The idea of owning exotic and unusual pets is enticing to many people, and a raccoon is certainly not the type of animal you’ll find in your average pet store.
However, an important question to ask is whether it is possible to keep a raccoon as a pet, and if so, what is the best way to go about it? Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about raccoons and how they might behave in a domestic setting.
Legal Considerations When Owning a Raccoon
First and foremost, you need to consider whether or not keeping a raccoon in your home is legal, and this will mostly be dependent on where you live. These animals are most often considered pests, and in many states, as well as in Canada, raccoons are on the list of exotic animals that are illegal to own.
If you live in Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Nebraska, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, or Wyoming, you can legally own a raccoon in 2024. However, you will need to acquire a special permit and may be subject to some specific regulations as well.
Owning a raccoon without the proper authorization could land you in legal trouble, so make sure to check in before deciding to keep one in your home.
Natural Behavior and Traits
Beyond legal considerations, you also need to think about whether trying to domesticate a wild animal is an ethical choice. Raccoons are nocturnal, wild by nature and need a lot of space to explore, climb, and roam around, which means being kept in smaller spaces like a cage or even an apartment might not be good for them.
These creatures are also mischievous by nature, and despite being adorable, can wreak havoc in your home by gnawing and tearing at your furniture, clothes, and other belongings, especially when they’re bored. This makes them a rather challenging pet to own and definitely not suited to a less experienced pet owner.
Housing and Environment
So, if a raccoon won’t do well living in a cage or otherwise cramped environment, where and how can they be kept safely? If you decide to keep a raccoon as a pet, it is important that you take their needs into consideration and allow them to roam and explore as they please.
Raccoons are highly active and will need lots of stimulation. This means that they will thrive within a combination of indoor and outdoor areas with lots of places to climb, hide, and play. Consider incorporating structures like cat trees and perches and plenty of toys to keep them active, engaged, and mentally stimulated.
You should also take care to raccoon-proof your home. Make sure they won’t easily be able to escape, remove any hazardous items like cables from their grasp, and protect your most beloved items if you don’t want them chewed up.
Diet and Nutrition
Raccoons have been affectionately referred to as “trash pandas” due to their tendency to dig through garbage and devour whatever they can get their paws on. These omnivorous critters will eat just about anything, but you should take care to offer them a wide variety of healthy options.
Since there are no formulated raccoon foods on the market, some suggest that dog or cat pellets will make a good basis for a pet raccoon’s diet since they provide plenty of protein and other nutrients. However, for raccoons, this should be supplemented with crickets, mealworms, earthworms, and other insects, as well as some fish, eggs, and fruit and veg.
Try to avoid offering too many treats to a raccoon, and too much fat or sugar can be detrimental to their health.
Health and Veterinary Care
A common challenge associated with keeping a raccoon as a pet is the struggle to find good healthcare for these animals. Since they’re not traditionally domesticated animals, many vets won’t have experience in caring for them and treating any health concerns.
If you own a raccoon, you will need to find a vet who is experienced with exotic pets. Raccoons are prone to a number of health issues like parasites, dental problems, and obesity, thanks to their love of food. Because of this, preventative care is essential, and you’ll need to make sure they have regularly scheduled check-ups.
Before taking a raccoon into your home, visit a vet and ensure they receive all the necessary checks and vaccinations.
Socialization and Training
Despite being wild animals, raccoons are incredibly social and will need a lot of interaction and stimulation if you want to keep them happy and prevent their tendency toward destructive behavior. A well-trained raccoon can actually make a great pet.
This means that regular interaction is key! Playing with your pet raccoon, training them, and providing the opportunity for them to engage in enriching activities will all contribute to a strong relationship and a happy, well-adjusted pet. Socializing your raccoon is essential, too, and entails allowing them to get used to different people and environments. This will teach them to be friendly and well-behaved around others, a trait that every pet owner will want to cultivate.
Safety Concerns and Responsibility
We all know that raccoons are disease carriers, which is one of the big reasons why it’s not advised to keep them as pets. Their natural instincts and behaviors can also lean toward aggression, and they might be unpredictable pets.
However, being aware of these issues will allow you to navigate them more easily. Respect your pet’s boundaries and avoid stressing them out or forcing them into uncomfortable situations. Additionally, always handle your pets responsibly by carefully supervising any interactions they have with others—especially young children and other pets. By doing so, you’ll be ensuring everyone’s safety, including the raccoon’s.
Final Thoughts
As you have learned, it is possible to keep a raccoon as a pet and legal to do so in certain states. However, it’s crucial to consider the ethical side of things. Remember that raccoons are wild animals and difficult to care for. Additionally, keep in mind that buying a raccoon and keeping it as a pet may contribute to the illegal wildlife trade which is damaging to many species as well as the natural ecosystem as a whole.
Owning a pet raccoon can be fun and rewarding, but it requires a solid understanding of these animals and a deep commitment to caring for their well-being.
