Technology. Raccoons have been long established to be bandits, so they enjoy having a place to stash their finds and their food. These include: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) states that it is illegal to keep a raccoon as a pet in Florida. Do not. You also might need to spend money on new toys for mental and physical enrichment. 2 Raccoon/pest. Its only legal in 16 states to own pet raccoons. And many do become quite cuddly or playful at times. You are not researched or prepared for the effort it takes to care for a pet raccoon. To house wild raccoons is illegal in almost all states and will result in a large fine, and loss of your illegal pet. Just be aware that if your raccoon feels threatened, it will bite. How many pea puffers should be kept together? 0 requirements related to experience documentation and caging must be met (see bottom of page). It is only legal to own a pet raccoon in sixteen states as of 2021. It banned private owners from acquiring, selling and . Keep your pet raccoon away from anything you dont want it touching. Raccoons are messy eaters. New baby-raccoon owners will often think twice about their decision to raise a raccoon once it has turned six months or so because their personalities can shift drastically. The Coolidge family were experienced pet owners with dogs and birds, and they built Rebecca a house of her own. As wild animals with as unique of personalities, as we have, some raccoons will no doubt be easier to train than others. If they are permitted where you live, the best way to get a pet raccoon is through an established breeder. 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). It can be difficult to find ideal veterinary care, obtain proper paperwork, or even convince authorities that you rightfully own your pet, so make sure youve double checked all necessities as a raccoon caretaker. The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Pet raccoons are indeed pricey, so in certain cases, a new raccoon owner could pay between $500 to $700 for the adoption fee. Baylisascaris is another highly infectious, dangerous, and deadly disease that raccoons can have. Anyone wishing to keep wildlife as a pet must obtain a permit/license before possessing the animal. Do not take in a wild baby raccoon for any reason. Adult raccoons are about 2 to 3 feet long (including their 10-inch tail) and weigh anywhere from 10 to 30 pounds. 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. Consult your veterinarian for the quantity and variety that is best for your animal, as this can vary based on age, size, and activity level. What pets Can you legally own in Florida? Well also look at the logistics of keeping a pet raccoon including the legality, regulation, and potential health concerns. At the end of the day, the enrichment of a pet raccoon relies on its owner to live many happy years. Looking for your next pet? Learn about the 8 raccoon facts Florida homeowners need to know. Additionally, you cant take your raccoon out in public. Expect to pay between $300 and $700 on average, though this can vary widely. 3 Orlando pet raccoons. The breeder also should give you thorough information on the animal's origin and health history. And as active animals, they need lots of space to roam. However, raccoons wont become cordial just because they are taken in by humans. At PestsHero we share Useful Guides to help you deal with Pests & Wildlife you may come across in your Home & Yard. LEGAL; A proper enclosure with noninjurious enrichment devices is required. Expand/Collapse Venomous reptiles as a personal pet. No matter their enclosure, ensure your pet raccoon has constant access to food, water, shelter, bedding, and play accessories like toys and climbing structures. Its rare, but it does happen. Theyre ever more common in Florida than it seems like they used to be, and youre sure to run into one at one point or another. Keeping your pet in a carrier or cage inside of your vehicle when its being transported with you on a car or plane trip, Hiring someone else (like an employee at an animal shelter) who has proper permits from their municipality to take care of your pet while theyre away from home. Critter Control Logo. 7 Sanford pet raccoons. 2 Sarasota pet raccoons. %PDF-1.6 % Since raccoons are so smart, they can definitely learn simple commands that your dog may know, such as sit or shake. She now works with a team of other experienced vets to provide the best advice and care for their clients' pets. B.Sc 1st Sem Electrical Appliances Questions, BA 1st Sem Economics Questions and Answers. Also, consider extra structure or outside paneling for your enclosure as they can escape! Raccoons are wild animals that should be left in the wild. Caring for sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife beyond the time necessary to transport the animal to a permitted rehabilitator is against the law. 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. Alongside rats and squirrels, raccoons are some of the most common pest mammal that youll find near your property. If you have the space, it's ideal to provide a secure outdoor enclosure for your raccoon. 2.5 years old Finding a veterinarian for your exotic pet. On the flip-side some days your pet raccoon will not want to be near you. Raccoons are generally very clean animals and will groom themselves much like cats do. Rebecca was often able to roam the white house at will, also. No matter what, dont expect your pet raccoons living space to stay clean. Baby Raccoons! In the wild, raccoons are used to staying constantly by their family for the first year of their life. Well, raccoons will eat anything in Florida. This can all be avoided by keeping your pet raccoon in a comfortable housing setting, where it feels free to be its wild self. As pets, they don't do well in cages or even in small bedrooms. door. Will you respect its boundaries as an animal that can't truly be domesticated? 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. 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. Zoey is a real beauty. Wildlife as a Personal Pet Possession of many wildlife species as a personal pet in Florida requires a permit or license. Some raccoons will show eye infection, runny nose, and upper respiratory problems. It is not at all recommended that you get an adult raccoon if you are considering buying one for a pet. They need space to roam, climb, and explore to be happy. Allow them to play with the bar of soap in their bath. Maximum penalty of up to six months in jail, a $1,000 fine or both. But they are rather stubborn and selective about when they want to obey. Most of these sixteen states have special permits or regulations for owning a raccoon, however, and raccoon ownership may still be considered illegal as a general rule. 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). 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. What happens if it scratches or bites someone? You do not have adequate space or shelter to properly house a raccoon. Browse for sale listings in Florida "The Sunshine State" - State Capital Tallahassee. Raccoons often learn their names and can learn other commands, but whether they choose to heed your calls will be entirely up to them. More information regarding specific caging requirements is on our Rules and Regulations page. Raccoons are wild animals and cannot be domesticated. In addition, their "masked bandit" reputation doesn't just come from the dark markings around their eyes. Raccoons are very difficult to care for, as they need regular supervision and ample space. There are no rules for monkeys and small wild cats such as ocelots, servals and bobcats. What does this mean for you? Common Class III animals include exotic birds (parrots, parakeets, finches), small mammals (foxes, skunks, raccoons, lemurs), many reptile species (snakes, lizards, turtles, tortoises), and all amphibian species (frogs, salamanders, etc. The U.S. has a surprisingly low number of species that are banned on the Federal level for private ownership in all states, including the brushtail possum, meerkat, Dhole, and flying fox species. 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. Their wild nature may come out in unexpected ways, too. Raccoons enjoy using their intellect and find enrichment through getting food rewarded to them. 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. 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. Consult your vet for the best bathing frequency to avoid irritating their skin. Raccoons dont like to exert effort when looking for food and are perfectly fine with scrounging scraps. Raccoons qualify under the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission under the Class III wildlife as a personal pet designation. Facilities housing Class II species must contain a buffer zone of at least 35 feet between caged wildlife and the facility property line (see next tab for exceptions). Should You Keep a Coatimundi (Coati) as a Pet? 1 Vero Beach pet raccoons. 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. Particularly venturesome raccoons may even try to become unwanted denizens in your home or garage if you leave your door open for too long. So the majority of a pet raccoon's time should be spent roaming your house: playing, climbing on things, exploring, and being mischievous. Raccoons are intelligent enough to problem solve, and they can easily use their wit to get themselves in or out of trouble. This wild nature of raccoons needs to be expected going into the serious responsibility of owning one. You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website.Little Hasil is full of Love and Axel's story Its better and easier for everyone involved to start your raccoon companionship off well by adopting a baby raccoon if you must have one for a pet. These animals require a lot of space, upkeep, and supervision. Freeze food in a bucket, then removing the food to make a frozen treat. Raccoons are intelligent animals, known for their good memories and problem-solving abilities. Emotional. We would also suggest calling your home insurer, to see if they will cover damage from a pet raccoon. Thus, it's best to acquire a pet raccoon from a reputable breeder. hbbd```b``GA$Sd80L& R6Dm " RDJmH@7DA%`l/{l6B 'We$iC * 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. Characteristics, Housing, Diet, and Other Information. Finding a veterinarian for your exotic pet can be difficult, as not all vets have experience in raccoons. Include toys, such as balls and food puzzles, to keep your pet entertained. You can ask your breeder questions regarding the legality of such a pet, but its recommended that you first research your states laws. Raccoons absolutely love goofing around, causing mischief, and letting their curious nature get the best of them. Raccoons and dogs can transfer canine distemper, a deadly disease, to each other. To possess Class II wildlife, requirements related to experience documentation, facility, and caging must be met (see bottom of page). An experienced vet should be able to do this for you. Adult raccoons have reached sexual maturity, meaning they are likely aggressive, especially if they werent raised in captivity or are stuck with different humans than those who raised them. Taking extra precautions and steps to raccoon-proof your home and keep yourself safe is necessary. Recounts of pet raccoons include that raccoons can be trained to walk on a leash, but this is rare and often temporary, as in for walks only. Because of their complex, wild, and unique personalities, pet raccoons are not for everyone. This makes it especially difficult to notice in pets. Its important to note that raccoons are wild animals and not domesticated. LEGAL ; A permit is required to sell, possess, or transport live raccoons. Your pet raccoon should also be vaccinated against canine distemper. Raccoons in Florida: What to Know and What to Do. If youre skeptical in any way, it is not recommended that you keep a raccoon for a pet. Interact with it and picture yourself taking care of him alone. Raccoons, even pet ones, will scratch, nibble, and bite you without any notice. Some real-life accounts of owning a raccoon cite that an entire staff of people was needed to keep proper care of the pet. Theyre also not pets, so keeping them as such is illegal in most states and countries. Should You Keep a Panther Chameleon as a Pet? Title of content: We Are All Alone In The Universe Label for this section: Introduction, What this section does: Introduces the rest of the blog post. Were here to provide raccoon control & removal as well as education so you can make the right decision. Even a baby raccoon can be dangerous because it may carry rabies or other diseases. Many will damage your home and belongings as part of their daily antics, are difficult to truly tame, and are notorious biters when something bothers them. Florida. They will attack humans if they feel threatened. Consider all aspects of keeping a pet raccoon before fully committing. They like to dunk their food in their water dish prior to consuming it. Its safe to say that as a species, raccoons have decided to keep it that way. Ironically, many of the reasons that raccoons can make excellent pets for some people are also why they're not a good fit for others. Can I have a raccoon as a pet in Florida? Do you need a permit for a racoon in Florida? Aside from the above, pet raccoons can also experience the following health problems: Raccoons are immensely playful and mischievous. That said, if your pet raccoon bites or scratches someone, it can be taken away and tested for rabies. Florida prohibits owning Class I animals as pets. 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. LEGAL ; Must obtain a proper permit to keep a raccoon. Raccoons may be cute and exhibit behaviors not unlike a friendly dog, but there are serious downsides. Obesity, rabies, distemper, and other complications are common with raccoons, so keep your eye on potential symptoms. Aggressive raccoons will be all the more destructive if theyve already reached sexual maturity. Pensacola, FL 32507. www.PanhandleExotics.com. This unpredictable behavior and mischievous nature of raccoons is their wild side coming out. Allow your pet raccoon to make its own secret spaces either for hiding or stashing items. 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