It is unlawful for anyone to shelter, breed, or raise raccoons without a permit. Thats probably for the best, considering theyre incredibly strong and hard to contain, and their excellent hunting skills would pose a public safety threat to people if they were to get loose. They are extremely high maintenance and fairly unpredictable, which is why most animal experts advise against keeping them as pets. Most of these sixteen states have special permits or regulations for owning a raccoon, however, and raccoon ownership may still be considered illegal as a general rule. A hunting or trapping license is also required to hunt or trap them during the open season. Raccoons are not allowed as pets everywhere because they are considered exotic or wild animals. In order to do this, they have to fill out and submit a wild game permit application. Raccoons are quite adept at breaking through latches and other secured areas if their curiosity gets the best of them. Editorial Note: The content of this article is based on the authors opinions and recommendations alone. Sixteen states allow you to own a raccoon legally. Raccoons are considered exotic animals in Wyoming, and they require a permit for private ownership. Often, certain pets are illegal because of the risks they can present to people, other animals, the local environment, or local agriculture. Indeed, the state of Arkansas allows its citizens to take raccoons along with other animals including bobcats, coyotes, rabbits, squirrels, opossums, and foxes from their wild habitat and keep them in their households. We want to get on the same insurance plan. It also designated the nocturnal mammal as the official wild animal symbol of Tennessee in 1971. Other exceptions in which exotic animals are allowed are in circuses. You must have an exotic pet license to own an exotic pet in Oklahoma. For example, what happens to your raccoon if it gets loose? Raccoons live in close proximity to humans in urban and rural communities, they can adapt very easily to their environment, and consequently may become a nuisance for the inhabitants. Question: Can you own a raccoon in California? But this also means that dealing with the issues caused by these wild animals presents some challenges. Today, it is illegal to keep any wild animals as pets in the District of Columbia. It is clear that much hard work goes into taking care of a raccoon and due to many factors, the needs of the raccoon cannot always be met. Clear overhanging tree limbs and branches which may be providing wildlife access to structures. Local law is also a thing and is something that people look past. The raccoon is a Class III animal. Be sure to provide your raccoon with a suitable living space. Can I Legally Have a Raccoon as A Pet in My State or Country? Find cities with a similar climate (2050) Circuses may choose on their own to not use wild animals for entertainment or may be told not to continue with such acts, but there is no solid law to prevent circuses from doing so. She now works with a team of other experienced vets to provide the best advice and care for their clients' pets. Raccoon coats became widely popular until the Great Depression when the wild animals that survived were offered as pets. It is however possible to hunt the masked animal during the hunting season, provided that one has a hunting or sporting license. Failure to attain a permit can lead to a fine as well as the removal of your animal. Abiding by regulations may include obtaining licensure or something else to ensure the animal remains safe while in human captivity. Avoid letting it roam free on the streets you dont know what it can do. Delaware is one of the few states that allow its inhabitants to have a pet raccoon. Indiana 5. And many do become quite cuddly or playful at times. Dr. Diehl is a passionate veterinarian pursuing specialty medicine with over 6 years' experience with exotic pets. Raccoons are considered a Class II Wild Animal and therefore require a Special Permit to Possess in Indiana. and can be dangerous to people and other animals, including livestock, so theyre illegal to keep as pets without a permit. Raccoons are present in New Mexico, but the state prohibits the adoption of pet raccoons due to the potential for the spread of rabies and other zoonotic diseases. These animals can range from rats (hence the phrase lab rats) to monkeys. Melanie Krieps Mergen is an insurance writer who enjoys getting down to the nuts and bolts of all your burning questions. You can already own a raccoon in Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Nebraska, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Michigan, Wyoming, Wisconsin, Texas, Rhode Island, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, but for some reason Oregon is left out of this. Yet, unlike foxes, it is illegal to keep a pet raccoon in the state. Experts recommend spending time around raccoons via wildlife rehabilitation or exotic veterinary practices to see what they're really like. It may seem like a strange idea to some but there are many people out there who either want to own or already own a raccoon. Especially for a raccoon who are notoriously known to be riddled with disease, it is essential that the owner is able to take care of it in the best way possible. While they do make some vocalizations, raccoons are generally quiet animals. This kind of pet is different to your casual dog. They are mostly active at night and rely on their keen senses of smell and hearing to detect potential meals. Furthermore, raccoons are intelligent enough to adapt quickly to urban areas, which allows them easy access to food sources like garbage cans and pet food dishes left outside. I trusted it so much that I signed up my homeowners insurance under Jerry as well. In any case, they must be released into the same county they were found. However, their enticing features make people start seeing these animals as potential pets. They would therefore be authorized to possess wild game that has been reared in captivity only, and that is native to the region. (A thank you to Randy, @racc.dad on Instagram, who is a Texas wildlife rehabilitator, for reaching out with this information.). These are likely signs of ill health. This is why Louisianians can hunt them all year round, without heavy regulations. A Class 2 misdemeanor in Virginia could result in, up to six months in prison and/or a $1,000 fine, , while a Class 3 misdemeanor wont require any jail time but could result in a, If you were in possession of a wild or exotic animal permit but violated any of the requirements that come with it, you could have your permit revoked or suspended for. Although not too common, having a raccoon as a pet is possible and has been done by many. But life wont feel quiet with a pet raccoon. I share a car with my friend/roommate. But beware of the negatives which come with owning a raccoon. As well as this, you will not be able to have your wild pet taken care of by a vet if these permits are not provided. Again, this varies. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. An experienced vet should be able to do this for you. Raccoons are a species of mammal that belong to the Procyonidae family. This is a great option when you're busy or need to leave your home and want your pet to have a safe space to play. These diseases can potentially be dangerous for the animals currently living in those environments. Captive raccoons can be prone to obesity if they aren't given enough space to roam. Raccoons are abundant in the state. Many wild and exotic animals just arent meant to live in captivity, while others require highly specialized care. Visit with the animal in person before you commit; don't acquire an animal over the internet or via a classified ad. As for foxes, they are considered by the state not inherently dangerous, and can therefore be possessed. For example, in Arkansas, a person can't own more than five raccoons at a time. According to Wisconsin Watch, no laws regulate private pet ownership in Wisconsin. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Raccoons are legal to own as pets in the US states of Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Michigan, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. You can find a more comprehensive list in the. They'll reach their full size between 4 months and 1 year old. Pet raccoons are illegal in Maine because they can carry parasites and rabies, and may cause many problems when it is in close proximity to humans. If anyone in the neighborhood is feeding wildlife directly, or indirectly, it can cause trouble for everyone. They are common in the area and can be hunted for their fur during the New Hampshire hunting and trapping season, which runs from September to March. If a provider discovers you own a pet they consider dangerous and you havent informed them of it, they could deem the animal too much of a risk and, Final tip: by using the Jerry app, you could, on your search for pet-friendly home insurance. Read our. Pet raccoons are expensive after factoring in the many investments you will need to make throughout your lifetime. Rhode Island 10. In addition, their "masked bandit" reputation doesn't just come from the dark markings around their eyes. Raccoons are made for the outdoors and, even as a pet, can cause the same mischief as they would in the wild. If you were hoping to legally make one of these animals your own as a Virginia resident, without the necessary permission, you might be out of luck. It is important to acknowledge that your raccoon, even though it is domesticated, is a wild animal at heart. They are nevertheless unprotected by Nevadas legislation and can be hunted and harvested for their fur. They were most likely introduced at the beginning of the 20th century. A strong animal with short legs, a sharp mouth, and small erect ears, the North American raccoon is 75 to 90 inches long, with a 25 cm tail. It is also illegal to trap and relocate them to another area. Finding a veterinarian for your exotic pet. The world you establish for the raccoon is very limited. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Raccoons, like foxes, are common throughout North Dakota. But it's still very important to take your pet for regular vet visits. that present dangers to humans, which makes them a public health risk and therefore not an ideal pet for the average person. Be prepared to invest a lot of time and money in raccoon care. Learn how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet. However, raccoons are too active to be content in a cage for several hours. The state laid out advice to prevent these conflicts such as keeping pet food indoors, or fastening garbage can slides with rubber straps. Virginia residents who have a raccoon as a pet may not be aware that these animals can be dangerous, especially when they are young. There is a continuous open trapping season in the following localities: Arlington, Chesterfield, Fairfax, Henrico, James City, Loudoun, Prince William, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Roanoke and York Counties. Rules vary from state to state and laws often change; do not rely on this website if making a legal decision, seek a lawyer. This native mammal inhabits woodlands and marshes in rural and urban areas throughout North America. When applying for a permit, it is important in Wyoming that you select the permit based on your intention with the individual pet. In some cases, there are exceptions when it comes to owning an exotic animal like a raccoon, even in states that forbid them. Some raccoons can be trained to use a litter box. It is illegal to own a pet raccoon as a pet in Australia. But they are rather stubborn and selective about when they want to obey. It has not been previewed, commissioned or otherwise endorsed by any of our network partners. Thus, it's best to acquire a pet raccoon from a reputable breeder. The Game, Fish, and Parks Commission even passed a resolution to establish the Nest Predator Bounty Program, which aims to reduce localized populations of nest predators, including raccoons. The owner also may be able to get away with owning an exotic pet if they were granted ownership before laws were put in place. Idaho belongs to the top five states that have the highest pet ownership rates but do not allow pet raccoons despite the fact that raccoons are native to the region and found all over the state. In West Virginia, there are no restrictions on private exotic pet ownership. Many will damage your home and belongings as part of their daily antics, are difficult to truly tame, and are notorious biters when something bothers them. Along with Delaware, Texas, and Arkansas, the state of Florida authorizes its citizens to keep pet raccoons. This is the reason why Iowas legislation bans owning, possessing, breeding, and importing raccoons. Raccoons are well adapted to urban and suburban areas and can easily get into houses, basements and attics. end up injuring someone or damaging their property, that liability coverage could help cover legal expenses and provide you with some extra financial protection. Before even considering a pet raccoon, you shouldbe aware of your local and state/provincial laws. This is why Minnesota has put an emphasis on damage prevention. Freshwater Mussel Restoration. While we already dealt with the US states where its legal to own raccoons, how about other countries around the world? Although pet raccoons are illegal in Montana, these wild animals are native to the region and can be found everywhere in the state. Wyoming. Can you adopt a raccoon? If you are caught with a raccoon as a pet, you can face serious fines. As you will most likely be keeping your raccoon solo, you won't have to worry about accidentally becoming a breeder yourself. As a permit holder, youre responsible for making sure the animal in your care isnt released into the wild. Wondering about other exotic pets that require permits to own in Virginia? They have an expansive diet, and they are not picky eaters. So they are best kept solo. They need lots of safe space to roam and consistent supervision. There is no limit to the number of exotic or wild animals you can possess in Florida. These natural behaviors are difficult for the raccoon to unlearn, especially if you adopt them and try taming them at an older age. Why Arent Raccoons Allowed As Pets Everywhere? You also must determine whether there's a vet nearby who can treat raccoons, as well as who could watch your pet if you went out of town or were otherwise unable to care for it. Additionally, food for your pet raccoon will be costlier than the food needed for domestic animals like dogs or cats. The Secret Life of Red Foxes: How They Fight and Protect Their Families. You must keep all raccoons in an approved enclosure, compliant with West Virginia Wildlife Code. Many people build their own pen from wood and screening. Indeed, raccoons are responsible for 60% of the cases of rabies in the state of Maryland. I want to solve the issue of not legally being able to own raccoons in Oregon. The most important thing to acknowledge when owning a raccoon is to remember that its home is the wild. For instance, you can feed them cat food as a portion of supplemental food. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Forgetting to plan for medical emergencies can also cost you money in the long run. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Make sure that before taking that opportunity to buy an exotic pet you do your thorough research. It's only legal in 16 states to own pet raccoons. Without permits, people in Indiana cannot own the following: foxes, raccoons, skunks, wolves, bears, wild cats, venomous reptiles, or crocodiles. Raccoons can easily introduce new diseases to the environments they are not from. That is typically illegal in most places unless you're a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Include toys, such as balls and food puzzles, to keep your pet entertained. You do not want your raccoon to feel trapped and uncomfortable. However, Arizanonian hunters, equipped with a hunting permit, can pursue them with dogs and trap them. Should You Keep a Panther Chameleon as a Pet? However, raccoons should not be confused with the Maine Coon, a large domesticated cat breed native to the state of Maine. Beaver Teeth: Their Color, Strength, Sharpness, And More! It is illegal in the State of Virginia to trap and relocate an animal to another area. And, in North Carolina, a veterinarian must "approve" the animal before it's brought into the state. For example, in South Dakota, although bears are allowed to be kept on private property in your home, pigs are prohibited. There are a number of steps to taking care of your raccoon the correct way. They only require occasional baths with a mild shampoo. Free Quotes. If you do not plan for things such as medical emergencies, it might become catastrophic to your pets health. Texas 12. While Rhode Islanders do not need a permit to own a llama, alpaca, or domestic yak, they do need one to adopt a pet raccoon. That way, you can make sure you have the right amount of, You hope it would never become necessary, but if your pet. they live for roughly ten to fifteen years. This is important so that your raccoon can stay comfortable and is in an environment appropriate to its species. Although this is a topic which is highly controversial and frowned upon, there are still many states that have not put law into action. Finding a veterinarian for your exotic pet can be difficult, as not all vets have experience in raccoons. Adult Size: 16 to 28 inches long, and 7 to 20 pounds on average. Is it legal to own a pet raccoon in Michigan? Raccoons Can Be Dangerous To Health and Safety, Owning A Raccoon May Not Be Legal In Your State. They often use their dexterous front paws to search through holes or pick up objects of interest as they explore their surroundings. They are primal and have the instinct to scavenge, including digging through trash. Although raccoons are not native to Alaska, it is still possible to find them in the state, but not to have pet raccoons. They are quick learners who will catch on to this behavior in no time. If you are feeding wildlife, stop. Raccoons are not easy to tame. Contact your local health department if raccoon exhibits signs of rabies such as stumbling, foaming at the mouth or aggression. Yet, it is by far the most important furbearer in terms of total pelt value and number harvested in the state. The state classifies raccoons as furbearers, it is possible to hunt them from October to February with no limit, on condition that one possesses a hunting permit. Raccoons can be found in virtually any habitat, as long as water is nearby. The owning of a raccoon has been approved by a veterinarian. Also, as pet raccoons won't be in their natural environment that wears down their nails, they'll likely need regular nail trims. The raccoon does not make a bad pet, however, the raccoon can be hard work. In order to adopt this wild animal, it is however necessary to receive a permit from the state. Treats, such as nuts and other fatty foods, should be offered sparingly to prevent obesity. The raccoons appearance lead people to turn a blind eye on the animals characteristics. As pets, they don't do well in cages or even in small bedrooms. If an "emergency exists"i.e. I bought my Ford Bronco a year and a half ago, and Im not sure if it is still under warranty. One interesting fact about these animals is that they can remember how to solve complex problems for months at a time. Some time has passed since Rebecca the pet raccoon was a distinguished occupant of the White House. These are contagious to animals and humans, and they can transmit to other mammals through feces. There is an overwhelming fear that the cages or contaminants will . But because they are protected under state law, they cannot be relocated. They naturally establish latrine sites, making it easy to create animal pins with concentrated mess areas. Despite their intelligence, some states consider raccoons an invasive species due to their habit of destroying crops and gardens in search for food or shelter. The laws are all dependent on the area you are living and the values that state holds. and you dont want to face hefty legal consequences as a result. 7 Kinds of Primates That Are Kept as Pets, Serval Cat: Breed Profile, Characteristics & Care. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Raccoons require an abundant diet of natural resources. If an "emergency exists"i.e. Raccoons are on the prohibited list of animals, meaning they are illegal to own as pets in the country. And even when they're born in captivity or raised by humans, they typically retain their wild traits. They are classified as game species and furbearers and can be hunted during the hunting and trapping seasons. If youre found in violation of Virginias wildlife and exotic pet ownership laws, its possible you could be convicted of a, . However, providing the right environment for them is difficult. Without the proper understanding of how to care for and handle a crocodile, you could easily get yourself or someone else injured or killed. That is why laws are put into place. This is due to the fact that they are wild animals and could potentially be dangerous if kept in captivity. If you intend on adopting a raccoon, you must take it to a veterinarian for a thorough examination. Even in states where raccoons are legal to own, in most cases, you are required to either obtain a permit or get permission from the state authorities. In fact, the Wisconsin Conservation Department sponsored a major raccoon propagation program between the 1930s and the 1950s that was responsible for the release of more than a thousand raccoons every year. It is important to know the traits of the raccoon to understand what you are getting yourself into as an owner. The major problems associated with this species involve their ability to invade houses or trashcans. These states are: However, even though there are laws against the ownership of raccoons, those laws do not necessarily apply to all exotic animals. People in Arkansas may own up to six wild-caught or captive-born raccoons. Iowa No Kill Permit Required from Department to kill on your own land during closed season. Raccoons as Neighbors. On the contrary, they have been recently reclassified as predatory wildlife, and can therefore be hunted in any number, at any time, all year round; under the condition that one possesses an Idaho hunting or trapping license.