Can You Have a Raccoon as a Pet? Everything You Need to Know

Raccoons are undeniably adorable. With their masked faces, nimble paws, and curious nature, it’s no wonder people are enchanted by them. You may have even seen pet raccoons on social media, snuggling with their owners or getting up to hilarious mischief. But is it a good idea—or even legal—to keep a raccoon as a pet?

If you’re considering adopting a raccoon, there’s a lot to think about. While they can be affectionate and playful, raccoons are wild animals with unique needs and challenges. Let’s take a closer look at what it takes to care for a pet raccoon and whether it’s the right choice for you.

What Makes Raccoons Unique?

Raccoons are incredibly intelligent creatures. Known for their solution-oriented thinking, they can solve puzzles, remember solutions, and even figure out how to break into tricky containers. These brainy animals love to explore, climb, and open things using their dexterous hands, which makes them both fascinating and mischievous.

Domesticated raccoons can form strong bonds with their owners, but they retain many of their wild instincts. Unlike dogs or cats, they haven’t been bred over generations to live alongside humans. This means they require more attention, training, and patience to thrive in a human household.

Are Raccoons Legal Pets?

Before you start daydreaming about a pet raccoon, it’s crucial to check your state’s laws. Raccoons are only legal as pets in 16 U.S. states, and even then, there are specific regulations to follow. Some states require permits, and others restrict raccoon ownership entirely. It’s also worth noting that you should never attempt to capture a wild raccoon to keep as a pet—it’s not only illegal in most places but also dangerous for both you and the raccoon.

If owning a pet raccoon is legal in your state, the next step is finding a reputable breeder. Domestic raccoons bred in captivity are more likely to adapt to life as pets than their wild counterparts. Never try to domesticate a wild raccoon—it’s nearly impossible and can lead to serious behavioral and safety challenges.

The Challenges of Owning a Pet Raccoon

While raccoons can be fun and affectionate, they aren’t easy pets. Here’s why:

1. Unpredictable Temperament

Raccoons are naturally curious animals, which can make them adventurous and engaging. However, their behavior can also be unpredictable. Some raccoons are friendly and playful, while others are skittish or aggressive. Even a well-behaved raccoon can suddenly lash out if it feels stressed or threatened. This is especially true of adult raccoons, which often become territorial as they mature.

2. Health and Disease Risks

Raccoons are known carriers of diseases that can be transmitted to humans and other animals, including rabies, distemper, leptospirosis, and salmonella. They may also host parasites like fleas and roundworms, which can pose significant health risks. If a raccoon bites or scratches someone, authorities may require the animal to be euthanized for testing, as there’s no approved rabies vaccine for raccoons.

3. Difficulty Finding Veterinary Care

Even in states where raccoon ownership is legal, finding a veterinarian who’s willing and qualified to care for exotic pets can be a challenge. Not all vets are familiar with the unique needs of raccoons, so you’ll need to do your research to find one with expertise in exotic animal care. Routine care like vaccinations and check-ups may also be more expensive than it would be for conventional pets.

4. High Maintenance Needs

Raccoons are escape artists. Their clever paws can open doors, unscrew jars, and even bypass some locks. This means you’ll need to raccoon-proof your home to prevent them from getting into trouble. Additionally, they’re incredibly active animals that require plenty of mental and physical stimulation. Without enough attention and enrichment, a bored raccoon can quickly become destructive.

Caring for a Pet Raccoon

If you’ve determined that you can legally and responsibly own a raccoon, here’s what you’ll need to provide:

1. Adequate Living Space

Raccoons need plenty of room to roam, climb, and play. If you’re keeping your raccoon indoors, you’ll need to child-proof your home to keep them safe. A large dog crate can serve as a temporary containment area, but they shouldn’t be confined for long periods. Outdoor enclosures should be spacious, secure, and equipped with toys, climbing structures, and plenty of shade.

2. Proper Nutrition

Raccoons are omnivores, which means their diet includes both plant and animal-based foods. A healthy raccoon diet can include:

• Poultry, fish, and eggs
• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Commercial dog food as a dietary staple

Raccoons also enjoy dipping their food in water before eating, so provide a shallow water dish alongside their meals.

Cost of Taking Care of a Raccoon as a Pet

Caring for a pet raccoon can be expensive and time-consuming. Here’s an estimate of the potential costs:

1. Initial Setup Costs:
   • Cage or enclosure: $300–$1,000+ (a large, secure, raccoon-proof area is required).
   • Bedding and accessories: $50–$200.
   • Toys for mental stimulation: $50–$100.
   • Veterinary care for initial checkups and vaccinations: $150–$500.
2. Ongoing Costs:
   • Food: $50–$100/month (raccoons eat a varied diet of fruits, vegetables, proteins, and specialized food).
   • Veterinary care: $200–$500/year or more (raccoons need regular checkups and may require exotic animal vets, which can be pricier).
   • Miscellaneous (toys, repairs, cleaning supplies): $50–$100/month.
3. Unexpected Costs:
   • Repairs to your home (raccoons are destructive and may damage walls, furniture, or wiring).
   • Emergency veterinary care, which can cost $500–$1,000+.

Estimated Annual Cost: $1,000–$3,000+ depending on your setup and local prices.

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Price for a Pet Raccoon

The cost of acquiring a pet raccoon varies:

• From breeders: $300–$700.
• From rescues: Some rescue organizations may charge a rehoming fee, typically $50–$200.

The price depends on factors such as the raccoon’s age, health, and whether it is captive-bred.

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Where to Find a Raccoon as a Pet

1. Breeders: In regions where it is legal, some breeders specialize in raccoons. Ensure they follow ethical breeding practices.
2. Exotic Animal Rescues: Some rescue organizations rehome raccoons to approved individuals.
3. Online Classifieds: Websites like Craigslist or specialized exotic animal forums may list raccoons for sale, but these sources can be unreliable.
4. Exotic Animal Auctions or Pet Stores: Rare, but in some locations, these venues may sell raccoons.

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Important Considerations Before Buying a Raccoon

1. Legal Issues: Many states and countries have laws regulating or banning raccoon ownership. Check local and state regulations, and obtain any required permits.
2. Ethical Concerns: Wild animals often face challenges adapting to domestic life, and improper care can harm both the animal and its owner.
3. Veterinary Care: Exotic animal vets are not always readily available and may be costly.
4. Lifespan: Raccoons live 10–15 years in captivity, requiring a long-term commitment.

3. Dedicated Time and Attention

Caring for a raccoon is a big commitment. They require significant time and effort for feeding, playtime, and training. Additionally, to keep their minds sharp and their bodies healthy, raccoons need mental stimulation. Puzzle feeders, interactive toys, and climbing challenges are essential to keeping your raccoon happy.

Cost of Taking Care of a Raccoon as a Pet

Caring for a pet raccoon can be expensive and time-consuming. Here’s an estimate of the potential costs:

1. Initial Setup Costs:
   • Cage or enclosure: $300–$1,000+ (a large, secure, raccoon-proof area is required).
   • Bedding and accessories: $50–$200.
   • Toys for mental stimulation: $50–$100.
   • Veterinary care for initial checkups and vaccinations: $150–$500.
2. Ongoing Costs:
   • Food: $50–$100/month (raccoons eat a varied diet of fruits, vegetables, proteins, and specialized food).
   • Veterinary care: $200–$500/year or more (raccoons need regular checkups and may require exotic animal vets, which can be pricier).
   • Miscellaneous (toys, repairs, cleaning supplies): $50–$100/month.
3. Unexpected Costs:
   • Repairs to your home (raccoons are destructive and may damage walls, furniture, or wiring).
   • Emergency veterinary care, which can cost $500–$1,000+.

Estimated Annual Cost: $1,000–$3,000+ depending on your setup and local prices.

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Price for a Pet Raccoon

The cost of acquiring a pet raccoon varies:

• From breeders: $300–$700.
• From rescues: Some rescue organizations may charge a rehoming fee, typically $50–$200.

The price depends on factors such as the raccoon’s age, health, and whether it is captive-bred.

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Where to Find a Raccoon as a Pet

1. Breeders: In regions where it is legal, some breeders specialize in raccoons. Ensure they follow ethical breeding practices.
2. Exotic Animal Rescues: Some rescue organizations rehome raccoons to approved individuals.
3. Online Classifieds: Websites like Craigslist or specialized exotic animal forums may list raccoons for sale, but these sources can be unreliable.
4. Exotic Animal Auctions or Pet Stores: Rare, but in some locations, these venues may sell raccoons.

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Important Considerations Before Buying a Raccoon

1. Legal Issues: Many states and countries have laws regulating or banning raccoon ownership. Check local and state regulations, and obtain any required permits.
2. Ethical Concerns: Wild animals often face challenges adapting to domestic life, and improper care can harm both the animal and its owner.
3. Veterinary Care: Exotic animal vets are not always readily available and may be costly.
4. Lifespan: Raccoons live 10–15 years in captivity, requiring a long-term commitment.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

Pros of Owning a Pet Raccoon:

• Highly intelligent and engaging animals
• Can be affectionate and form strong bonds
• Unique and rewarding companionship for the right owner

Cons of Owning a Pet Raccoon:

• High maintenance and significant time commitment
• Legal restrictions in many states
• Potential health and safety risks
• Difficulty finding veterinary care

Is a Raccoon the Right Pet for You?

Ultimately, raccoons are not ideal pets for most people. They require a level of care, patience, and commitment that goes far beyond what’s needed for traditional pets like dogs or cats. While owning a raccoon can be rewarding for a small group of dedicated and experienced owners, they’re not a practical choice for everyone.

If you’re captivated by the idea of a raccoon but realize they’re not the right fit for your home, consider volunteering at a wildlife rescue center. You’ll get valuable hands-on experience with these fascinating animals while contributing to their care and conservation.

More about Raccoon as a pet

Raccoons are fascinating creatures, but interacting with them as pets or in the wild requires careful consideration. Here’s a breakdown of your questions:

Can raccoons be house trained?

Raccoons can be house trained to some extent, but they are not as reliable as cats or dogs. They are highly intelligent and can learn specific behaviors, but they may still have accidents and cause damage due to their curious nature.

Can you domesticate raccoons?

Raccoons are not domesticated animals. While they can be tamed and raised in captivity, they retain their wild instincts. Domestication is a process that happens over generations through selective breeding, which raccoons have not undergone.

Are raccoons friendly to people?

Raccoons are naturally wary of humans in the wild. Tamed raccoons may become friendly with their caregivers but are often unpredictable and may bite or scratch if startled or stressed.

How can I get a raccoon as a pet?

In some places, owning a raccoon as a pet is legal with proper permits, but many jurisdictions prohibit it due to health and safety concerns. Check your local laws, and remember that keeping a raccoon requires specialized care and a secure environment.

Do raccoon bites hurt?

Yes, raccoon bites can hurt. They have sharp teeth and strong jaws designed for chewing tough food. Raccoon bites can also carry a risk of infection, including rabies.

Is it OK to touch a raccoon?

Touching a wild raccoon is not safe. They can carry diseases like rabies and leptospirosis, and they may scratch or bite if they feel threatened. Tamed raccoons may tolerate touch, but they are still unpredictable.

Do pet raccoons cuddle?

Some pet raccoons enjoy cuddling, especially when they bond with their owner. However, this behavior varies by individual and their mood. They might be affectionate one moment and distant or aggressive the next.

Are raccoons aggressive?

Raccoons can be aggressive, especially if they feel cornered, threatened, or are protecting their young. Wild raccoons may also act aggressively if they are sick or injured.

What to do if a raccoon approaches you?

If a raccoon approaches you:

1. Stay calm and avoid sudden movements.
2. Do not feed or try to touch it.
3. Back away slowly to give it space.
4. If the raccoon appears unusually friendly or aggressive, it may be sick; report it to local wildlife authorities.

Raccoon and other Pets

1. With Dogs

• Potential Issues:
  • Raccoons and dogs may have trouble coexisting, as dogs may see raccoons as prey or threats, especially in the case of hunting breeds.
  • Raccoons can become defensive or aggressive if they feel intimidated.
• Possible Harmony:
  • If introduced young, a raccoon and a calm, non-aggressive dog may learn to coexist or even bond.
  • Supervision is essential to prevent injuries to either animal.

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2. With Cats

• Potential Issues:
  • Raccoons are curious and may bother cats by chasing or playing too roughly.
  • Cats may become defensive and swipe at a raccoon, leading to conflicts.
• Possible Harmony:
  • Cats and raccoons can coexist peacefully if introduced gradually and with supervision, especially if both animals are calm and the raccoon isn’t overly playful.

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3. With Small Pets (Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Birds, etc.)

• High Risk:
  • Raccoons have strong predatory instincts and may view small pets as prey.
  • Their curiosity can lead to injuries or stress for smaller animals, even if the raccoon isn’t intentionally aggressive.
• Precautions:
  • Keep small pets in secure enclosures that raccoons cannot access.
  • Avoid allowing direct interactions.

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4. With Other Raccoons

• Potential Issues:
  • Raccoons can be territorial, especially if they haven’t been raised together.
  • Males may become aggressive, particularly during mating seasons.
• Possible Harmony:
  • Raccoons raised together from a young age may bond and play well.

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5. Key Considerations for Multi-Pet Households

• Supervised Introductions: Always introduce a raccoon to other pets gradually and in a controlled, supervised setting.
• Monitor Interactions: Never leave a raccoon unsupervised with other animals, as their behavior can be unpredictable.
• Raccoon Behavior: Raccoons are playful but can play roughly, which might scare or injure smaller or less tolerant pets.
• Space Needs: Ensure all pets have their own space to retreat to if they feel stressed or overwhelmed.
• Health Concerns: Raccoons can carry diseases that may affect other pets, so regular veterinary checkups are crucial.

Important Note: Wild raccoons are best left in their natural habitat, and owning a raccoon as a pet is a significant commitment that requires careful thought and preparation.