I had a barred owl as a pet when I was a kid. He had a cute trick. Just before sundown he would start patrolling the neighborhood. When he passed over our yard he would dip down and graze the top of my head with his talons, kind of like running a very sharp comb through my hair.
By now, I’m sure, having an owl for a pet is illegal.
Yes, it is. In today's world, the federal Fish & Game people would come to your door, confiscate your owl...and destroy it.
However, that is a truly amazing trick your owl performed. It clearly represents a show of affection. And it exhibits a remarkable skill. Not to mention considerable restraint of natural instinct.
An owl's talons are incredibly sharp.
Check with your state fish/wildlife office. They will have names of local falconers who take you on as an apprentice. You'll need to take a written exam, construct a proper "muse" and acquire a hood/jesses as part of the inspection. The written exams are at the federal and state level.