Yes, raccoons can be kept as a pet in Florida. Raccoons can also be trained to use a litter box, and this is recommended for easy pet clean-up. Even a baby raccoon can be dangerous because it may carry rabies or other diseases. That includes your trash, your garden, and any other food that you may leave out. Well, raccoons will eat anything in Florida. An outdoor pen should be as large as possible with walls and a ceiling that will contain your animal. Occurred on April 3, 2023 / Lynn Haven, Florida, USA Info: A pet raccoon smells the snacks left on a bedside table. How many pea puffers should be kept together? Unfortunately, too many humans take in a raccoon, only to realize how truly wild the animal is, and then they give or shoo the raccoon away. Just dont expect them to grow out of their wild behavior. Some raccoons are just more aggressive than others, and they can be full of surprises, too. In the wild, raccoons are used to staying constantly by their family for the first year of their life. Expand/Collapse Venomous reptiles as a personal pet. Adoption opportunities are usually few and far between for raccoons unless you are part of a wildlife rehabilitation network. Wildlife as a Personal Pet Possession of many wildlife species as a personal pet in Florida requires a permit or license. Remove all potentially breakable, valuable, sentimental, or dangerous items. Anyone wishing to bring their Class II pet out in public should obtain a license for, Paper application may be completed and mailed to 620 S. Meridian Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399 or emailed to, Anyone wishing to bring their Class III pet out in public should obtain a license for. A lady is feeding several stray cats in her Golden Retriever - Emily - Medium - Young - Female - Dog Raccoons eat both plants and meat. Keeping your pet in a carrier or cage inside of your vehicle when its being transported with you on a car or plane trip, Hiring someone else (like an employee at an animal shelter) who has proper permits from their municipality to take care of your pet while theyre away from home. 1 Boca Raton pet raccoons. Either way, it is worth it to take extra-high precautions and vaccinate your pet raccoon. If rabies isnt cured before symptoms set in, it will kill whoever has it. And as active animals, they need lots of space to roam. Here is a table that lists states where its legal to own a pet raccoonm including any state-specific laws concerning pet raccoon ownership: Dont forget to also find a reputable vet and have a thorough examination completed on your new pet for your and your households safety. But pet racoons like to play as much as they like to cuddle. Report injured, orphaned or dead manatees, Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network, submitted online through Go Outdoors Florida, See a full list of our Social Media accounts. Your average adult raccoon is a little over two feet long from snout to hind and weighs somewhere between 10 and 20 lbs. If they did somehow communicate with us and we did somehow communicate back with them (which is unlikely), chances are there would still be some sort of cultural barriers too great to overcome before any meaningful exchange could take place between our two civilizations. So, if you see one in your yard, dont do a double take. There also are ethical considerations surrounding pet raccoons. Canine Distemper is a contagious virus that affects the nervous, respiratory, and gastrointestinal systems. Be prepared to invest a lot of time and money in raccoon care. How much does it cost to put caps on cats nails? 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. Animals that do not require a permit include geckos, chinchillas and sugar gliders. Raccoons are omnivores, meaning they eat both meat and plants. Importation is illegal. To possess capuchin, spider, or woolly monkeys, Anyone wishing to possess the above species must document 1000 hours of experience working with the species they would like to possess or other species in same biological family and Class of wildlife. Adult Size: 16 to 28 inches long, and 7 to 20 pounds on average. It's legal to own a pet raccoon in the following states: Arkansas. These animals require a lot of space, upkeep, and supervision. 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. Class I wildlife are those that pose a significant danger to people. Fish tanks, various sizes. Here are the main potential issues you may come across when trying to adopt a pet raccoon: If any of these potential issues relate to your situation, you might not be able or ready to care for a pet raccoon. Canine Distemper is a contagious virus that affects the nervous, respiratory, and gastrointestinal systems. Once you have determined the type of wildlife you plan to own, you can download the appropriate application below for possession of that type of wildlife. 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. The personal pet permit/license does not cover taking a pet in public. Penalties include: $500 to $10,000 civil fine, with additional costs for removing the animal and its care. Some raccoons may enjoy food puzzles, which are more like food obstacle courses that the raccoon must complete to access their treat. So the majority of a pet raccoon's time should be spent roaming your house: playing, climbing on things, exploring, and being mischievous. Encountering a Raccoon -What to Do If a Raccoon, How Smart Are Raccoons - Raccoon Intelligence FACTS, Do Mothballs Keep Raccoons Away? Often the "white" hairs are noticeably . Exotic Animals You Can Legally Have As A Pet In Florida That Might Surprise You. Its also illegal to own cheetahs, komodo dragons, bears. The District of Columbia law states that only domestic dogs, cats, rodents, rabbits, ferrets, racing pigeons, captive-bred birds, and non-venomous snakes, fish, and turtles are allowed to be kept as pets. But doing so is generally a bad idea, which is why Florida is one of only 16 states where raccoon pet ownership is legal. Florida. 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, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Nebraska. Baylisascaris in humans can be disastrous as this roundworm can make its way to the brain, cause blindness, and even cause loss of muscle control. The Health and Habitat Considerations of Pet Raccoons. , Class II Wildlife. Youll need to find out if your state allows them before bringing one into your home. They are wild and undomesticated, meaning that they are unpredictable and will have no qualms about attacking humans if they feel cornered. Click to go to homepage. They need space to roam, climb, and explore to be happy. Plus, animals taken into captivity often can't be released back in the wild if you decide you can't keep your pet because they become too reliant on and comfortable around humans. For the crate interior where your raccoon might temporarily spend time, an easily washable blanket or dog bed on the floor should keep the animal comfortable. Their wild nature and high intelligence mixed with their mischief, raccoons can get pretty rowdy, and destroy all your belongings in the process. Raccoons will never fully be tamed as they are wild animals. Although some types of captivity are stressful for raccoons, they still outlive their feral counterparts. , Venomous Reptiles. Your email address will not be published. Exotic Animal Laws by State.Findlaw, https://www.findlaw.com/injury/torts-and-personal-injuries/exotic-animal-laws-by-state.html. From Foster Mom: It can show itself in two different ways in raccoons. Its instinctual for raccoons to form bonds in their youth. Lets look at what raccoons are like as pets. North Carolina. 147 0 obj <> endobj Looking for your next pet? This unpredictable behavior and mischievous nature of raccoons is their wild side coming out. Will you respect its boundaries as an animal that can't truly be domesticated? Schedule a FREE inspection TODAY! Their wild nature will persist, and a pet-owner relationship with a raccoon is best nurtured if understood from this vantage point. Fact or Fiction: Can Pets Get Seasonal Depression? If they are permitted where you live, the best way to get a pet raccoon is through an established breeder. She now works with a team of other experienced vets to provide the best advice and care for their clients' pets. See on Instagram. The law is designed to protect people, the environment and the raccoons themselves. Raccoons enjoy using their intellect and find enrichment through getting food rewarded to them. A certain level of care and appropriate understanding of the animal is required to keep a pet raccoon. So anything that might injure them or become damaged must be removed from their area. Surprisingly, it is legal in certain states to keep a pet raccoon, but laws vary. As you will most likely be keeping your raccoon solo, you won't have to worry about accidentally becoming a breeder yourself. requirements related to experience documentation, facility, and caging must be met (see bottom of page). LEGAL; A proper permit is required to keep a pet raccoon. We would also suggest calling your home insurer, to see if they will cover damage from a pet raccoon. With the proper time, stability, and care in a household raccoons can indeed become pets. Many raccoon babies are sweet and cuddly. Inside, your raccoon should have access to food, water, shelter, and structures (e.g., large branches) for climbing and jumping. Consider all aspects of keeping a pet raccoon before fully committing. Here at Critter Control of Tampa, weve encountered more than our fair share of these raccoons. Wolves, Coyotes And Jackals. While theres not always a cause for concern if you spy a raccoon in your neighborhood every so often, you should definitely contact the pros at Critter Control of Tampa should you encounter signs of a raccoon problem at your property. Here are some other toy and enrichment ideas: Other enrichments your pet raccoon may appreciate are new scents and textures such as fish oil scents and dried leaves in their enclosure. Animals. Just be aware that if your raccoon feels threatened, it will bite. You also can discuss spaying or neutering your raccoon with your vet. 620 S. Meridian St. Tallahassee, FL (850) 488-4676 Raccoons, even pet ones, will scratch, nibble, and bite you without any notice. Youll need to find out if your state allows them before bringing one into your home. 1 Fort Lauderdale pet raccoons. Raccoons are omnivores, just like humans. Locate a veterinarian who is qualified and ideally has experience with or specializes in care for wildlife animals. Raccoons are messy eaters. Another health concern for raccoons living in captivity is obesity, which is common in pet raccoons. They only require occasional baths with a mild shampoo. Toy ideas for your pet raccoon can be as simple as a frozen grape in their water bowl or a bar of soap to play with during their bath. Baby Raccoons! Domesticated raccoons can be housetrained and become affectionate. Are sugar gliders legal in Florida? Do Raccoons Live in Trees - Can Raccoons Climb Trees? Animals from the wild (including injured, orphaned, or abandoned native animals) are NEVER eligible to be kept as personal pets in Florida. Thus, it's best to acquire a pet raccoon from a reputable breeder. Before committing fully, its recommended that you first meet with your potential new pet and get a feel for its personality. Coops start @ American Bulldog - Capone The Bulldog Puppy - Large - Baby Vandy was You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website.Vandy was rescued from a high kill shelter Purchasing, Merchandising and Procurement, West Palm Beach Pets and Animals for sale, Fort Lauderdale Pets and Animals for sale, New Port Richey Pets and Animals for sale. They also have impressive memories. In addition, their "masked bandit" reputation doesn't just come from the dark markings around their eyes. He is a black and grey tabby male. In addition to checking the laws surrounding ownership, look carefully at regulations for raccoon owners. 1 Vero Beach pet raccoons. If you live in an area where it is illegal to own a raccoon, it can be taken away by authorities. 1 Tampa pet raccoons. Browse for sale listings in Florida "The Sunshine State" - State Capital Tallahassee. hbbd```b``GA$Sd80L& R6Dm " RDJmH@7DA%`l/{l6B 'We$iC * It can show itself in two different ways in raccoons. Raccoons are quite adept at breaking through latches and other secured areas if their curiosity gets the best of them. How do you get rid of Cuban frogs in Florida? What animals are legal to own in Florida? RACCOON IN CITRA TESTS POSITIVE FOR RABIES Contact: Bill Thompson, Public Information Officer William.Thompson@flhealth.gov Desk: 352-644-2664 Mobile: 352-843-9471 Ocala, Fla.The Florida Department of Health in Marion County wants Citra-area residents to be aware that a raccoon in their community tested positive for rabies. Carefully consider your options before adopting. Animals from the wild (including injured, orphaned, or abandoned native animals) are NEVER eligible to be kept as personal pets in Florida. The main concern as a raccoon owner is safety. Some meals a raccoon might enjoy are fish, poultry, veggies, fruits, eggs, insects, and even dog food. Permitted where you live, the environment and the raccoons themselves penalties include: $ to! 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