Can I Take Care Of A Pet Raccoon?

Are you familiar with the laws of your state regarding owning a pet raccoon?

Do you plan to keep your pet raccoon in a confined space, like a cage for example?

Can you provide a lot of toys to keep a raccoon busy and entertained?

Can you provide a varied diet for your pet raccoon?

Is there an exotics veterinarian, that's willing to treat raccoons, near you?

Before even considering a pet raccoon you should be aware of your local and state/provincial laws. Pet raccoons are illegal in many areas, including Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, and Massachusetts. And there are specific laws surrounding raccoon ownership in most states. For instance, some states don't allow the importation of raccoons from other states.

As pets, raccoons don't do well in cages or even in small bedrooms. They need space to roam, climb, and explore to be happy. Unless you can allow them to be free in your home, a raccoon may not be a good pet choice for you.

Raccoons have sharp claws and teeth and can easily destroy your property. If they don't have enough of their toys to play with you might find them chewing on your door frames, ripping up your bedsheets, knocking over decor items, and more. Your raccoon should also have access to structures (e.g., large branches) for climbing and jumping.

Raccoons are omnivores, meaning they eat both meat and plants. Offer your pet a varied diet, including dog food, poultry, fish, eggs, insects, vegetables, and fruits. Treats, such as nuts and other fatty foods, should be offered sparingly to prevent obesity.

You can take care of a pet raccoon. Be aware that raccoons can be carriers of zoonotic diseases, so you shouldn't take wild raccoons as pets. It's best to acquire a pet raccoon from a reputable breeder.

Raccoons can develop many medical issues, so you must have an exotics vet that is willing to treat raccoons. Even where raccoons are legal it can be difficult to find a vet who specializes in them.