Is it illegal to have a raccoon for a pet? Plus, raccoons have dietary needs and health issues that can be difficult to manage. Before even considering a pet raccoon you should be aware of your local and state/provincial laws. Learn how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet. Raccoons can also carry zoonotic parasites and infectious diseases (including rabies) that pose a threat to you, your family, and other pets. People who think they can just dump a pet raccoon back into the wild when it gets too wild (surprise!) Lianne is a veterinarian, epidemiologist, and freelance writer who's written nearly 400 articles for The Spruce Pets. Some people who keep raccoons house them in a large dog crate when they aren't home to watch their pet. hide. Thus, it's best to acquire a pet raccoon from a reputable breeder, and go to visit with the animal in person before you commit. Raccoon dogs have successfully established themselves in Estonia, Lithuania, Belarus, and Ukraine. to handle, are just sentencing it to a slow and cruel death. And there are specific laws surrounding raccoon ownership in most states. Before adopting a pet raccoon or kit, ensure you know and educate yourself about pet possession and legal boundaries concerning raccoons. Hi everyone, There is this super cute raccoon who knocks on my window for food. Consult your veterinarian for the quantity and variety that is best for your animal, as this can vary based on age, size, and activity level. The answer is no, for several reasons. wild animals belong in the wild when at all possible. Jul 8, 2017 - Explore Jazmine McDowell's board "pet raccoon" on Pinterest. And if your pet raccoon is overfed and/or doesn't get enough exercise, there's a good chance it will become obese, which can put all kinds of stresses on its body. Yet the raccoon dog's remarkable powers of adaptation make it very easy to keep as a pet. Secondly, these creatures make for a fun yet silly companions. See more ideas about Raccoon, Pet raccoon, Cute raccoon. It is a commitment that could last 16 years or more. A young or adult raccoon as a pet can be messy. They can carry several diseases that people can catch (see below). Coolidge refused to have it killed or eaten, however. Raccoons are quite adept at breaking through latches and other secured areas if their curiosity gets the best of them. The Canadian Press. Raccoons can easily live for 15 years, and they shouldn’t be released back into the wild after they’ve been kept as a pet. They are also host to a number of parasites, such as lice and fleas. Some raccoons live in cities, where they den in storm drains and attics and raid garbage cans and pet dishes. Duration: 00:20 11/12/2020. TWEET. In Arkansas, a person cannot own more than five at a time. If you let it have the run of your house, then it will be the raccoon keeping you as a pet as it does what it pleases to the house and you. So, think seriously about the cons before purchasing a raccoon as a pet: Raccoons aren’t easy to housetrain. – The laws. And shed your blood (any anything else you may value) with their razor sharp teeth and claws. It is best to obtain a pet raccoon from a breeder, although these may be difficult to find. Check out this pet raccoon as he gazes out the window at a snowstorm happening outside. I haven't spoken to him about this yet, but is there is no other complications involved I plan to ask him. Is there any law in Canada against owning a raccoon as a pet. Even rehabilitating raccoon often requires a special permit and/or license. Treats, such as nuts and other fatty foods, should be offered sparingly to prevent obesity. For instance, some states don't allow the importation of raccoons from other states. And an adult raccoon is quite capable of causing a great amount of damage, to both you and your possessions, in a very short amount of time! EMAIL. Most adult raccoons need two meals per day in the early morning and late evening, though follow your vet's advice on this. A raccoon dog (also known as a 'tanuki' or a Japanese raccoon dog) is not suited to life as a pet in a domestic environment and we strongly discourage people from buying or keeping one as a pet - they're much more difficult to … SHARE. Yes, it is While you may typically think of raccoons as wild woodland animals, they also can make for excellent pets! How should I proceed? They love to use their fingers to open doors, jars or boxes, and to dig little holes in the ground. Raccoons as pets require a deep understanding of what you are getting into in terms of both personal sacrifice and financial costs. Some druids say pandaren and raccoons are distant cousins, but never when a pandaren can hear them. Anyways long story short, he has become my friend. I live in Toronto and I have a friend who works in Hawkeye Bird Control. Latest Stories. Raising a raccoon is not for everyone! You can simply put their food in a bowl. Trump says he'll 'fight like hell' to hold on to presidency. Coolidge refused to have it killed or eaten, however. Adult Size: 16 to 28 inches and 7 to 20 pounds on average, Life Expectancy: Up to 20 years in captivity. Thanks. The answer is clear, in Spain it is NOT legal to have a raccoon as a pet, this is because it is included in the Spanish Catalogue of Invasive Exotic Species, this inclusion has a series of very important legal consequences: In article 64, 5. of the Law on Natural Heritage and Biodiversity, it is established that One needss little more that an enclosed section of a garden. That is typically illegal in most places unless you're a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Jul 8, 2017 - Explore Jazmine McDowell's board "pet raccoon" on Pinterest. Raccoons born and raised in captivity are less likely to develop many of these diseases. They can make for fun and goofy albeit strange … Even where raccoons are legal it can be difficult to find a vet who specializes in them. Raccoons are found throughout Pennsylvania, often near water—lakes, streams, rivers, but also on ridges and in suburban areas. People who think they can just dump a pet raccoon back into the wild when it gets too wild (surprise!) They are crepuscular and nocturnal, meaning that their active periods are at dusk and throughout the night, while during the day they sleep hidden in their underground burrows. This is Tito The Raccoon's typical day. Even rehabilitating raccoon often requires a special permit and/or license. to handle, are just sentencing it to a slow and cruel death. Laws and permit requirements change, so check your state’s regulations before acquiring a raccoon. A raccoon dog (also known as a 'tanuki' or a Japanese raccoon dog) is not suited to life as a pet in a domestic environment and we strongly discourage people from buying or keeping one as a pet - they're much more … Pet raccoons are illegal in many areas, including Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, and Massachusetts. Some people have raised orphan raccoons as pets but this may be illegal even in areas that you are allowed to have a captive bred pet raccoon. If your beloved pet raccoon bites or scratches anyone, your local health department will require you to submit your raccoon for rabies testing, regardless of the fact that you may have raised him from a newborn. Raccoons require things most people can’t provide for them and when they lack these things they become increasingly destructive and even aggressive. For example, what happens to your raccoon if it gets loose? 10. A good breeder will be able to show you how they handle and interact with all of their young raccoons to help tame the animals and diminish their desire to bite. They are native to Far East Asia. If you raise a raccoon as a pet with an incredible amount of attention, love and care, you still won’t be able to override its wild instincts. Raccoons like to bite. Thanks. He has gone on several raccoon removal missions and maybe he can get one of them for me. In captivity and with good care, they can live as long as 20 years. Raccoon dogs are charismatic canids that are surging in popularity thanks to internet virility. Should I take him to the vet? Many young raccoons rail against their strict curfews, complaining that dawn is way too early to go to bed. In addition to these laws, also look for regulations for raccoon owners. They adapt well to people and human activities. He has gone on several raccoon removal missions and maybe he can get one of them for me. Rebecca was a raccoon originally scheduled for the Thanksgiving dinner plate of President Coolidge in the 20s. It may take a while for a dog to allow the owner to approach without fear. You get to raise and share the love of a baby raccoon and return it to the wild where it was meant to be. Many people build their own pen from wood and screening. As pets, they don't do well in cages or even in small bedrooms. Raccoons are messy eaters. The Canadian Press. And captivity can greatly stress a wild animal even to the point of killing it. Watch as this pet raccoon asks his owner for a treat in the cutest possible way. 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. Pet raccoons eat quite a variety of foods. Your pet raccoon will need to spend long periods of the day in the garden, where ideally it will have trees to climb and a pond or fountain to "wash" its food. EMAIL. hide. Much like foxes, the prospects of having a raccoon dog as a pet are very weak. There are no formulated raccoon diets that are pre-made and ready for you to purchase so it can be difficult to provide a proper, well-balanced diet for your pet raccoon. Some people have raised orphan raccoons as pets but this may be illegal even in areas that you are allowed to have a captive bred pet raccoon. Popular in Japan and also the stars of the Studio Ghibli film Pom Poko, they have recently become the subject of fascination by Westerners unfamiliar with this unusual species. As a pet, a raccoon requires a lot of your time, attention, and supervision. Raccoon dogs are native to Eastern Siberia, China, Mongolia, Vietnam, Korea, and Japan. The advantages . Can you keep a raccoon as a pet? So the majority of a pet raccoon's time should be spent roaming your house, playing, climbing on things, exploring, and being mischievous. And even when they're born in captivity or raised by humans, they typically retain their wild traits. Raccoons make very interesting pets. That means you'll need to regularly change their water and feed them in a location where it's easy to clean up. They also can acquire intestinal parasites, which might cause them to have abnormal feces, a loss of appetite, and more. In November 1926 President Calvin Coolidge pardoned a live animal intended for his Thanksgiving dinner and adopted it as a pet. What Makes a Raccoon as a Pet Difficult to Care For? Their propensity for unruly behavior exceeds that of captive skunks, and they are even less trustworthy when allowed to roam freely. These are likely signs of a health issue. Raccoons are intelligent animals, known for their good memories and problem-solving abilities. Instead, they adopted it as a pet raccoon. And many do become quite cuddly or playful at times. Purchasing Your Raccoon. And you must arrange for someone to care for her if something happens to you, because once they’ve been kept as pets, raccoons can’t be released back into the wild. It’s unethical and illegal to capture a healthy wild animal and force it live … Raccoons are notorious biters: They will bite family members, family pets, and visitors and their pets. Pet raccoon loves to watch the snow falling outside Check out this pet raccoon as he gazes out the window at a snowstorm happening outside. They will bite anyone and anything including other family members and pets. But life won’t feel quiet with a pet raccoon. If you have the space, it's ideal to provide a secure outdoor enclosure for your raccoon. Even more than that, it is notorious, that raccoons’ natural instinct when they are unhappy, frustrated, … Give your suggestions, whatever it may be. Look. In some areas, the laws are quite harsh regarding the treatment of wild animals kept as pets, and they might lead to your pet being euthanized if it's problematic in the community. If you love raccoons and wish to have one as a pet, it is best to adopt them when they are very young (the kit) because wild raccoons can cause homeowners’ problems. There once was a presidential raccoon in the White House. The RSPCA said it had dealt with a number of call-outs in recent years to stray pet raccoon dogs that have escaped, or been deliberately released to the wild. Some red flags include a raccoon that is underweight with its ribs showing, as well as a very lethargic animal or one that is not interested in food. Raccoons are super cute. In Kentucky, owning a pet raccoon is against the law. And though they can be vaccinated with a canine rabies vaccine, it is unknown whether this vaccine is truly protective for raccoons. Raccoons are omnivores, meaning they eat both meat and plants. ANSWER: Purchasing Your Raccoon. They are actually extraordinarily messy animals. She says that raising a raccoon comes with a lot of challenges, and doesn’t recommend people raise them. They are extremely high maintenance and fairly unpredictable, which is why most animal experts advise against keeping them as pets. That means your home must be raccoon-proofed. It is best to obtain a pet raccoon from a breeder, although these may be difficult to find. Check out this pet raccoon as he gazes out the window at a snowstorm happening outside. Raccoons as pets require a deep understanding of what you are getting into in terms of both personal sacrifice and financial costs. In states that do allow pet ownership of a raccoon, a wild animal permit is usually required. However, most raccoons always seem to be full of mischief, too. Hi everyone, There is this super cute raccoon who knocks on my window for food. Duration: 00:20 11/12/2020. There was only one pet raccoon that gained any real notoriety. Watch as this pet raccoon asks his … And they change the rules whenever it suits them. The habits of the raccoon dog are more like those of a badger or a fox than any breed of dog. They are susceptible to skin infections and fleas, especially if they spend time outside. Raccoons make very interesting pets. Trypanosoma cruzi is associated with raccoon excrement as are Rickettsia rickettsii, Leptospirosis, and Salmonella. Plus, these North American natives are nocturnal, meaning they're most active at night. So cool! January 4, 2021, 11:00 a.m. And if you found a stray baby raccoon, do not attempt to interact with it at all. there is another tiny furball that needs your help and your love. It is illegal to keep pet raccoons as pets in many states. bittersweet when you release them, but you'll find it won't be long before However, their sharp claws and teeth can easily destroy your property. 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