Raccoon Dog Pet - The Nature of these Exotic Animal

Are you thinking about how to get a pet raccoon? Here are a few things to consider before you take the plunge!

Raccoons are undoubtedly charming, as their little veiled faces prove. Petting raccoons may not be a smart idea, but those adorable faces will entice you to get one.

If you live in an area where raccoons are legal, the best way to acquire a pet raccoon is through a reputable breeder. Raccoons that have been bred and raised in a human home can adjust to life as a pet more easily than wild raccoons.

While these wily rodents are undeniably adorable and cuddly, they are not the easiest pets to care for. Although fanciers and pet guardians will tell you that raccoons are fascinating and affectionate companions, keeping raccoons as pets is uncommon for a reason. There is much to consider before bringing a raccoon into your home!

Can you have a pet raccoon? 

Keeping a caged raccoon as a pet is perfectly legal in many parts of the United States. However, you should first check your state and county regulations. Even if your state allows you to keep a raccoon, certain city ordinances prohibit homeowners from keeping these exotic pets.

If you live in an area where keeping raccoons is legal, you should get a raccoon from a reputable breeder. Raccoons that are bred and raised in human households can adjust to life as a pet more quickly than wild raccoons.

Raccoons are popular pets for a reason. They require a lot of care and can be unpredictable. That's why most animal experts advise against keeping them as pets.

Many will cause damage to your home and property as part of their everyday activities, are difficult to truly tame, and are known biters when they are irritated. Raccoons also have special nutritional requirements and health difficulties that can be challenging to handle.

 And because they are energetic creatures, they require a lot of space to wander. Raccoons, on the other hand, may be fascinating and amusing companions provided you have the expertise and time to properly care for them.

what states is it legal to have a pet raccoon?

Before you even think about getting a raccoon as a pet, make sure it is legal in your state. In many states, it is illegal to keep raccoons as pets. In states that allow raccoons to be kept as pets, a wildlife permit is usually required. 

In addition to these laws, look for regulations for raccoon owners. These restrictions often provide answers to questions such as "What happens if my raccoon scratches or bites someone?" Because raccoons are wild creatures, they can be euthanized if they become a nuisance.

Since raccoons are wild animals, trapping one will have negative consequences and it is likely illegal to keep raccoons as pets. If you discover a domesticated or rehabilitated raccoon, it can be a loving and playful pet. Keeping raccoons as pets is only allowed in 16 states.

Owning a pet raccoon is legal in the following states:

• Wyoming
• West Virginia (WV)
• Arkansas
• Delaware
• Florida
• Indiana
• Nebraska
• South Carolina (SC)
• Michigan
• Wisconsin
• Texas
• Providence, Rhode Island
• Oklahoma
• Pennsylvania

Local city and county administrations may impose additional limitations or demand additional permissions if you possess a raccoon. Check the rules and regulations of your housing complex and town as well.

Warnings

Failure to obtain the necessary permits may result in a fine and the confiscation of your pet. Furthermore, many veterinarians will not treat raccoons unless they have the proper permissions, as doing so may threaten their license to practice.

how to get a permit to own a raccoon? 

To obtain a permit to possess a raccoon, you must contact your state's wildlife agency. Each state has different requirements for owning a raccoon. So it is important that you find out about the specific requirements in your state 

In general, you will need to prove that you can adequately care for the animal and that you have a secure enclosure for the animal. You may also need to undergo a background check. Once you have met all the requirements, you can apply for a permit.

how much do pet raccoons cost? 

Suppose you want a breakdown of the cost of keeping a raccoon as a pet ;

• The initial cost of buying a raccoon ranges from $100 to $700. This price depends on the age, health and temperament of the animal 
• Raccoons are not cheap to care for. They require a lot of time, effort and money. Their diet is expensive and they are destructive animals. They need a large cage or enclosure that must be escape-proof 
• Raccoons also need to see a veterinarian regularly. They are prone to a number of health problems, including rabies. The cost of vaccinations and routine veterinary care can add up quickly 
• So how much does it really cost to keep a raccoon as a pet? That depends on a number of factors, but you should expect to spend at least $500-$1,000 per year on care and feeding alone.

Raise a raccoon as a pet 

Some people who keep raccoons keep them in a large dog crate when they are away from home to keep an eye on them. Raccoons, on the other hand, are far too active to be kept in a cage for extended periods of time. A pet raccoon, therefore, should spend most of its time roaming around your home, playing, climbing on objects, exploring, and playing pranks.

 This means that you need to protect your home from raccoons. Raccoons are known to chew on wires, climb on shelves and destroy valuables. Therefore, anything that could hurt or damage them must be removed from their environment.

Find a reliable raccoon breeder. It is not a good idea to adopt a wild raccoon. Most breeders require a deposit for a kit and will deliver the raccoon to you when it is young and bottle fed. This will allow you to build a relationship and bond with your young pet.

If you have the space, you should provide your raccoon with a secure outdoor enclosure. This is an excellent choice if you are short on time or have to leave the house and want to provide a safe place for your pet to play. An outdoor enclosure should be as large as possible and have walls and a blanket to keep your pet contained. Many people build their own enclosures out of wood and privacy screens. Inside, your raccoon should have access to food, water, shelter, and climbing and jumping opportunities (such as large branches). To keep your pet interested, include toys such as balls and food puzzles.

Set up a litter box and secure your home against children. Raccoons are feisty and curious, and their investigations can be harmful. Toys that are safe to play with, such as stuffed animals and balls, should be available. Getting rowdy with your raccoon can lead to biting and aggressive behavior.

Raccoons need an outdoor cage where they can play and be confined when you are unable to supervise them. The enclosure should be equipped with a secure roof. You should check with state and local authorities for other enclosure requirements.

Raccoons form bonds with people, especially if they are raised in captivity from an early age. Many of them can be quite affectionate or feisty at times. However, they are often willing to bite even their favorite humans if something irritates or frightens them. Also, since they are predators in the wild, they may attack other pets in your home, especially small animals. Therefore, they should be kept alone.

Raccoons are generally quiet animals, but they do occasionally make sounds. However, with a pet raccoon, life will not be quiet. These animals need a lot of space, care and supervision.

Common health issues

Raccoons can transmit a variety of parasites, viruses, and bacterial diseases, including:

1. Rabies
2. Distemper in dogs
3. Leptospirosis
4. Toxoplasmosis
5. Roundworms in the intestine

Many of these diseases are less likely to develop in raccoons born and raised in captivity. However, it is still critical to take your pet to the vet on a regular basis.

Caring for a pet raccoon 

Raccoons also need special care to stay healthy in your home. They should eat a diet rich in fresh vegetables and fruits. To improve their varied diet, you should use some chicken or fish or high quality dog food.

These little creatures can be trained to use a litter box, but if you irritate them, they will actively punish you by having accidents and leaving their feces around the house; raccoons are very unforgiving!

Raccoons can learn their name and other commands, but because they are so intelligent, they can decide for themselves when to obey.

Raccoons in captivity have a life expectancy of about 10-15 years. They require veterinary care, and it can be difficult to find a doctor willing to treat a raccoon because they are not typical pets. You will usually need to use the services of a veterinarian for exotic or wild animals.

 Your raccoon will also need to be vaccinated against rabies and canine distemper. In addition, raccoons are susceptible to Baylisascaris parasites, a form of roundworm that is specific to these wild animals.

Raccoons can be loving and sweet pets, but because they are still wild animals, they require a lot of effort and care. They are not pets that you can leave alone for extended periods of time. If they get bored, they can wreak havoc on your home while you are away!

The best thing you can do is read up extensively on raccoon needs and behavior before bringing one home. If you are toying with the idea of getting a raccoon, make sure everyone in your family is okay with the acquisition and that a raccoon in your home can be a real asset to your life!