Raccoons are cute and furry creatures that can make for interesting and entertaining pets. However, before you decide to bring a raccoon into your home, it's important to find out if it's legal to do so in your area.

Is It Legal to Have Raccoons as Pets?

Legality of Keeping Raccoons as Pets

The legality of keeping raccoons as pets varies from state to state and even from county to county. In some areas, it's completely illegal to keep raccoons as pets, while in others, it's legal with certain restrictions. In general, it's more common for rural areas to allow raccoons as pets than urban areas.

If you're thinking about getting a raccoon as a pet, the first thing you should do is check the laws in your area. You can do this by contacting your local animal control agency or the state fish and wildlife agency.

Other Considerations

Even if it's legal to have a raccoon as a pet in your area, there are a few other things you need to consider before bringing one home.

  • Raccoons Can Be Destructive. Raccoons are curious and playful animals, and they love to explore. This can lead to them getting into trouble and causing damage to your home.
  • Raccoons Can Carry Diseases. Raccoons can carry a variety of diseases that can be transmitted to humans, including rabies, roundworm, and salmonella. It's important to keep your raccoon up-to-date on its vaccinations and to practice good hygiene when handling it.
  • Raccoons Need a Lot of Attention. Raccoons are social animals and they need a lot of attention and interaction. If you don't have the time or resources to provide your raccoon with the care it needs, it's best not to get one as a pet.

Conclusion

If you're thinking about getting a raccoon as a pet, it's important to do your research and make sure that it's legal to do so in your area. You also need to consider the other factors involved in caring for a raccoon, such as its destructive nature, its potential to carry diseases, and its need for a lot of attention.