Owls are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in the United States. This means it's generally illegal to keep an owl as a pet. However, There are some exceptions to the rule, such as if you're a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or if you have a permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. These permits are usually granted to zoos or other educational institutions. So while it is generally illegal to own an owl as a pet in the United States, there are some exceptions to the rule.