Despite this interdiction, the black-mask-ringed-tail animal is very common in the state of Colorado, both in urban and rural areas. This will cause them to lose their natural fear of humans. This is all down to the health and safety of the citizens, and it is safer for all to keep the two separate. You may legally own a raccoon as a pet in several states across America. For example, in Arkansas, a person can't own more than five raccoons at a time. Avoid letting it roam free on the streets you dont know what it can do. There are a lot of pet owners in the state of Vermont, but none of them may possess a pet raccoon. How do I add someone to my car insurance policy? If youre interested in pet raccoons, also check out: Please do your research as to whether owning one of these exotic animals is something you should do. Since 2014, the City of New York has also been cooperating with the federal government to vaccinate raccoons in Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island against rabies. In addition to this legislation, it is forbidden by law to kill a raccoon without a hunting or trapping permit. However, some states may require a special permit or license before you can keep one as your pet. They are becoming increasingly common pets because they are easy to care for, and they live for roughly ten to fifteen years, roughly the same time as other domestic pets. For long term, however, you will need to make sure that you have enough room to create a large and spacious living space for your new pet. A sloth is considered an exotic animal. It costs $48 to obtain this license and $48 for each yearly renewal. Raccoons as Neighbors. 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 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. The raccoon is a common animal in the state present along the coast, inland, and within South Carolinians homes: owning a pet raccoon is authorized in the state if a permit is granted. You also can discuss spaying or neutering your raccoon with your vet. Raccoons can be nuisance wildlife. Raccoons, widespread in Maryland, are perceived to be nuisance wildlife and it is illegal to keep them as pets. Where is it legal to own a raccoon? In Arkansas, you can own bobcats, but not more than six at a time. Raccoons are considered wild or exotic pets and do not typically make great pets because of their unpredictability. But they are rather stubborn and selective about when they want to obey. 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. You must consider what's best for the animal over your interest in owning one. Iowa The affectionate pet raccoon will sit on your shoulder. The laws are all dependent on the area you are living and the values that state holds. 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. This species is very adaptable to urban areas, and are nocturnal, meaning they come out mostly at night; however just seeing them during the day is not a sign of rabies. Not native to this island, pet raccoons are prohibited. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account. If a person wishes to possess other animals not originally from the state and not listed above then the person must show upon request verification that the animal was legally acquired in the previous state. In most states, it is only the possession of certain species that are banned, not every exotic animal. Can you feed it a healthy diet with the correct nutrition? It's legal to own a raccoon as a pet in Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Nebraska, North and South Carolina, Michigan, Wyoming, Wisconsin, Texas, Rhode Island, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, West Virginia. States often prohibit the adoption or possession of raccoons because they carry various diseases, including rabies, and may create a health hazard. Other exceptions in which exotic animals are allowed are in circuses. They are classified as game species and furbearers and can be hunted during the hunting and trapping seasons. It goes without saying, but. Because they are so affectionate, many people seek out relationships with these endearing animals. The little mammal is fairly popular in Georgia and can be found in both rural and urban areas, and while it is illegal to own a pet raccoon in this state, raccoons remain a popular game animal, specifically for sport hunting. Additional restrictions for owning a raccoon could easily be put in place as well as additional permits. Despite their common presence, Virginia laws strictly prohibit its residents from keeping pet raccoons or trying to raise them without a rehabilitation permit. They need lots of safe space to roam and consistent supervision. If youre hoping to own a wild or exotic animal in Virginia. Owning a raccoon dog in the UK is not allowed by law. With an appropriate permit, it is legal to keep a pet raccoon. 7 Kinds of Primates That Are Kept as Pets, Serval Cat: Breed Profile, Characteristics & Care. Plan to spend between $30 and $50 per month on average, also budgeting for at least an annual veterinary checkup and any emergency medical care. A dish of clean water should be available at all times. Also, as pet raccoons won't be in their natural environment that wears down their nails, they'll likely need regular nail trims. Riding or sitting on your shoulder is one of the most enjoyable things this animal does to show its affection. It is important to acknowledge that your raccoon, even though it is domesticated, is a wild animal at heart. It is illegal to own raccoons in the United Kingdom. Thanks to their intelligence, most pet raccoons are able to learn their name and even a few commands, such as sit and shake.. Iowa Brought from Mississippi to be served for the 1926 Thanksgiving dinner, she was saved and kept as a pet by former US president Calvin Coolidge and his wife Grace. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Get expert advice to help your pet live its best life, Pros & Cons of Keeping a Raccoon as a Pet. Raccoons are not easy to tame. The more interested people become in adopting raccoons as pets, the more awareness people spread about the safety and care required for owning raccoons. However, one is allowed to hunt and trap them all year round. In fact, the noticeable animal, with its bandit mask and tiny hands is considered to be injurious wildlife known to be harmful to the indigenous ecosystems and constitute a nuisance and health hazard. Formal training and experience with animal handling should be taken into consideration before handling any form of wild animal, however it is not always that these factors are thoroughly checked. No spam calls. For instance, raccoons are relatively clean mammals. Why Arent Raccoons Allowed As Pets Everywhere? I used it for my auto and renters policies. However, it may be rare to see a raccoon in Yellowstone National Park, but the species is present in the northern parts of the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem and throughout the state more generally. These active and mischievous animals need consistent supervision and lots of toys and other enrichment to keep them entertained. Raccoons can become relatively tame around people, but they'll never become fully domesticated. For instance, some states don't allow the importation of raccoons from other states. The most common and well-known is the North American raccoon from northern Canada and most of the United States from south-to-South America.It has a bright black mask between the eyes and a tail with 5 to 10 black stripes. It is unlawful for anyone to shelter, breed, or raise raccoons without a permit. The permits cost $10 each. You may also donate them to a science or educational research facility. Editorial Note: The content of this article is based on the authors opinions and recommendations alone. In most states where owning a raccoon is legal, like Michigan, a veterinary examination is required. Plus, they have established latrine areas, which means they are already litterbox trained. They allow raccoons, with the exception that owners obtain a permit. Known as the backyard bandits, raccoons are widespread in the state of Missouri, it is however illegal to possess a pet raccoon in this state. Raccoons are omnivores, meaning they eat both meat and plants. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. 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. It shouldnt come by as too much of a surprise if you find them eating your couch and knocking ornaments over. 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. For instance in Michigan, you can keep a raccoon as a pet as long as it meets two qualifications: the ownership of the raccoon has to be approved by a veterinarian, and the owner has to have a wild animal permit. She now works with a team of other experienced vets to provide the best advice and care for their clients' pets. In addition, raccoons often raid trash cans and pet food left outside. You must provide them with much larger cages, and their medical treatment is much more expensive. Native to Texas, the animal is abundant in the area and the state allows Texans to possess a pet raccoon under the condition of receiving an appropriate permit from the Department of Fish and Game. There are a number of steps to taking care of your raccoon the correct way. They often use their dexterous front paws to search through holes or pick up objects of interest as they explore their surroundings. This animal needs both an indoor and outdoor enclosure as to provide it with more space to roam. You do not need to apply or have a permit to own a raccoon in West Virginia. Opossum, porcupine, weasel, red squirrel, ground squirrel and feral swine can also be taken year-round with a valid Michigan hunting license. In West Virginia, there are no restrictions on private exotic pet ownership. But if you have the knowledge and time to properly care for a raccoon, they can be fascinating and funny companions. So the majority of a pet raccoon's time should be spent roaming your house: playing, climbing on things, exploring, and being mischievous. However, Arizanonian hunters, equipped with a hunting permit, can pursue them with dogs and trap them. The raccoon does not make a bad pet, however, the raccoon can be hard work. It is illegal to keep raccoons as pets in Alabama. Although not too common, having a raccoon as a pet is possible and has been done by many. The breeder also should give you thorough information on the animal's origin and health history. Citation: A RK. That is typically illegal in most places unless you're a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. The world you establish for the raccoon is very limited. It is illegal to keep raccoons in captivity due to the potential public health risks posed by rabies and other raccoon-borne illnesses. Delaware 3. On the other hand, the possession of other forms of wildlife such as foxes is strictly prohibited. Because of the danger inherent in animal ownership, some states prohibit the possession of wild or exotic animals altogether, while most simply restrict possession to certain species. Be prepared to invest a lot of time and money in raccoon care. This kind of pet is different to your casual dog. https://www.addl.purdue.edu/newsletters/1997/fall/raccoon.shtml. In addition to possible disease transmission, pet raccoons can also be disruptive to local ecosystems, taking food away from native wildlife and adversely impacting the balance of nature. They may carry diseases, such as rabies or leptospirosis, which can be spread to humans and other animals. Raccoons can carry a number of parasites, viruses, and bacterial illnesses, including: Rabies Canine distemper Leptospirosis Toxoplasmosis Intestinal roundworms 2 Raccoons born and raised in captivity are less likely to develop many of these diseases. The Secret Life of Red Foxes: How They Fight and Protect Their Families. The availability of nearby wild animal veterinarians is something that can make a major impact on your pets livelihood. Are you able to provide a proper and enriching environment for the animal? Litter training them is similar to how one would teach a cat to use a litter box. Can I Legally Have A Raccoon As A Pet? This means that keeping a raccoon dog as a pet is a criminal offence and could result in a fine or even imprisonment.
