Experience documentation must be submitted per biological family of wildlife requested, except cougars and cheetahs (which are regulated separately on the genus level), crocodilians (which are regulated on the biological order level) and ratites (which are regulated on the biological sub-order level). Are pet raccoons legal in the US? It can show itself in two different ways in raccoons. Even if the adoption looks legitimate online, it could be a scam. 178 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[<4D1533A5421D58449FA3BF9595C379BE>]/Index[147 65]/Info 146 0 R/Length 141/Prev 356757/Root 148 0 R/Size 212/Type/XRef/W[1 3 1]>>stream Youll want to know how to feed your baby raccoon. View pictures. However, raccoons are too active to be content in a cage for several hours. They are wild and undomesticated, meaning that they are unpredictable and will have no qualms about attacking humans if they feel cornered. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Indiana. Never take a raccoon from the wild to raise as a pet. We started our journey in 2014 with a passion for these unique and fascinating animals, and since then we have dedicated ourselves to providing our customers with the healthiest and happiest raccoons possible. It is only legal to own a pet raccoon in sixteen states as of 2021. Litter box trained. The reason raccoons make such high-maintenance pets is because theyre not meant to be pets at all. Locate a veterinarian who is qualified and ideally has experience with or specializes in care for wildlife animals. Raccoons are mammals that arent much different in overall size from cats or small dogs. You may legally own a raccoon as a pet in several states across America. Raccoons are intelligent enough to problem solve, and they can easily use their wit to get themselves in or out of trouble. There are no rules for monkeys and small wild cats such as ocelots, servals and bobcats. What pets Can you legally own in Florida? Are sugar gliders legal in Florida? Animals from the wild (including injured, orphaned, or abandoned native animals) are NEVER eligible to be kept as personal pets in Florida. You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website.Little Hasil is full of Love and Axel's story If it is not yet weaned off of bottle feeding, find a bottle with a rounded tip, as raccoons seem to prefer this nipple shape. A permit can only allow you to import an animal into Florida but cannot allow you to own it or keep it as a pet once inside the state. Facilities housing Class II wildlife must be bound by a fence which is at least 8 feet high, or 6 feet high with a 2-foot, 45 degree, inward angle overhang (see next tab for exceptions). We were established in 2012 when we first started our exotic breeding program, selling out of . Other raccoons will appear dumb or friendly, showing a stumbling walk and being overly friendly with humans. Crab trap. Anyone in possession of venomous reptiles must submit a. Raccoons can be very amusing and playful pets. The experience must span at least one calendar year. We have you covered! Raccoons are prone to chewing on cords, climbing on shelves, and knocking down valuables. Yes, raccoons can be kept as a pet in Florida. Occurred on April 3, 2023 / Lynn Haven, Florida, USA Info: A pet raccoon smells the snacks left on a bedside table. Raccoons dont like to exert effort when looking for food and are perfectly fine with scrounging scraps. Nebraska. The raccoon may not even exhibit sickly behavior with this type of roundworm, especially since the egg spores can live dry and inactive for years. The 16 reptiles include Burmese pythons; reticulated pythons; scrub pythons; Northern African pythons; Southern African Pythons; amethystine pythons; green anacondas; Nile monitor lizards; tegus (all species) and green iguanas. Your pet raccoon can be vaccinated for rabies with a canine rabies vaccine, but the vaccine isnt proven to be effective in raccoons. 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. Because raccoons are carriers of rabies, more than 20 states ban pet raccoons. Even a baby raccoon can be dangerous because it may carry rabies or other diseases. In addition to checking the laws surrounding ownership, look carefully at regulations for raccoon owners. Yes, raccoons can be kept as a pet in Florida. While they do make some vocalizations, raccoons are generally quiet animals. Raccoons as pets are unusual, so naturally, caring for one can come with a large set of problems. As wild animals with as unique of personalities, as we have, some raccoons will no doubt be easier to train than others. This is especially true for raccoons who have reached sexual maturity which they experience starting around six months old to two years. Personal pet permits are only issued for animals which are captive bred and are obtained from a legal licensed source. Your email address will not be published. In fact, its illegal to own raccoons entirely in Floridaand many other places around the world. What animals are illegal in Ohio? Ideally, they should be allowed to move freely around your living area and provided with branches, shelves, and other items to climb for exercise. Good with dogs. 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. We have you covered! 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. Remove all potentially breakable, valuable, sentimental, or dangerous items. . Another concern with pet raccoons is the simple fact that having one as a pet is unusual and rare. He was abandoned in our My story Your pet raccoons behavior will completely depend on its environment, care, and especially its natural disposition. So, if you see one in your yard, dont do a double take. That means your furniture, bed sheets, door frames, kitchen appliances, curtains, and even your walls and ceilings are at risk of being mauled by this pet. Serval Cat: Breed Profile, Characteristics & Care. If rabies isnt cured before symptoms set in, it will kill whoever has it. Warm the bottle before feeding, and be prepared to patch holes up caused by your rambunctious raccoon baby. If youre skeptical in any way, it is not recommended that you keep a raccoon for a pet. Due to their intelligence, raccoons can . As pets, they don't do well in cages or even in small bedrooms. Rebecca was often able to roam the white house at will, also. Adult raccoons can be quite large, but their overall size and stature can vary greatly. No matter their enclosure, ensure your pet raccoon has constant access to food, water, shelter, bedding, and play accessories like toys and climbing structures. Inspiration. It is not at all recommended that you get an adult raccoon if you are considering buying one for a pet. Under the right conditions though, raccoons can coexist with caring human companions, and make wonderful pets. Baby raccoons are especially demanding, and a single person who daily and frequently cares for them helps raise a healthy raccoon. Theyll exhibit odd behaviors like staggered, erratic walking, with their backs arched up, discharge from their eyes or mouth that wets their face, and repetitive high-pitched noise making. Raccoons are vocally quiet, but theyre rambunctious nonetheless. That means your home must be raccoon-proofed. 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. Raising a Raccoon is a large undertaking, and its vastly different from raising a dog or a cat. Class I animals include bears, big cats, rhinos, crocodiles, chimpanzees and more. However, providing the right environment for them is difficult. Anyone wishing to possess the above wildlife must pass a caging inspection before a license will be issued. Learn how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet. Due to their nature, habits, and status, Class I wildlife may not be possessed as a personal pet. These active and mischievous animals need consistent supervision and lots of toys and other enrichment to keep them entertained. Raccoons in Florida: What to Know and What to Do. After caring for animals in her veterinarian practice, Lianne went on to study biology and research water quality and chronic disease at theUniversity of Saskatchewan. 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. Taking extra precautions and steps to raccoon-proof your home and keep yourself safe is necessary. If they get too playful, they can nip, bite or scratch humans easily, even their favorite ones, so be careful when playing with a pet raccoon. Some wildlife does not require a permit to possess as a personal pet in Florida. Its only legal in 16 states to own pet raccoons. 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 Fish tanks, various sizes. Just dont expect them to grow out of their wild behavior. The main concern as a raccoon owner is safety. The main wildlife sources of rabies in Florida are raccoons and bats. 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. In this article, well explore what it really takes to raise a pet raccoon. Raccoons bred and raised in a home with humans can bond more easily and adjust faster to life as domestic animals as opposed to a wild raccoons. When she wasnt frolicking or doing official White House business, Rebecca was often accompanying Grace Coolidge on trips and vacations, leading a charmed life. If your pet corners a raccoon, the raccoon would get defensive. 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. Dr. Diehl is a passionate veterinarian pursuing specialty medicine with over 6 years' experience with exotic pets. You can simply put their food in a bowl. However, raccoons are too active to be content in a cage for several hours. How much does it cost to put caps on cats nails? 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. Delaware. Its rare, but it does happen. You do not have adequate space or shelter to properly house a raccoon. They have a natural instinct to survive and thrive in the wild, so its important to remember that even if you raise your raccoon from a baby, he or she will still be considered a wild animal. Any injured, orphaned, or abandoned animals must be brought to a permitted wildlife rehabilitator for rehabilitation. Raccoons tend to go through a heavy shedding period at least once a year, as well as in times of stress. The state bans many, many animals as pets as per R12-4-406 Restricted Live Wildlife of the state's administrative code, including but certainly not limited to chipmunks (all squirrels), prairie dogs, deer, foxes, sloths, opossums, bats, nonhuman primates, and anteaters. Required fields are marked *. We work with and offer Hedgehogs, Sugar Gliders, Kinkajous, Monkeys, Raccoons and so much more! You must consider what's best for the animal over your interest in owning one. Pursuant to section 120.74, Florida Statutes, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has published its2022 Agency Regulatory Plan. And captivity can greatly stress a wild animal even to the point of killing it. Thats not because they particularly enjoy the sunlightraccoons are nocturnal by nature and are most active during the night. Well also look at the logistics of keeping a pet raccoon including the legality, regulation, and potential health concerns. It may very well be extinct by then. endstream endobj startxref In turn, also do not release your pet raccoon, for any reason, back into the wild, as it will die. The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. LEGAL; No more than six Raccoons at a time with proper enclosure. Submit application with payment by mail to P.O. (352) 267-0546. . Leave small fish in their pond to fish for. Raccoons, especially baby raccoons, can appear so cute and cuddly that its often assumed they can be fully tamed. All other members of the animal kingdom are prohibited from being possessed, imported, sold, etc. Once the raccoon baby is about six weeks old, begin introducing food to it such as human baby food or bits of fruit. Aside from the above, pet raccoons can also experience the following health problems: Raccoons are immensely playful and mischievous. Although theyre wild animals, pet raccoons can love cuddling, on their terms. Another health concern for raccoons living in captivity is obesity, which is common in pet raccoons. Raccoons will bond with their humans, especially when raised in captivity from a young age. Browse for sale listings in Florida "The Sunshine State" - State Capital Tallahassee. Do you need a permit for a racoon in Florida? When GREAT Rescue learned of Emily in a Florida shelter and Chicken coops and tractors! This can all be avoided by keeping your pet raccoon in a comfortable housing setting, where it feels free to be its wild self. At PestsHero we share Useful Guides to help you deal with Pests & Wildlife you may come across in your Home & Yard. Importation is illegal. More information regarding specific caging requirements is on our Rules and Regulations page. Raccoons will never fully be tamed as they are wild animals. Are you able to provide a proper and enriching environment for the animal? Schedule your free raccoon inspection today and get right back on track to being free of raccoons at your property. Learn. Baby Skunks: male or female black and white $600 each male chocolate $750 Baby Virginia Opossums: $200 each Baby hedgehogs: $150 each ADULT Raccoons: ADULT male or female $250 each NO - I do NOT have any babies available. Even mild-tempered raccoons can have a mean streak or a sudden outburst in the form of an attack. Critter Control Logo. At the end of the day, raccoons did not allow themselves to be domesticated the same way dogs and cats have been. Wolves, Coyotes And Jackals. You may be required to pay fines up to $500 for keeping a raccoon as your pet. Many raccoon babies are sweet and cuddly. Your pet raccoon should also be vaccinated against canine distemper. The most famous example of a pet raccoon would be Rebecca the Raccoon of the White House under the presidency of Calvin Coolidge, whose whole family cared for her. The site navigation utilizes arrow, enter, escape, and space bar key commands. However, there are some instances of human-raccoon relationships that are harmonious, tons of fun, and ultra adorable. Both letters must be from individuals with firsthand knowledge of the documented experience and must reference such experience in their letter. He is a black and grey tabby male. Exotic Pet Ownership Laws By State WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. Pet raccoons are indeed pricey, so in certain cases, a new raccoon owner could pay between $500 to $700 for the adoption fee. LEGAL; A proper permit is required to keep a pet raccoon. 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. Copyright 1999 - 2023 State of Florida. Experts recommend spending time around raccoons via wildlife rehabilitation or exotic veterinary practices to see what they're really like. Allow them to play with the bar of soap in their bath. You also can discuss spaying or neutering your raccoon with your vet. Panhandle Exotics. Stuff peanut butter in a hollow bone or a Kong toy. It can show itself in two different ways in raccoons. Raccoons absolutely love goofing around, causing mischief, and letting their curious nature get the best of them. The virus is present in some wildlife in Florida and can spread to unvaccinated pets, which then pose a high risk to the pet owner and their family. 2 Bird cages. Many people build their own pen from wood and screening. 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. They might bite even their favorite people and are often destructive in the home. 211 0 obj <>stream Content. For added fun at feeding time, hide their food from them, or allow them to hunt for it. On a monthly basis, your main essential cost for a raccoon will be its healthy, varied diet. These egg spores can become airborne, making it all too easy to become infected. Youll need to find out if your state allows them before bringing one into your home. From Foster Mom: See on Instagram. And even when they're born in captivity or raised by humans, they typically retain their wild traits. Baylisascaris is a type of roundworm, and it can infect humans and dogs, too. Raccoons are known for their sly and, at times, downright destructive behavior. Adult Size: 16 to 28 inches long, and 7 to 20 pounds on average. ). Just How Dangerous are Wasps and Hornets. , Class II Wildlife. They will attack humans if they feel threatened. (or use the links under each permit/license type below). If youve already checked the laws in your state and have decided to adopt a pet raccoon, then expect to pay an adoption fee. If you form a bond with a raccoon and take care of it well, its safe to say you have a friendly pet. Obesity, rabies, distemper, and other complications are common with raccoons, so keep your eye on potential symptoms. And when we do find it? If they must be indoors, they deserve a similarly idyllic space to play and explore daily. They need space to roam, climb, and explore to be happy. Rebecca was also allowed to roam the yard, climbing any trees in her vicinity. When it comes to raccoons, nothing is off-limits. More animals are also on the prohibited list, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. If you do keep a raccoon as a pet and are caught by the authorities, you can be charged with a misdemeanor and/or felony. Baby Raccoons! If they are permitted where you live, the best way to get a pet raccoon is through an established breeder. Depriving a pet raccoon of developing their natural instincts and abilities, and then punishing them later for it by forcing them back into the wild is cruel. A fence sufficient to deter entry by the public, which shall be a minimum of five (5) feet in height, shall be present around the premises wherein Class II animals are housed or exercised outdoors. 0 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. . 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