And captivity can greatly stress a wild animal even to the point of killing it. If you are wanting to know more about what is needed to consider owning this pet and the laws surrounding it, this will supply you with all the answers. Raccoons require an abundant diet of natural resources. This animal needs both an indoor and outdoor enclosure as to provide it with more space to roam. They enjoy climbing, exploring, and can be destructive. Before even considering a pet raccoon, you shouldbe aware of your local and state/provincial laws. to help you make that insurance shopping process a little easier. You also can discuss spaying or neutering your raccoon with your vet. Citation: A RK. Is It True That Raccoons Are Common As Pets In Russia? You can get a pet raccoon by adopting, trapping, or purchasing the raccoon. Raccoons can be found in virtually any habitat, as long as water is nearby. A raccoon can make a great pet because of its playful nature. As well as this, if your pet raccoon was to get lost and find itself having to live with other raccoons in the wild, they will more than likely not live a long life. The affectionate pet raccoon will sit on your shoulder. Indeed, raccoon hunting is widely popular in the region and there are many raccoon hunter clubs and competitions being held yearly. Australia. How much does it cost to add another driver to my car insurance? For long term, however, you will need to make sure that you have enough room to create a large and spacious living space for your new pet. These are contagious to animals and humans, and they can transmit to other mammals through feces. Oklahoma 8. When a state makes owning certain animals as pets illegal, its usually for the well-being of people, other animals, the local ecosystem, or local agriculture., But since pet laws can vary so much from one place to another, you might not realize your once-legal exotic pet is now an outlaw after youve relocated to a new state. Some raccoons can be trained to use a litter box. Some people who keep raccoons house them in a large dog crate when they aren't home to watch their pet. Meanwhile, no permit is needed to hunt and trap these wild animals during legal harvest seasons if one already holds a hunting or trapping license. According to the Michigan Compiled Laws, raccoons can only undergo rehabilitation if you donate them to an AZA zoo, ASA, or animal sanctuary. However, one is allowed to hunt and trap them all year round. It's only legal in 16 states to own pet raccoons. Not native to this island, pet raccoons are prohibited. Without permits, people in Indiana cannot own the following: foxes, raccoons, skunks, wolves, bears, wild cats, venomous reptiles, or crocodiles. They may carry diseases, such as rabies or leptospirosis, which can be spread to humans and other animals. In many ways, the pet raccoon acts similarly to house dogs. Tip Raccoons are intelligent animals, known for their good memories and problem-solving abilities. All organizations that accept animals must hold a Permit to Hold Game in Captivity, allowing them to rehabilitate the animal and return them safely to the wild. 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. They can also be watched, photographed, and hunted. Many will damage your home and belongings as part of their daily antics, are difficult to truly tame, and are notorious biters when something bothers them. If you are feeding wildlife, stop. Question: Can you own a raccoon in California? Michigan 6. Being active during the daytime is part of their domesticated behavior, which humans cannot teach to wild raccoons. States That Have Banned Critical Race Theory, States Where It Is Illegal to Collect Rainwater. They carry diseases which are harmful to both humans and other domesticated pets such as dogs and cats. Delaware is one of the few states that allow its inhabitants to have a pet raccoon. There have been seminars that present information about caring for pet raccoons. If you intend on adopting a raccoon, you must take it to a veterinarian for a thorough examination. 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. There are no permits or licenses that make owning pet raccoons in Australia legal. In some cases, there are exceptions when it comes to owning an exotic animal like a raccoon, even in states that forbid them. But if you have the knowledge and time to properly care for a raccoon, they can be fascinating and funny companions. Raccoons can carry a number of parasites, viruses, and bacterial illnesses, including: Rabies Canine distemper Leptospirosis Toxoplasmosis Intestinal roundworms 2 Raccoons born and raised in captivity are less likely to develop many of these diseases. Lianne McLeod, DVM, is a small animal and exotic pet expert with over a decade of experience writing about veterinary care. However, it is forbidden to trap or shoot them without a nuisance wildlife permit. Exotic pet stores, breeders, and online services are the most common ways to get pet raccoons. They are quick learners who will catch on to this behavior in no time. Some U.S. states have additional regulations for owning a raccoon as a pet. Raccoons can be nuisance wildlife. Adoption opportunities are usually few and far between for raccoons unless you are part of a wildlife rehabilitation network. 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. Treats, such as nuts and other fatty foods, should be offered sparingly to prevent obesity. Read our. Expect to pay between $300 and $700 on average, though this can vary widely. Viral videos of raccoons learning to do unique tricks or playing with dog toys surface on the internet. Raccoons are generally very clean animals and will groom themselves much like cats do. This kind of pet is different to your casual dog. These states are: However, even though there are laws against the ownership of raccoons, those laws do not necessarily apply to all exotic animals. Should You Keep a Coatimundi (Coati) as a Pet? The raccoon must be euthanized or released within the county of capture on private property in which you have permission to release the raccoon. In fact, the Wisconsin Conservation Department sponsored a major raccoon propagation program between the 1930s and the 1950s that was responsible for the release of more than a thousand raccoons every year. They can also be great fun once your raccoon has been domesticated you will find they are very playful. Find cities with a similar climate (2050) Should You Keep a Panther Chameleon as a Pet? Raccoons make great pets for several reasons, like their lively personalities and how easy they are to care for. They only require occasional baths with a mild shampoo. No spam calls. No fees, ever. Raccoons can be very amusing and playful pets. Indiana 5. 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. Forgetting to plan for medical emergencies can also cost you money in the long run. However, their enticing features make people start seeing these animals as potential pets. Raccoons are very difficult to care for, as they need regular supervision and ample space. Many wild and exotic animals just arent meant to live in captivity, while others require highly specialized care. Lions, tigers, bearsdont own any of them without a permit in Virginia. Raccoons are affectionate, and they love to cuddle. However, raccoons should not be confused with the Maine Coon, a large domesticated cat breed native to the state of Maine. Although this is a topic which is highly controversial and frowned upon, there are still many states that have not put law into action. Can you feed it a healthy diet with the correct nutrition? They understand their dietary needs, the dangers, the potential for disease, and their mischievousness. However, some states may require a special permit or license before you can keep one as your pet. You do not want your raccoon to feel trapped and uncomfortable. Raccoons enjoy exploring their surroundings, so it is important to provide them with somewhere spacious. 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). If you do not plan for things such as medical emergencies, it might become catastrophic to your pets health. A Class 2 misdemeanor in Virginia could result in, up to six months in prison and/or a $1,000 fine, , while a Class 3 misdemeanor wont require any jail time but could result in a, If you were in possession of a wild or exotic animal permit but violated any of the requirements that come with it, you could have your permit revoked or suspended for. You must keep all raccoons in an approved enclosure, compliant with West Virginia Wildlife Code. Despite being nocturnal animals, pet raccoons will come out to play with their owners during the daytime. 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 will bond with their humans, especially when raised in captivity from a young age. However, raccoons transported into Ohio that are pets may [] An exotic veterinarian who knows raccoons might be able to point you toward a good breeder. Because, wolves can potentially be dangerous to humans. It Is Ethically Wrong To Keep Raccoons As Pets. An experienced vet should be able to do this for you. Iowa Should You Keep Fennec Fox (Desert Fox) as a Pet? For instance, you can feed them cat food as a portion of supplemental food. It only takes about 45 seconds to answer a few quick questions and start comparing customized quotes from top insurance providers.. 7 Kinds of Primates That Are Kept as Pets, Serval Cat: Breed Profile, Characteristics & Care. I bought my Ford Bronco a year and a half ago, and Im not sure if it is still under warranty. Does this make them more than wild animals? In West Virginia, there are no restrictions on private exotic pet ownership. In California, it is illegal to keep raccoons as pets due to their classification as wild animals. Can I Legally Have A Raccoon As A Pet? A hunting or trapping license is also required to hunt or trap them during the open season. Permits are required by law when possessing any exotic animal. If you find a raccoon that has been domesticated or rehabilitated, they can be a loving and playful pet. 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. Courtesy of. These diseases can potentially be dangerous for the animals currently living in those environments. Virginia. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Last Updated on May 11, 2022 by Fair Punishment Team. Raccoons are a species of mammal that belong to the Procyonidae family. The most important thing to acknowledge when owning a raccoon is to remember that its home is the wild. In. And while they are protected under state law, Arizonas raccoons are considered to be a public nuisance, and it is forbidden to adopt them. They like to dunk their food in their water dish prior to consuming it. They are rare, however. It is also one of the few species that hunters can legally kill with a firearm at night. It is important to know the traits of the raccoon to understand what you are getting yourself into as an owner. This is due to the fact that they are wild animals and could potentially be dangerous if kept in captivity. The breeder also should give you thorough information on the animal's origin and health history. The owner also may be able to get away with owning an exotic pet if they were granted ownership before laws were put in place. The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Beaver Teeth: Their Color, Strength, Sharpness, And More! They need lots of safe space to roam and consistent supervision. Despite this interdiction, the black-mask-ringed-tail animal is very common in the state of Colorado, both in urban and rural areas. The little mammal is fairly popular in Georgia and can be found in both rural and urban areas, and while it is illegal to own a pet raccoon in this state, raccoons remain a popular game animal, specifically for sport hunting. The sixteen states which allow you to own raccoons legally include: Each state has its regulations and rules for owning exotic or wild raccoons. It is illegal to own a pet raccoon as a pet in Australia. The raccoon is a Class III animal. Raccoons are easy to take care of. For obvious reasons, crocodiles dont make the safest pets. Owning a raccoon is not completely practical and with animals made for the wild it is in the states best interest to keep it that way. It goes without saying, but. Even when you try your best to emulate the conditions of a raccoons natural habitat, you are depriving the raccoon of its needs. Iowa New Hampshire, defined by its charming towns and large expanses of wilderness, prohibits the adoption of pet raccoons. A dish of clean water should be available at all times. This is why Minnesota has put an emphasis on damage prevention. In addition to possible disease transmission, pet raccoons can also be disruptive to local ecosystems, taking food away from native wildlife and adversely impacting the balance of nature. 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. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. 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. With the possession of a raccoon, the law changes and this is because they are considered exotic animals. Are there any legal exotic pets in Virginia you can own without needing a permit? On a monthly basis, your main essential cost for a raccoon will be its healthy, varied diet. How do I add someone to my car insurance policy? However, hunting is a popular activity in Tennessee, and hunting raccoons is no exception: the state considers them as a hunted species. There are a lot of pet owners in the state of Vermont, but none of them may possess a pet raccoon. Theyre better left to their own devices in the wild. The wildlife facility you practiced both years at must be a registered organization. They can be dangerous, vicious, they can bite. Other exceptions in which exotic animals are allowed are in circuses. But this also means that dealing with the issues caused by these wild animals presents some challenges. We would also suggest calling your home insurer, to see if they will cover damage from a pet raccoon. The population greatly expanded its reach since the 1940s, when they were common only in the eastern part of the state. July 23, 2018. It is illegal to own raccoons in the United Kingdom. Raccoons can be difficult to have as pets because of the many diseases they may carry. Opossum, porcupine, weasel, red squirrel, ground squirrel and feral swine can also be taken year-round with a valid Michigan hunting license. It costs significantly more to own raccoons than to own a domestic animal. People believe it to be unethical as wild animals should be out in the open in their natural habitat, it also known that not many vets work with raccoons, and they can also carry all sorts of diseases (a raccoons droppings can contain roundworm which is infectious to even humans). 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. You must have a special permit to own raccoons in Rhode Island, like all other exotic animals. On the contrary, they have been recently reclassified as predatory wildlife, and can therefore be hunted in any number, at any time, all year round; under the condition that one possesses an Idaho hunting or trapping license. These active and mischievous animals need consistent supervision and lots of toys and other enrichment to keep them entertained. Plus, as nocturnal animals, their antics will likely keep you up at night. That is why laws are put into place. This is the reason why Iowas legislation bans owning, possessing, breeding, and importing raccoons. Virginias animal ownership laws might not be the most lax, but theyre also not as strict as certain states like, So, what kinds of pets are illegal in Virginia, and what happens if you own one without a permit? If you have the space, it's ideal to provide a secure outdoor enclosure for your raccoon. Despite all of the risks and safety protocols, however, still 14 states allow raccoons to be kept as pets, so long as: Although there are some that allow the ownership of a raccoon, the majority of the states deem this illegal. The U.S. Population Lines Raccoons are omnivores, meaning they eat both meat and plants. Electric fencing can be very effective in keeping wildlife out of crops, beehives and structures. If youre hoping to own a wild or exotic animal in Virginia. Raccoons are abundant in Kansas, specifically in the east where water and woodlands can be found but it is illegal to possess a pet raccoon in Kansas. For instance in Michigan, you can keep a raccoon as a pet as long as it meets two qualifications: the ownership of the raccoon has to be approved by a veterinarian, and the owner has to have a wild animal permit. That is typically illegal in most places unless you're a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. 2023 Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Despite their common presence, Virginia laws strictly prohibit its residents from keeping pet raccoons or trying to raise them without a rehabilitation permit. While Rhode Islanders do not need a permit to own a llama, alpaca, or domestic yak, they do need one to adopt a pet raccoon. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. and you dont want to face hefty legal consequences as a result. Raccoons can carry a number of parasites, viruses, and bacterial illnesses, including: Raccoons born and raised in captivity are less likely to develop many of these diseases. Jerry automatically shops for your insurance before every renewal. Raccoons are prone to chewing on cords, climbing on shelves, and knocking down valuables. One example is the former Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park, owned by Joseph Passage. In most states, it is only the possession of certain species that are banned, not every exotic animal. Raccoon (Coon, Racoon, Ringtail) Raccoons are easy to recognize, with a prominent black mask across the eyes, grizzled gray and black coat, and ringed tail. They allow raccoons, with the exception that owners obtain a permit. They can be fascinating to watch, but their enterprising nature and extremely varied diet can bring them in conflict with humans when they raid trash cans, dumpsters, gardens, and/or outdoor pet food. This is a great option when you're busy or need to leave your home and want your pet to have a safe space to play. Raccoons are messy eaters. Contact your local health department if raccoon exhibits signs of rabies such as stumbling, foaming at the mouth or aggression. If you want to own pets that are native to your state, pack your bags and move to Arkansas where you can own native animals such as bobcats, foxes, raccoons, and coyotes. Iowans have most certainly met the masked animal before, but it is forbidden to have a pet raccoon in this state. You may also donate them to a science or educational research facility. However, they also are generally quick to biteeven their favorite peoplewhen something annoys or scares them. Pass along this information to your neighbors. Violating Virginias wildlife and exotic animal ownership laws can result in fines, and in some cases, even jail time. 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. The major problems associated with this species involve their ability to invade houses or trashcans. The state requires a vet evaluation and a rabies pre-exposure immunization. , its illegal to own animals like bears, wolves, crocodiles, and big cat species without a permit. Also, as pet raccoons won't be in their natural environment that wears down their nails, they'll likely need regular nail trims. Today, raccoons are extremely rare in the state. Texas 12. 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. Manage Settings It is also illegal to trap and relocate them to another area. Raccoons are protected in the state of Minnesota, it is therefore illegal to possess a pet raccoon. Raccoons are abundant in the state. Certain home insurance providers may provide coverage for exotic pets, but, others might require you to purchase separate insurance, to cover your bases. Wisconsin 14. 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. 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. But a recent bill amended this law to remove that limitation, meaning that it is now legal to . It's legal to own a pet raccoon in the following states: Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Michigan, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Contact your local health department if raccoon exhibits signs of rabies such as stumbling, foaming at the mouth or aggression. What Should I Consider Before Getting A Pet Raccoon? You'll need to find out if your state allows them before bringing one into your home. There are a number of steps to taking care of your raccoon the correct way. Some also enjoy playing with toys like balls. There also are ethical considerations surrounding pet raccoons. It costs $48 to obtain this license and $48 for each yearly renewal. You cannot legally own a raccoon as a pet in Canada. The Game, Fish, and Parks Commission even passed a resolution to establish the Nest Predator Bounty Program, which aims to reduce localized populations of nest predators, including raccoons. The wild animal can also be hunted and trapped without possessing a hunting or trapping license. Based on the leadership principles of George Washington, we provide citizens, voters, and elected officials with the information, insights, and tools that amplify democracy in the modern age. The unmistakable raccoon is abundant and widespread throughout the state, yet, it is illegal to own a pet raccoon.
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