With their mask-like markings and curious nature, raccoons may seem like a unique and fun pet. But owning a pet raccoon might be more trouble than it’s worth, and most animal experts don’t suggest keeping them as pets. Raccoons are cute, but they are wild animals and hard to train.
Pet raccoons aren’t common, but some people have kept domesticated raccoons as pets over the years. President Calvin Coolidge had two pet raccoons while he was in the White House.
Do Raccoons Make Good Pets?
Raccoons are intelligent animals. They can problem-solve and have good memories. However, raccoons are wild animals, so taking one from the wild won’t have good results and is likely illegal. If you find a raccoon that has been domesticated or rehabilitated, they can be a loving and playful pet.
Owning a pet raccoon is legal in only 13 states. You’ll need to find out if your state allows them before deciding to get one.
Domesticated raccoons can be house-trained and become affectionate. But pet raccoons like to play as much as they like to cuddle. Tame raccoons can be unpredictable and mischievous. They like to climb and explore and are not suited for cages or small rooms. Owning pet raccoons can be a big commitment, as they need a lot of attention and care.
Are Pet Raccoons Hard to Take Care Of?
Raccoons can be difficult to keep as pets, and you may face challenges.
Unpredictable temperaments. Raccoons can be aggressive and might bite anyone, including family, pets, strangers, and other animals. Adult raccoons, if not domesticated, can become aggressive as young as 6 months old. Some raccoons may be curious and friendly with people. Other raccoons may be skittish and flee when approached.
Disease carriers. Raccoons can carry rabies, a condition for which there's no approved vaccination. So if your raccoon bites or scratches someone, they may be taken away and put down (euthanized) for testing and as a safety precaution. Raccoons can carry and transmit distemper, salmonella, and leptospirosis, as well as parasites like fleas, to humans. Baylisascaris is a condition caused by roundworms from raccoons and can be deadly in people.
Difficulty finding care. Even in states where owning a domesticated pet raccoon is legal, it may be difficult to find a veterinarian who knows how to treat them. Look for one with knowledge and expertise in exotic pets, and be sure to ask them about raccoons specifically. If you’re planning a vacation and need a pet-sitter, you won’t likely be able to board your raccoon, like you would a cat or dog. You’ll need to find a friend or hire a professional who can watch and take care of your raccoon while you’re away.
Mischievous nature. Raccoons are mischievous animals and use their long-fingered paws to open doors, unscrew lids, and do other tasks. This can make it difficult to keep them out of areas or things they shouldn’t get into.
How to Care for a Pet Raccoon
If your state permits pet raccoons and you want one, you’ll need to find a reputable licensed raccoon breeder who breeds domestic raccoons to be pets in homes. Do not bring wild raccoons into your house, which is illegal almost everywhere.
Your raccoon needs a large space where they can move and roam about freely. You can train your raccoon to use a litter box if they will be an indoor pet. If your raccoon is staying in your house, a large dog crate can work for short periods. But a pet raccoon needs to be able to roam freely when you’re there to watch. Child-proofing your home will be necessary because pet raccoons like to explore and will get into everything.
Having a raccoon enclosure outside allows your pet raccoon space to play. To engage their natural instincts, they need toys and things to climb on. Make sure the enclosure has a top so your pet doesn’t wander off.
Raccoons eat both meat and plants. In the wild, they'll eat nearly anything they can find, including fruits, nuts, corn, fish, frogs, insects, bird eggs, rodents, poultry, and dead animals. Young raccoons will graze and eat as much as they want, but as they get older, you should limit their meals. Complete dog foods make a great diet staple for raccoons. They also love to dip their food in water before eating, so give them a shallow water dish along with their meals.
Is It Safe to Have a Pet Raccoon?
Raccoons are considered a main carrier of rabies. Key symptoms of rabid behavior include:
- Staggered or unsteady walk
- Lack of response to noise or nearby movement
- Erratic wandering
- Discharge from the eyes or mouth
- Wet and matted hair on the face
- Repeated high-pitched sounds
If your pet raccoon is showing these symptoms, call your vet or animal control right away.
Raccoons can become infected with other parasites and diseases. Also, they can bite even when unprovoked and may be dangerous to other pets and people in your home. Consider carefully if this is the right pet for you.
Takeaways
Raccoons can be kept as exotic pets, but they are still wild animals. In most U.S. states, it is illegal to own a raccoon, so you must check your state’s laws before taking one in. Raccoons are playful, smart, and can be house-trained. But they’re also unpredictable, need lots of space and attention, and can damage a home. Raccoons can carry serious diseases such as rabies and parasites, and there’s no approved rabies vaccine for raccoons. If your pet bites, they can be taken away and put down.
