Penalties include: $500 to $10,000 civil fine, with additional costs for removing the animal and its care. Its important to note that this law applies even if you have a permit from another state or country. Can you own a wolf in Florida? However, there are some instances of human-raccoon relationships that are harmonious, tons of fun, and ultra adorable. Offer your pet a varied diet, including dog food, poultry, fish, eggs, insects, vegetables, and fruits. Read our, Pros & Cons of Keeping a Raccoon as a Pet. Some wildlife does not require a permit to possess as a personal pet in Florida. Indiana. Well, raccoons will eat anything in Florida. And while a raccoon can never truly or fully be domesticated, training one is possible. Some common Class III species requiring a permit: raccoon, skunk, kinkajou, marmoset, tamarin, lemur, opossum, capuchin monkey, spider monkey, fox, coatimundi, wallaby, zebra (not an extensive list). Some raccoons may enjoy food puzzles, which are more like food obstacle courses that the raccoon must complete to access their treat. Report fish kills, wildlife emergencies, sightings, etc. Other animals that do not require a permit include ferrets, chinchillas, llamas, alpacas, camels, giraffes, ostriches and kangaroos. Treats, such as nuts and other fatty foods, should be offered sparingly to prevent obesity. Obesity, rabies, distemper, and other complications are common with raccoons, so keep your eye on potential symptoms. Wildlife as a Personal Pet Possession of many wildlife species as a personal pet in Florida requires a permit or license. But life wont feel quiet with 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. You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website.Little Hasil is full of Love and Axel's story Most experts advise against keeping them as pets because of this. Pets and Animals Brooksville 1 $. The only way to test for rabies in the raccoon will be to euthanize it, so keep your raccoon and your loved ones safe. That means it takes a lot of effort to care for them. A baby raccoon can be obtained from a reputable and licensed breeder that will assist you with what you need to get started as a baby raccoon parent! 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. Male Raccoon for sale Will be a year old in March. Other raccoons will appear dumb or friendly, showing a stumbling walk and being overly friendly with humans. These beautiful puppies were rescued from a high Vandy *F* the Chill Girl's story 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. Some real-life accounts of owning a raccoon cite that an entire staff of people was needed to keep proper care of the pet. Your average adult raccoon is a little over two feet long from snout to hind and weighs somewhere between 10 and 20 lbs. . (850) 542-4410. If you have a pet raccoon that youd like to keep safe while traveling or moving across state lines, there are some options available that could make things easier. Raccoons are quite adept at breaking through latches and other secured areas if their curiosity gets the best of them. Raccoons are known for their sly and, at times, downright destructive behavior. It is not legal to keep a raccoon as a pet in Florida. Required fields are marked *. 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. Wolves, Coyotes And Jackals. Expand/Collapse Venomous reptiles as a personal pet. This is especially true for raccoons who have reached sexual maturity which they experience starting around six months old to two years. Learn interesting facts about a wide variety of wildlife by signing up for our monthly ezine, the Critter Chatter. 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. If your pet corners a raccoon, the raccoon would get defensive. An outdoor pen should be as large as possible with walls and a ceiling that will contain your animal. It can show itself in two different ways in raccoons. It is not at all recommended that you get an adult raccoon if you are considering buying one for a pet. Once the raccoon baby is about six weeks old, begin introducing food to it such as human baby food or bits of fruit. We were established in 2012 when we first started our exotic breeding program, selling out of . The problem here is that often owners decide this shortly after raccoons meet sexual maturity, and now the raccoons younger years that could have been spent adapting to the wild have been all but taken away from them. But if you have the means and the time and you put in enough effort with ample ambition you could potentially be caring for one of the smartest, and cutest, pets you could ask for. LEGAL; A proper permit is required. Its also illegal to own cheetahs, komodo dragons, bears. 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. Anyone in possession of venomous reptiles must submit a. Looking for your next pet? Even tame raccoons can get in plenty of trouble, though! Raccoons may seem cute at times, but they are often anything but. This can all be avoided by keeping your pet raccoon in a comfortable housing setting, where it feels free to be its wild self. Anyone wishing to keep wildlife as a pet must obtain a permit/license before possessing the animal. 1 Vero Beach pet raccoons. All other members of the animal kingdom are prohibited from being possessed, imported, sold, etc. in the country's capital. Locate a veterinarian who is qualified and ideally has experience with or specializes in care for wildlife animals. You can check out this website for more information about what it takes to own one legally: https://www.wildlifeofflorida.com/featured-wildlife/raccoon. Have owned several threw the yrs. Raccoons and dogs can transfer canine distemper, a deadly disease, to each other. The experience must span at least one calendar year. Because of their complex, wild, and unique personalities, pet raccoons are not for everyone. He was abandoned in our My story Nebraska. Well eventually find some form of alien life on Earth or elsewhere in our solar system, but even then, its likely to be microscopic or single-cell organisms (if anything at all). Common Infectious Diseases of Raccoons. 3. Anyone who wishes to possess wildlife as a pet and would like to take their pet in public (any place outside of the home or vets office where members of the public could approach the animal) should apply for a license for exhibition in lieu of a personal pet permit/license. If rabies isnt cured before symptoms set in, it will kill whoever has it. Class I animals include bears, big cats, rhinos, crocodiles, chimpanzees and more. Raccoons eat both plants and meat. Lets look at what raccoons are like as pets. Brandy's story Read further in this article for an in-depth look at what it takes to raise a raccoon. You also must determine whether there's a vet nearby who can treat raccoons, as well as who could watch your pet if you went out of town or were otherwise unable to care for it. If youre thinking of owning a pet raccoon in hopes of taming it, consider everyone in the household, including your other pets. The undertaking of caring for and raising a pet raccoon is an enormous feat. The law is designed to protect people, the environment and the raccoons themselves. 3 Orlando pet raccoons. Youll want to know how to feed your baby raccoon. Technology. Michigan. North Carolina. Some also enjoy playing with toys like balls. requirements related to experience documentation and caging must be met (see bottom of page). How do you get rid of Cuban frogs in Florida? Their wild nature and high intelligence mixed with their mischief, raccoons can get pretty rowdy, and destroy all your belongings in the process. Owning a raccoon is not a job to be taken lightly, so its also important to accept that your raccoon may never be truly domesticated. Raccoons are mammals that arent much different in overall size from cats or small dogs. 1 Fort Lauderdale pet raccoons. Captive-bred raccoons do not pose much of a threat with rabies-like wild raccoons do (which are not legal), especially if they are kept indoors. Expand/Collapse Class I wildlife as a personal pet, Expand/Collapse Class II wildlife as a personal pet, Expand/Collapse Class III wildlife as a personal pet. Fish tanks, various sizes. Everything is fair game to a raccoon! As they grow up though, their adult behavior can be incredibly unpredictable, and not always in a friendly manner! Pet raccoons are illegal in many areas, and even where they are legal there are many laws surrounding their ownership. Theyre also not pets, so keeping them as such is illegal in most states and countries. Thus, it's best to acquire a pet raccoon from a reputable breeder. What does it mean if someone is a badger? You may legally own a raccoon as a pet in several states across America. 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, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Exotic Animals You Can Legally Have As A Pet In Florida That Might Surprise You. Any injured, orphaned, or abandoned animals must be brought to a permitted wildlife rehabilitator for rehabilitation. 1 Melbourne pet raccoons. Captive raccoons released in the wild dont have the skills they need to survive in the wild, and theyll die rather quickly by natural or predacious causes. Some raccoons are just more aggressive than others, and they can be full of surprises, too. Animals that do not require a permit include geckos, chinchillas and sugar gliders. Do not. Florida prohibits owning Class I animals as pets. For that, youll need a separate exhibition license. Consult your vet for the best bathing frequency to avoid irritating their skin. If upset with you, they may purposefully leave accidents around your house or where they shouldnt. Yes, raccoons can be kept as a pet in Florida. Delaware. Baylisascaris can travel through egg spores in the raccoons feces. If you want to keep an exotic animal like this one in Florida but arent sure what the laws are about it, contact us at 813-903-1177 today so we can answer all of your questions about whether or not youre allowed to have one! And as active animals, they need lots of space to roam. The initial adoption process can be a large project. Always keep fresh water ready for your pet raccoon, and two dishes of water may be recommended. Schedule a FREE inspection TODAY! Raising a Raccoon is a large undertaking, and its vastly different from raising a dog or a cat. These beautiful puppies were rescued from a high American Bulldog - Basil The Bulldog Puppy - Large - Baby - Male 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. LEGAL ; Must obtain a license to own or breed a raccoon, LEGAL ; Proof of Raccoon Purchase Required. However, they also are generally quick to biteeven their favorite peoplewhen something annoys or scares them. The Coolidge family were experienced pet owners with dogs and birds, and they built Rebecca a house of her own. Occurred on April 3, 2023 / Lynn Haven, Florida, USA Info: A pet raccoon smells the snacks left on a bedside table. You may be required to pay fines up to $500 for keeping a raccoon as your pet. If they are permitted where you live, the best way to get a pet raccoon is through an established breeder. Adult raccoons are about 2 to 3 feet long (including their 10-inch tail) and weigh anywhere from 10 to 30 pounds. Misc. Captive raccoons douse their food in water, and they appear to be cleaning it. Plus, they might attack other pets in your home, especially small animals, as they are predators in the wild. Will be well taken care of and be part of the family Buy Now Raccoon baby Baby raccoon don't want him. They only require occasional baths with a mild shampoo. Raising raccoons is a ginormous task that can be taxing for owners. Characteristics, Housing, Diet, and Other Information. Though highly unusual and extremely rare, a decently domesticated raccoon can make a wonderful pet. 7 Sanford pet raccoons. Animals from the wild (including injured, orphaned, or abandoned native animals) are NEVER eligible to be kept as personal pets in Florida. 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. Animals that do not require a permit include geckos, chinchillas and sugar gliders. And captivity can greatly stress a wild animal even to the point of killing it. If a raccoon gets inside, stay calm and contain pets elsewhere. Its also illegal to keep raccoons as pets in Florida or most other stateseven if the raccoon has been obtained from an animal rescue organization or sanctuary. Not only would communication require mutual understanding and learning each others language (or even gesture systems), but also an ability to decipher another species intentionsboth which seem improbable at best given how differently humans think compared with animals like our pets dogs or cats! 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. Its important to note that raccoons are wild animals and not domesticated. Lock your pet door at night or install one that opens with an electronic pet collar. 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. Do not feed them cows milk. To house wild raccoons is illegal in almost all states and will result in a large fine, and loss of your illegal pet. https://www.addl.purdue.edu/newsletters/1997/fall/raccoon.shtml. , Class II Wildlife. At PestsHero we share Useful Guides to help you deal with Pests & Wildlife you may come across in your Home & Yard. Be sure to watch how much you are feeding your pet raccoon. What animals are illegal in Ohio? No matter how sweet your pet raccoon is, remember that its not going to ever truly be domesticated. However, raccoons transported into Ohio that are pets may be possessed in captivity if the owner has a certificate from a veterinarian from the owner's previous state indicating the animal is disease free. Feed raccoon babies four to eight times a day. Raccoons can live for up to 20 years in captivity, but on average they will live between 10 and 15 years in captivity. In addition to checking the laws surrounding ownership, look carefully at regulations for raccoon owners. 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. Visit with the animal in person before you commit; don't acquire an animal over the internet or via a classified ad. Well also look at the logistics of keeping a pet raccoon including the legality, regulation, and potential health concerns. Were here to provide raccoon control & removal as well as education so you can make the right decision. So, if you see one in your yard, dont do a double take. Owning a raccoon as a pet isnt easy, either. Timber was rescued from a local animal control. Is it legal to have a pet raccoon in Florida? Domesticated raccoons can be housetrained and become affectionate. Rebecca was from thenceforward, the White Houses pet raccoon. However, many experts advise against it because of the taxing efforts that go into properly raising a raccoon. 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. If you want such a well-rounded and fun-loving raccoon pet, they will require the utmost attention, care, and patience from you. Fact or Fiction: Can Pets Get Seasonal Depression? And many do become quite cuddly or playful at times. It is only legal to own a pet raccoon in sixteen states as of 2021. Furthermore, youll probably find a problem finding a vet who will treat a raccoon, as most of your standard veterinarian clinics are either unequipped or will refuse to do so. 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. 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