Raccoons As Pets

Raccoons are not recommended as pets, for the simple reason that they are wild, non-domesticated animals with razor-sharp teeth and claws, known to be notoriously destructive. For those who do accept the challenge of keeping a raccoon as a house pet, there are several factors to consider.

  1. Famous Raccoon Owners

    • Although examples of raccoons being kept as pets are not common, there are a few notable examples. Among these are the two pet raccoons owned by former U.S. President Calvin Coolidge. In addition, Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler revealed on a TV talk show that he once had a pet raccoon. "I put him on my shoulder and went fishing with it every day," said Tyler.

    Legality

    • The legality of owning a raccoon can vary depending on where you live. The website My Pet Raccoons offers a state-by-state list of U.S. states with respect to whether or not they permit raccoons to be kept as pets. Rules vary wildly from state to state, so prospective raccoon owners should check with their local authorities to ensure their plans are within the limits of the law. Although some states ban the practice outright, others allow it (although a permit is often required), and others have their own unique regulations. Arkansas, for example, allows raccoons to be kept as pets (as can bobcats, coyotes, deer, fox, opossums, rabbits and squirrels), but stipulates that the maximum number of these animals can be no greater than six.

    Feeding Raccoons

    • Raccoons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both meat and vegetables, and should be fed a diet of fruit, nuts, vegetables, fish and poultry (red meat is not good for a raccoon's digestive system.) Some owners feed their pet raccoons dry dog food, although it's important to remember that just as high-quality food is better for a dog, so too will it be better for a raccoon. Cat food, however, should never be fed to raccoons, as certain ingredients within commercially manufactured cat food can lead to kidney and liver damage in raccoons.

    Disease

    • An important factor to consider when considering a raccoon as a pet is that raccoons are highly susceptible to an array of infectious diseases (such as bacteria, viral infections and parasites) that can be passed on to humans. Some of the more damaging infections and parasites common among raccoons are rabies, intestinal roundworms and leptospirosis, which, although rare, can be life-threatening if not treated.