Do not begin housing a feral adult or baby raccoon that you have found in the wild, even if you live in one of the above states. However, raccoons are too active to be content in a cage for several hours. You can expect to pay between $300 to $500 per raccoon, on average. Once youve performed extensive research, discussed the pros and cons of owning raccoons with other raccoon owners, obtained the proper paperwork, and prepared an enriching environment for your new animal, you are ready to adopt a baby raccoon. Once a raccoon has tasted domestic life, it is your responsibility to make sure the animal remains safe. Because of their complex, wild, and unique personalities, pet raccoons are not for everyone. However, their sharp claws and teeth can easily destroy your property.
Delaware. Serval Cat: Breed Profile, Characteristics & Care. A permit/license is required to keep wildlife as a personal pet at a permanent residence in Florida and a permit/license is also required for temporary possession of a pet while visiting Florida. Even tame raccoons can get in plenty of trouble, though! Taking caution around the safety of your other pets, children, and yourself is important because a raccoon can and will easily bite or scratch humans and other animals. Facilities housing Class II species must contain a buffer zone of at least 35 feet between caged wildlife and the facility property line (see next tab for exceptions). The Health and Habitat Considerations of Pet Raccoons. Plan to spend between $30 and $50 per month on average, also budgeting for at least an annual veterinary checkup and any emergency medical care. Its important to note that raccoons are wild animals and not domesticated. Expect to pay between $300 and $700 on average, though this can vary widely. Anyone wishing to keep wildlife as a pet must obtain a permit/license before possessing the animal. If you live in one of these states and youre interested in owning a raccoon, its important to conduct your own research about the local laws regarding owning an exotic pet. Class II carnivores until they reach 25 pounds or 6 months of age, whichever comes first, Class II primates until they reach 12 months of age, Cats: ocelots, servals, caracals, bobcats, African golden cats, Temmincks golden cats, and fishing cats, Non-human primates: uakaris, sakis, and guenons (except patas monkeys, De Brazzas monkeys, blue monkeys, Preusss monkeys, or any other member of Cercopithecus which exceeds the normal adult weight of 14 pounds on average for the species). But doing so is generally a bad idea, which is why Florida is one of only 16 states where raccoon pet ownership is legal. You can ask your breeder questions regarding the legality of such a pet, but its recommended that you first research your states laws. Its important to note that this law applies even if you have a permit from another state or country. We have you covered! Wild raccoons dont often live to be older than three years. At the end of the day, the enrichment of a pet raccoon relies on its owner to live many happy years. Your pet raccoons behavior will completely depend on its environment, care, and especially its natural disposition. Alongside rats and squirrels, raccoons are some of the most common pest mammal that youll find near your property. Florida. Raccoons will see if they can eat almost anything they see, so its important to limit and monitor their diet. They are active and intelligent animals that require lots of mental and physical enrichment. One other famous raccoon is Tito the Raccoon, who had his own YouTube channel with the owner, Mitchell. Raccoons aren't common pets for good reason. To house wild raccoons is illegal in almost all states and will result in a large fine, and loss of your illegal pet. Some also enjoy playing with toys like balls. But that mischievousness isnt just a mirageraccoons are always seemingly on the hunt for a particular snack in your trash can or trying to get into your dozy attic. They arent domesticated, and unlike dogs or cats, their flexible digits mean that doors and jars and other items that might have previously been safe are not safe whatsoever. So anything that might injure them or become damaged must be removed from their area. All other members of the animal kingdom are prohibited from being possessed, imported, sold, etc. You can spot rabies in your pet raccoon easily. Left and right arrows move across top level links and expand / close menus in sub levels. Its safe to say that they can turn just about anything into a toy, from the change in your pocket to your furniture. Raccoons can also be trained to use a litter box, and this is recommended for easy pet clean-up. Once the raccoon baby is about six weeks old, begin introducing food to it such as human baby food or bits of fruit. Its safe to say that as a species, raccoons have decided to keep it that way. Learn. Importation is illegal. Class I wildlife are those that pose a significant danger to people. Sixteen states allow you to own a raccoon legally. Content. Caring for sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife beyond the time necessary to transport the animal to a permitted rehabilitator is against the law. Raccoons are intelligent animals, known for their good memories and problem-solving abilities. Plus, raccoons have dietary needs and health issues that can be difficult to manage. Wild raccoons should stay right where they are in their natural habitat. The reason raccoons make such high-maintenance pets is because theyre not meant to be pets at all. Report fish kills, wildlife emergencies, sightings, etc. It requires an application that must be renewed every two years. The most ideal housing scenario for a pet raccoon would be a large, outdoor enclosure that allows it much space for play, mischief, and exercise. You can help keep raccoons wild by not feeding them, or any other animals. Baby raccoons require extensive amounts of care and attention. In fact, your raccoons personality can seem to flip on a switch, and they can suddenly become aggressive or destructive. However, many experts advise against it because of the taxing efforts that go into properly raising a raccoon. While they generally only live a few years in the wild, raccoons can live up to 20 years as pets. Fish tanks, various sizes. A proper breeder will be responsive and helpful with any questions you have. Delaware. Some raccoons are naturally friendly and curious by nature, while other raccoons may possess a shyer disposition, only showing themselves to familiar faces. 3 Orlando pet raccoons. To reiterate, these are rare and unusual circumstances for a rare and unusual pet. Do you need a permit for a racoon in Florida? Its rare, but it does happen. Expand/Collapse Venomous reptiles as a personal pet. What animals in Florida require a permit? An outdoor pen should be as large as possible with walls and a ceiling that will contain your animal. Exotic Animals You Can Legally Have As A Pet In Florida That Might Surprise You. The raccoons new space is not set up or not child-proofed. Sports. Occurred on April 3, 2023 / Lynn Haven, Florida, USA Info: A pet raccoon smells the snacks left on a bedside table. Phone: (850) 488-6253Email: CWApps@myFWC.comMail: Captive Wildlife Office,620 S Meridian Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Farris Bryant Building
While they do make some vocalizations, raccoons are generally quiet animals. The regulations and consumption of time and energy are enough to put most people off from going through with the task of owning a raccoon. To determine which permit/license type is appropriate for your situation, please return to the main Captive Wildlife webpage and read about the different types of wildlife under the Categories of Wildlife section (or use the links under each permit/license type below). Raccoons are prone to chewing on cords, climbing on shelves, and knocking down valuables. In turn, also do not release your pet raccoon, for any reason, back into the wild, as it will die. This wild nature of raccoons needs to be expected going into the serious responsibility of owning one. The breeder also should give you thorough information on the animal's origin and health history. These beautiful puppies were rescued from a high American Bulldog - Basil The Bulldog Puppy - Large - Baby - Male Anyone wishing to possess the above wildlife must pass a caging inspection before a license will be issued. Well, raccoons will eat anything in Florida. Characteristics, Housing, Diet, and Other Information. If youre skeptical in any way, it is not recommended that you keep a raccoon for a pet. For raccoon removal service, call Animal Wildlife Trappers at 352-267-0546. For added fun at feeding time, hide their food from them, or allow them to hunt for it. As they grow up though, their adult behavior can be incredibly unpredictable, and not always in a friendly manner! They need space to roam, climb, and explore to be happy. Overall, a small cage is unfulfilling for a pet raccoon. Still, a raccoon can be taught commands, litter-trained, and even go on walks. She now works with a team of other experienced vets to provide the best advice and care for their clients' pets. Ironically, many of the reasons that raccoons can make excellent pets for some people are also why they're not a good fit for others. If your pet corners a raccoon, the raccoon would get defensive. Raccoons are omnivores, meaning they will eat meat, vegetables, fruitwhatever they can get their little paws on. Should You Keep Fennec Fox (Desert Fox) as a Pet? What animals are legal to own in Florida? Keeping Raccoons as Pets In California, it is a misdemeanor to own a raccoon. No permit is needed to possess the following species as a personal pet: nonvenomous and unprotected reptiles or amphibians, gerbils, hedgehogs, honey possums, sugar gliders, rats, mice, moles, shrews, rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, domestic ferrets, European ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, prairie dogs, chinchillas, shell parakeets, canaries, lovebirds, cockatiels, parrots, finches, myna birds, toucans, ringed doves, ruddy doves, diamond doves, and button quail. 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