There’s no denying how fluffy raccoon dogs look. They’re so adorable that many people dream of keeping them as pets. However, this isn’t a good plan. Originally, hailing from East Asian countries like Japan, Korea, and China, they’re now an invasive species in many countries. Meanwhile, they’re not the easiest animals to keep. In this guide, we’ll look at everything you need to know about why keeping raccoon dogs (or tanuki) is a bad idea.
Raccoon Dogs Are Not Domesticated Animals
Contrary to being called raccoon dogs, tanuki are not domesticated animals. While humans have spent thousands of years taming creatures like cats, dogs, and horses, the raccoon dog remains a wild animal. There are ethical and practical reasons why owning one would be a disaster. First, it would be cruel because the animal would be uncomfortable and unlikely to adapt to its new surroundings. It would also be potentially dangerous because raccoon dogs have sharp teeth and claws. They could bite or scratch handlers or, even worse, curious young children.
Most people won’t want a raccoon dog in their house because they have a pungent odor. It’s safe to say that you don’t need that in your living room because it will spread everywhere! They also need a large space to roam, so even if it weren’t dangerous to keep them around humans, you’d need a large enclosure. Only people with very large gardens can offer this to raccoon dogs, so it’s hypothetically too much for most potential owners. Raccoon dogs are very cute, but it’s better to observe them in the zoo or the wild instead of bringing one home.
Raccoon Dog Ownership Is Generally Prohibited
Another issue with keeping raccoon dogs as pets is that there may be legal consequences. They’re illegal to keep both in the United Kingdom and the United States.
Raccoon dog ownership is generally prohibited because these animals are viewed as an invasive species. They present a serious risk to endemic animals because they’re omnivorous, eating everything from rodents to bird eggs.
If you spot a raccoon dog outside of East Asia, you must report it to the relevant authorities because they will need to capture it. Experts fear that raccoon dogs can spread diseases like SARS and even COVID-19. They may present a threat to humans as well as other animals if we don’t restrict them to their native regions. Meanwhile, raccoon dogs also present a rabies threat because vaccines don’t work well on them. This could pose a threat to cats, dogs, and even humans in the area.
Finding Medical Care for a Raccoon Dog
Even if you could source a raccoon dog and keep them on your property, it would be difficult to find proper veterinary care. As noted, they’re wild animals from Asia, and it’s very unusual to find them in the United States, meaning that even exotic vets might not know how to meet their needs. Only a few zoos keep tanuki, and their experts can provide specialized care.
Some vets may be reluctant to treat an illegal wild animal because of the possible legal consequences. They may be required to seize the animal and hand it over to animal control specialists. Needless to say, it’s not worthwhile. It’s irresponsible to keep any animal in captivity if you can’t provide it with appropriate medical attention when necessary.
Raccoon Dogs Eat Anything and Everything
Raccoon dogs are omnivores and will eat almost anything. That’s why bringing them into your home will be a nightmare. Don’t expect them to eat a bowl of kibble like a regular dog. They’ll jump onto tables and counters, gorging on fruit, meat, fish, and whatever else they can get their paws on. In the wild, they’ll usually eat whatever they can hunt or scavenge. This includes frogs, small birds, seeds, and even carrion. These animals don’t have table manners, and you can’t train them to eat properly!
Raccoon Dogs Use Their Intelligence for Mischief
Tanukis are incredibly intelligent and notorious escape artists. Experts have witnessed raccoon dogs in captivity testing their enclosures as they try to break out. They have excellent dexterity in their paws, allowing them to open doors, unlatch locks, and manipulate fine objects. These brilliant animal problem-solvers will find a way to get loose, and then you’ll have a bigger problem (especially since they’re illegal to have in the first place!). They’re also exceptionally curious and will analyze everything in their immediate environment. It’s extremely difficult to keep them in captivity.
Other Alternatives to Raccoon Dogs
Here are some potential raccoon dog alternatives:
Raccoons Are Similar to Raccoon Dogs
Raccoons share many similarities with raccoon dogs in appearance and behavior. However, the good news is that it’s legal to own them in some states with a permit. They’re very tricky pets to care for, but you can form bonds with them. They have challenging behavioral and dietary needs, but owning a raccoon can be rewarding.
Ferrets Make Entertaining (and Unusual) Pets
Another very rewarding alternative is a ferret. These fascinating animals are hardy and have easier care needs than most exotic animals. You can form a strong bond with a pet ferret and even train them because they’re very intelligent. The downside is that ferrets don’t share an aesthetic similarity with raccoon dogs, and they have a pungent stench!
Japanese Chins Are a Solid Dog Breed
Maybe you really want an East Asian pet species. If a Shiba Inu is too conventional, consider a Japanese Chin, a cute dog with a rich pedigree. This toy breed has a slightly wild appearance with its shaggy hair. They make loyal companions and have a loving temperament. Maybe they’re not as exotic as raccoon dogs, but they’re still fascinating animals. They’re much better pets than raccoons or tanukis!
