Is it illegal to keep a raccoon as a pet?

Common household pets that we are used to seeing in a person’s home are usually dogs, cats, small breed reptiles, maybe a few hamsters here and there, or a few goldfish. On the other hand, there are people in this world who like to step out of the box and adopt an exotic pet instead of the stereotypical four-legged furry friend. This option and alternative to pet ownership is perfectly fine, depending on which state you live in. If this is something you have in mind, you will first need to learn about the specific laws and regulations governing exotic pet ownership in your particular state of interest. Before you or a loved one decides to adopt a raccoon or kit as a pet, be sure to educate yourself on all legal limits related to raccoons and pet ownership.

Pet Raccoon Regulations

For many states, the short answer to the question “Is it illegal to keep a pet raccoon?” It’s not.” However, in these states where keeping raccoons as exotic pets is allowed, there are usually several prerequisites and requirements that must be met in order to adopt a raccoon as a pet. Common rules include obtaining specific documentation and licenses , such as a legal permit and approval from the state, as well as payment of annual fees. In addition, a state’s wildlife ownership laws vary depending on the intended use of the animal. The state wants to know if a person intends to use the animal for commercial or non-commercial use This means: “Are you going to sell the raccoon, breed it and sell the puppies, or are you going to keep it as a pet?” Different permits are required and assigned for different intended uses of a raccoon And these uses must be disclosed and verified before permits are approved.

In many states, but not all…

If a person’s intentions are purely non-commercial, they will need a Furbearing Mammal Keeper/Breeder Permit. There are two classes for this permit: Class A and Class B. For those who wish to keep protected wildlife for non-commercial use, they will need a Class A permit. For those who intend to use protected animals for commercial purposes, they will need a Class B permit. The fee for a Class A permit is only $10 and then $25 a year. Again, it is only intended for those who have a raccoon solely as a pet. Class B permits cost $20 and $25 a year. Class B allows a person to breed and sell protected wildlife. Keep in mind that these are averages only, and rates vary from county to county and between individual states.

Another stipulation of the fur-bearing mammal ownership laws is that a person must purchase or obtain a pet raccoon only from a licensed breeder. They must present and receive your legal permission before purchasing or adopting a raccoon as a pet. People may not catch, trap, or take a wild raccoon from the wild and keep it as a pet. They will not be approved for any exotic animal possession permits. It is strictly prohibited. A person must adopt a raccoon from a licensed raccoon breeder; and they must present and receive legal permission before doing so. If these rules are not followed, then the law is being broken.

What to do if you find a stranded raccoon

If you find an injured or stranded raccoon in your yard, never try to touch or pick it up. Unfortunately, wild animals like raccoons can carry diseases that can be harmful to you and your pets. You never know which raccoon may be aggressive, scared and potentially attacking. A bite can transmit various diseases and contagious diseases. If you ever find or have raccoons in your yard, call a professional raccoon removal company right away.