bats can carry rabies and other diseases. Bites can be painful and may require immediate medical attention​

Can I Sleep in a House with a Bat?

If a bat is found inside your house, it may carry diseases or cause disturbances. It’s best to safely remove it using humane methods or call wildlife control​

What to Do If You Find a Wild Bat in Your Home

If you live in an area with bats, it’s common to find a bat in your home. When you do you should try and avoid direct contact with the bat. You can open a door or window and see if the bat will escape on its own, or use a towel or box to capture it and then call for an experienced bat rescuer. 

Protect the bat against direct sunlight until help arrives. You should never handle bats with bare hands.

Final Thoughts

While bats are fascinating creatures, they do not make good pets. Due to legal restrictions, specialized care requirements, and disease risks, it’s best to appreciate bats in the wild or through conservation efforts.

Would you like recommendations on ethical ways to engage with bats, such as building bat-friendly environments? Let me know!