Today, it is illegal to keep any wild animals as pets in the District of Columbia. Common Infectious Diseases of Raccoons. So they are best kept solo. 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. to people, thanks to their sharp horns and massive strength. Raccoons are protected in the state of Minnesota, it is therefore illegal to possess a pet raccoon. In addition to checking the laws surrounding ownership, look carefully at regulations for raccoon owners. They can also be watched, photographed, and hunted. However, for many animal activists out there this isnt accepted well. But it's also ideal to take some of it to put in food puzzles or hide around their enclosure as a form of enrichment. Especially for a raccoon who are notoriously known to be riddled with disease, it is essential that the owner is able to take care of it in the best way possible. These animals can range from rats (hence the phrase lab rats) to monkeys. Also, as pet raccoons won't be in their natural environment that wears down their nails, they'll likely need regular nail trims. According to the Michigan Compiled Laws, raccoons can only undergo rehabilitation if you donate them to an AZA zoo, ASA, or animal sanctuary. 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. A strong animal with short legs, a sharp mouth, and small erect ears, the North American raccoon is 75 to 90 inches long, with a 25 cm tail. Question: Can you own a raccoon in California? When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. For example, what happens to your raccoon if it gets loose? The most important thing to acknowledge when owning a raccoon is to remember that its home is the wild. If youre hoping to own a wild or exotic animal in Virginia. In parallel, the Department of Natural Resources monitors the number of raccoons to make sure that hunting activities do not impact the raccoon population negatively. Being active during the daytime is part of their domesticated behavior, which humans cannot teach to wild raccoons. You cannot legally own a raccoon as a pet in Canada. Expect to pay between $300 and $700 on average, though this can vary widely. In order to legally possess, transport, raise, or release raccoons in Texas, you have to be a permitted wildlife rehabber, and furthermore, if you intend to keep the animal in your possession, you need permission from the state with a vet that confirming that the raccoon is non-releasable. Permits are awarded by a judge based on previous history and good faith. They are often causing a lot of issues such as chewing wires, damaging attic vents, or overturning waste containers. Raccoons can become relatively tame around people, but they'll never become fully domesticated. Raccoons are legal to own as pets in the US states of Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Michigan, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Because they are so affectionate, many people seek out relationships with these endearing animals. Some U.S. states have additional regulations for owning a raccoon as a pet. Are you able to provide a proper and enriching environment for the animal? 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. Resident landowners and tenants can trap a raccoon that is causing damage on their own property without a permit from the DNR. West Virginia Exotic Animal Laws - UAPPEAL Michigan residents have, if desired, the possibility to own a pet raccoon. How to turn a small outdoor space into a spot your dog will love 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. If youre found in violation of Virginias wildlife and exotic pet ownership laws, its possible you could be convicted of a, . Their presence is widespread throughout the state and it is strictly prohibited to take wildlife into captivity, including raccoons. This native mammal inhabits woodlands and marshes in rural and urban areas throughout North America. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. However, only six of these animals per household are allowed (Section 15.41). If they don't have enough of their own toys to play withor they're just curious or boredyou might find them chewing on your door frames, ripping up your bedsheets, knocking over decor items, and more. Can I Own A Raccoon In Ohio? - CLJ Should You Keep Fennec Fox (Desert Fox) as a Pet? No Kill Permit Required from Department to kill on your own land during closed season. On a monthly basis, your main essential cost for a raccoon will be its healthy, varied diet. Find insurance savings it's 100% free, Compare Free Quotes (& Save Hundreds per Year! However, raccoons transported into Ohio that are pets may [] Can you own a sloth in Texas? The state has recently passed legislation that allows year-round hunting and trapping for raccoons (as well as opossums). 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. Pennsylvania 9. You must provide them with much larger cages, and their medical treatment is much more expensive. and can be dangerous to people and other animals, including livestock, so theyre illegal to keep as pets without a permit. the animal is in the position to harm another animalthat permit can be suspended. to help you make that insurance shopping process a little easier. They naturally establish latrine sites, making it easy to create animal pins with concentrated mess areas. As a permit holder, youre responsible for making sure the animal in your care isnt released into the wild. But life wont feel quiet with a pet raccoon. Its always vital to know what kinds of conditions an animal needs to allow it to thrive and that youll actually be able to provide that before claiming one for yourself. An exotic veterinarian who knows raccoons might be able to point you toward a good breeder. In order to do this, they have to fill out and submit a wild game permit application. A Game Breeders License is required for people breeding raccoons in Indiana. Virginia state law states, other than the exotic animals found on, , nonnative or exotic animals can be bought, owned, and sold, as long as theyre not subject to other regulations like. If these techniques do not solve the problem, you can contact a licensed trapper or a critter removal service which you can find in your local phone directory. And even when they're born in captivity or raised by humans, they typically retain their wild traits. Where is it legal to own a raccoon? Again, this varies. Raccoons are considered exotic animals in Wyoming, and they require a permit for private ownership. Forgetting to plan for medical emergencies can also cost you money in the long run. Thats probably for the best, considering theyre incredibly strong and hard to contain, and their excellent hunting skills would pose a public safety threat to people if they were to get loose. People like these animals because they are similar to their house pets now. 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. Iowans have most certainly met the masked animal before, but it is forbidden to have a pet raccoon in this state. Permits are required by law when possessing any exotic animal. To put it simply: yes, foxes are legal in Pennsylvania, butu2026 Note: In order to get a permit, you must have at least two years of experience with foxes (other exotics will not count), a letter from someone who already has a permit that will confirm your experience, and an enclosure built to the PGC's specifications. are just a text, call, or tap away in the app! They are wild animals and therefore unpredictable, and should never be left alone with a child or anyone else who is not experienced with handling them. It is however possible to hunt the masked animal during the hunting season, provided that one has a hunting or sporting license. There are a few things that you should consider before adopting a pet raccoon. These permits are either non-game wildlife, educational/scientific, or wildlife rehabilitation. Here are a few examples of some legal animals to own in Virginia: Certain monk parakeets that were captive bred and are close-banded with a seamless band, Domesticated animals (but not domesticated foxes, as of 2017), own a certain type of animal doesnt mean you. They need space to roam, climb, and explore to be happy. But other than cats and dogs, what pets can you legally own in Virginia? These animals can be dangerous to the environment because they can disrupt the ecosystem by introducing new diseases and stealing food. You should learn how much is the right amount to feed them; as raccoons grow older, you should begin to limit their food intake accordingly. However, raccoons should not be confused with the Maine Coon, a large domesticated cat breed native to the state of Maine. However, Arizanonian hunters, equipped with a hunting permit, can pursue them with dogs and trap them. It is important to acknowledge that your raccoon, even though it is domesticated, is a wild animal at heart. I used it for my auto and renters policies. I bought my Ford Bronco a year and a half ago, and Im not sure if it is still under warranty. This, in turn, leads to some controversy. You must have a special permit to own raccoons in Rhode Island, like all other exotic animals. How to deal with problem Raccoon in West Virginia Indeed, raccoon hunting is widely popular in the region and there are many raccoon hunter clubs and competitions being held yearly. This animal needs both an indoor and outdoor enclosure as to provide it with more space to roam. According to Wisconsin Watch, no laws regulate private pet ownership in Wisconsin. Disclaimer: The information contained on this website is for general use only and is not legal advice. Michigan 6. It is important to put the lives of your family, friends, and neighbors before the raccoon and this is done by looking after it responsibly. For the crate interior where your raccoon might temporarily spend time, an easily washable blanket or dog bed on the floor should keep the animal comfortable. They like to dunk their food in their water dish prior to consuming it. Exotic Pet Ownership Laws By State - AZ Animals They only require occasional baths with a mild shampoo. At the same time, fur farms proliferated in Alaska, which coincided with the increasing popularity of raccoons in American pop culture. Manage Settings 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. It wouldnt know how to protect itself, scavenge, get used to the changed environment and climate. Local ordinances are usually more restrictive than state laws. Allow your raccoon to feel like it is in the wild with plenty of space, company, places to explore. In Colorado, it is illegal to own any wild animals, including a domesticated raccoon in order to ensure public health and public safety, to protect domestic livestock, and to protect Colorados wildlife and wildlife resources. Interested parties must apply for licenses from the Director of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, who will observe your competency and capabilities of caring for wildlife. Raccoon coats became widely popular until the Great Depression when the wild animals that survived were offered as pets. Even though there are circumstances where its legal to own raccoons in Texas, theyre not considered pets. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Can I Legally Have A Raccoon As A Pet? Rules vary from state to state and laws often change; do not rely on this website if making a legal decision, seek a lawyer. They have an expansive diet, and they are not picky eaters. Remove bird feeders when problem species have been seen around them. In Indiana and other states, the owner must have a wild animal permit. Captive raccoons can be prone to obesity if they aren't given enough space to roam. The state also forbids the adoption and possession of pet raccoons. Although pet raccoons are illegal in Montana, these wild animals are native to the region and can be found everywhere in the state. Raccoons are omnivores, meaning they eat both meat and plants. Opinions vary, and in many states, raccoons are illegal to keep as pets. to own in Virginia. Iowa Raccoons tend to go through a heavy shedding period at least once a year, as well as in times of stress. Even in states where raccoons are legal to own, in most cases, you are required to either obtain a permit or get permission from the state authorities. However, they also are generally quick to biteeven their favorite peoplewhen something annoys or scares them. The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife considers raccoons to be a prohibited species in the state, meaning that individuals cannot purchase them or possess them except under special circumstances. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Close up all openings under and into your buildings. Illinois recognized raccoons as furbearers, it is allowed to hunt them from mid-November to mid-February. Failure to attain a permit can lead to a fine as well as the removal of your animal. The laws are all dependent on the area you are living and the values that state holds. They love to show their human companions attention by sitting on their laps, cuddling at the ends of their beds, and getting belly rubs. Viral videos of raccoons learning to do unique tricks or playing with dog toys surface on the internet. Should You Keep a Coatimundi (Coati) as a Pet? Raccoons are affectionate, and they love to cuddle. It is forbidden to own a pet raccoon in Nevada despite the fact that the state has a long list of animals that can be kept without a permit (including toucans, lovebirds, monkeys, elephants, camels, or ostrich). Animals in Virginia - Animals Around The Globe
