Can You Get A Raccoon As A Pet? Laws; Care; and Risks

Can you have a raccoon as a pet? The short answer is: it’s complicated. While the idea of owning a raccoon might seem appealing to some, the reality involves many legal, ethical, and practical considerations. This post dives into the complexities of raccoon ownership, covering everything from raccoon pet legality and the challenges of raccoon domestication to raccoon pet care and the potential raccoon temperament as pets.

Image Source: www.thesprucepets.com

Raccoon Pet Legality: Where Are Raccoons Legal to Own?

Laws regarding owning a raccoon as a pet vary drastically depending on your location. Raccoon pet ownership laws are not uniform across countries, states, or even counties.

• United States: Many states prohibit keeping raccoons as pets. Some states might allow it with a permit, while others have a complete ban. Always check your state’s Department of Natural Resources or Department of Agriculture website for accurate information.
• Canada: Similar to the US, raccoon ownership is regulated provincially. Many provinces restrict or ban raccoon ownership.
• Other Countries: Regulations vary widely. Always research local wildlife laws before considering acquiring a raccoon.

Before you even think about bringing a raccoon home, you need to thoroughly research your local laws. Contacting your local animal control or wildlife agency is crucial. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse, and you could face hefty fines or even have the animal confiscated.

Raccoon Pet: Fathoming the Raccoon Domestication Challenges

Raccoons are wild animals, and unlike dogs or cats, they haven’t undergone thousands of years of domestication. This means that their natural instincts remain intact, posing unique raccoon domestication challenges.

• Unpredictable Behavior: Raccoons can be unpredictable, even if raised from a young age. They may exhibit destructive behaviors, aggression, or fear responses in certain situations.
• Strong Instincts: Raccoons have strong foraging instincts. They will rummage through your belongings, open cabinets, and generally cause chaos as they search for food.
• Difficult to Train: While some raccoons can be trained to perform simple tasks, they are not easily house-trained. Their intelligence can make them stubborn and manipulative.
• No Genetic Modifications: Selective breeding for desirable traits, a cornerstone of domestication, has not been done with raccoons. Therefore, their wild instincts remain dominant.

Raccoon Pet Care: Meeting Their Complex Needs

Caring for a raccoon is significantly more demanding than caring for a typical domestic pet. Raccoon pet care requires extensive knowledge, time, and resources.

Diet: Providing a Nutritional Balance

Raccoons are omnivores with diverse dietary needs.

• Variety is Key: Their diet should consist of fruits, vegetables, nuts, insects, and meat.
• Commercial Food: Some people use high-quality dog or cat food as a base, supplementing it with other foods.
• Avoid Harmful Foods: Chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and artificial sweeteners are toxic to raccoons.
• Obesity: Raccoons are prone to obesity in captivity. Monitor their food intake and provide opportunities for exercise.

Housing: Creating a Suitable Environment

Raccoons need a secure and stimulating environment to thrive in captivity.

• Spacious Enclosure: A large, secure enclosure is essential. This could be an outdoor enclosure or a dedicated room in your house.
• Climbing Structures: Raccoons are excellent climbers. Provide trees, branches, shelves, and other climbing structures.
• Water Source: A large water bowl or even a small pool is essential for drinking and playing.
• Denning Area: Raccoons need a safe and comfortable denning area to sleep and retreat to. This could be a large dog house or a similar structure filled with soft bedding.
• Enrichment: Raccoons are intelligent and curious animals. Provide them with toys, puzzles, and other forms of enrichment to keep them mentally stimulated.

Veterinary Care: Finding a Specialized Vet

Finding a veterinarian who is willing and able to treat a raccoon can be difficult.

• Exotic Animal Vet: You will need to find a veterinarian who specializes in exotic animals or wildlife.
• Vaccinations: Raccoons are susceptible to several diseases, including rabies, distemper, and parvovirus. Vaccinations are crucial.
• Parasite Control: Raccoons are prone to internal and external parasites. Regular deworming and flea/tick control are necessary.
• Emergency Care: Be prepared to handle emergencies, as not all vets are equipped to treat raccoons.

Owning a Raccoon Risks: Weighing the Potential Problems

Owning a raccoon comes with several risks, both for you and the animal.

Health Risks

Raccoons can carry diseases that are transmissible to humans.

• Rabies: Raccoons are a primary carrier of rabies in North America. Vaccination is essential, but even vaccinated raccoons can pose a risk.
• Raccoon Roundworm: This parasite can cause serious neurological damage in humans.
• Leptospirosis: A bacterial disease that can cause kidney and liver damage.
• Salmonellosis: A bacterial infection that can cause gastrointestinal illness.

Behavioral Risks

Raccoons can be unpredictable and destructive.

• Biting and Scratching: Raccoons can bite or scratch, especially if they feel threatened.
• Destructive Behavior: Raccoons are notorious for their destructive behavior. They can tear up furniture, chew on wires, and destroy property.
• Escape Attempts: Raccoons are intelligent and resourceful. They will attempt to escape their enclosure, and if successful, they can cause damage to your home or neighborhood.
• Aggression: While some raccoons may be docile, others can be aggressive, especially during mating season or when they are protecting their young.

Ethical Risks

Keeping a raccoon in captivity raises ethical concerns.

• Quality of Life: Can a raccoon truly thrive in captivity? Are you able to provide it with the space, stimulation, and social interaction it needs?
• Conservation Concerns: Removing a raccoon from the wild can have negative impacts on the local ecosystem.
• Abandonment: Many people who acquire raccoons as pets eventually realize that they are unable to care for them. This can lead to abandonment, which is harmful to both the animal and the environment.
• Euthanasia: Due to behavioral issues or health problems, some captive raccoons are eventually euthanized.

Raccoon Temperament as Pets: Myth vs. Reality

The raccoon temperament as pets is often romanticized. However, the reality is far more complex.

Feature	Myth	Reality
Temperament	Cuddly and affectionate	Can be unpredictable, ranging from playful to aggressive.
Trainability	Easily trained like a dog or cat	Difficult to train. Highly intelligent but also stubborn and independent.
Destructive	Harmless and playful	Extremely destructive. Will rummage through belongings, tear up furniture, and chew on wires.
Socialization	Gets along well with other pets	Can be aggressive towards other pets, especially smaller animals. Requires careful and supervised introductions.
Human Interaction	Always enjoys human interaction	May tolerate human interaction, but often prefers to do its own thing. Can become stressed or aggressive if forced into unwanted interactions.

Raccoon Pet Pros and Cons: A Balanced Perspective

Before considering raccoon ownership, carefully weigh the raccoon pet pros and cons.

Pros:

• Intelligent and curious animals.
• Can be entertaining to watch.
• May form bonds with their human caregivers (although not always predictably).

Cons:

• High risk of disease transmission.
• Destructive behavior.
• Difficult to train.
• Unpredictable temperament.
• Requires specialized care and a large enclosure.
• Often illegal or requires a permit.
• Raises ethical concerns about keeping a wild animal in captivity.

Raccoon Pet Cost: The Financial Burden

The financial raccoon pet cost goes far beyond the initial purchase price.

• Enclosure: Building or purchasing a secure enclosure can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
• Food: Raccoons require a varied and nutritious diet, which can be expensive.
• Veterinary Care: Vaccinations, parasite control, and emergency care can add up quickly.
• Enrichment: Toys, puzzles, and other enrichment items can be costly.
• Damage Repair: Be prepared to pay for damages caused by your raccoon.

Raccoon Pet Alternatives: Consider These Options

If you’re drawn to raccoons but concerned about the challenges of ownership, consider these raccoon pet alternatives:

• Wildlife Rehabilitation: Volunteer at a local wildlife rehabilitation center. This will allow you to work with raccoons and other animals without taking on the responsibility of ownership.
• Wildlife Photography: Capture the beauty of raccoons in their natural habitat through photography.
• Educational Programs: Support organizations that educate the public about raccoons and other wildlife.
• Domestic Pets: Consider getting a dog or cat from a shelter. Domestic animals are better suited to living in a home environment and offer companionship without the risks and challenges of owning a wild animal.
• Ferrets: While still requiring specialized care, ferrets are domesticated animals that are legal to own in many areas and share some playful and curious traits with raccoons.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Raccoon Pet Ownership

Q: Is it legal to own a raccoon where I live?

A: You need to research your local laws. Raccoon ownership is regulated at the state, provincial, and sometimes even local level. Contact your local animal control or wildlife agency for accurate information.

Q: What do raccoons eat?

A: Raccoons are omnivores and eat a varied diet of fruits, vegetables, nuts, insects, and meat.

Q: Are raccoons good with children?

A: Raccoons are not generally recommended as pets for families with children. Their unpredictable temperament and potential for biting and scratching make them a safety risk.

Q: Can raccoons be house-trained?

A: While some raccoons can be trained to use a litter box, they are not easily house-trained.

Q: Do raccoons need vaccinations?

A: Yes, raccoons should be vaccinated against rabies, distemper, and parvovirus.

Q: Are raccoons affectionate?

A: Some raccoons may form bonds with their human caregivers, but they are not typically as affectionate as dogs or cats.

Q: What kind of enclosure do raccoons need?

A: Raccoons need a large, secure enclosure with climbing structures, a water source, and a denning area.

Q: How long do raccoons live?

A: Raccoons can live for 10-15 years in captivity.

Q: What are the signs of a sick raccoon?

A: Signs of a sick raccoon can include lethargy, loss of appetite, coughing, sneezing, diarrhea, vomiting, and neurological symptoms.

Q: Where can I find a vet who treats raccoons?

A: Contact your local animal shelter or wildlife rehabilitation center for referrals to veterinarians who specialize in exotic animals or wildlife.

Ultimately, owning a raccoon is a serious commitment that should not be taken lightly. Before making a decision, carefully consider the legal, ethical, and practical implications. Are you truly prepared to provide a raccoon with the specialized care it needs for its entire life? If not, there are many other ways to appreciate these fascinating animals without bringing them into your home.