Can You Own Skunks in Pennsylvania?

While most Americans confine their pet ownership to dogs, cats or perhaps the odd rabbit, some prefer to own a more exotic pet. Among the exotics available in Pennsylvania are pet skunks. As with any other variety of exotic pet, it is important to know and understand the applicable laws and the consequences of ownership before diving in.

  1. Skunks as Pets

    • If you are considering owning a pet skunk, obtain the skunk young or ensure that the skunk was raised in a loving environment as a skunk's personality is generally established by 9 or 10 months of age. Pet skunks are intelligent and generally easy to train, including litter training. Pet skunks must be taught not to bite at a young age: Biting is a part of skunk play; older skunks can bite hard enough to badly puncture skin or even break human fingers or toes.

    Pennsylvania State Laws

    • It is legal to own a skunk under Pennsylvania state law. Skunks are currently exempted from the exotic permit requirements of the Pennsylvania Game Commission. However, A Pennsylvania residents must obtain her skunk from an in-state dealer licensed by the commission and must keep the receipt she was issued by that dealer as proof of compliance. A resident is not permitted to keep as a pet a skunk found or trapped in the wild, nor is he permitted to purchase a skunk from an out-of-state dealer. Before purchasing a pet skunk, check with your county and municipal government as well. Some local governments have additional restrictions on skunk ownership.

    Federal Regulations

    • The federal government, like the Pennsylvania state government, has an interest in skunk ownership. At the federal level, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service provides oversight of skunk (and other animal) breeders. Purchase your skunk from a licensed dealer; this provides you with the assurance that your skunk comes from a safe and healthy environment. Any person or organization wishing to sell a skunk must obtain a USDA license. Additionally, any individual or organization wishing to exhibit a skunk must obtain a separate USDA license.

    Other Considerations

    • Before purchasing a skunk for a pet, think through the long-term consequences for yourself and the animal. Many states do not permit ownership of imported skunks or do not permit skunk ownership at all. If there is a chance you might move out of Pennsylvania, take this into consideration before taking on the responsibility of skunk ownership. Additionally, because Pennsylvania only allows possession of skunks obtained directly from a licensed facility, if you are unable to keep your skunk, you will not be permitted to give or sell your skunk to a new owner. Instead, you must pay a $50 fee to the Game Commission and surrender your skunk at a licensed facility.