Is it Illegal to Keep Exotic Pets in the GTA?
Many people wonder, can you keep a raccoon as a pet? In fact, it’s common for our wildlife control company to get calls, usually during the baby season, requesting to adopt a baby raccoon.
Nobody calls to adopt a fully grown, adult raccoon as that would be dangerous to try a tame the wild animal in your home.
Raccoons are fascinating creatures to watch, with a sharp memory and vast problem-solving abilities, so people think they’re cute and want one for themselves, but they are still wild animals at heart.
Unlike common pets such as cats and dogs, raccoons require specialized care, a controlled environment, and an understanding of their unique behaviour. Before deciding to keep a raccoon, it’s important to explore the legal, behavioural, moral, and practical challenges of owning a pet raccoon.
Legality and Regulations of Exotic Animals
The first thing potential raccoon owners should consider about keeping a pet raccoon is pet raccoon legal states and provinces.
In Ontario, having a raccoon as a pet isn’t really an option since it’s against provincial regulations. The government sees raccoons as wild animals, not pets, and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has strict rules to protect both people and wildlife.
Even if it were legal, most adult raccoons have complex needs that make them tough to care for in a home setting. They can become stressed, destructive, and even aggressive over time. So, while they might seem cute and playful, raccoons are better off in the wild than as household pets.
Raccoon Behaviour and Temperament
Raccoons are intelligent animals known for their curiosity, but they can also be unpredictable. As nocturnal animals, they are most active at night, which can be disruptive for owners. Their front paws are highly dexterous, allowing them to open cabinets or jars, unlock doors, and cause mischief.
The temperament of raccoons changes as they age. The temperament can shift from being affectionate as babies to becoming more aggressive and territorial as adult raccoons, especially after reaching sexual maturity. Unlike domesticated pets, raccoons do not have generations of breeding to make them suitable for indoor living.
Care Requirements for a Pet Raccoon
Raccoon Enclosure and Housing Needs
Providing a proper environment is crucial when considering a raccoon as a pet. However, keeping a wild raccoon as a pet presents significant challenges due to their unpredictable and aggressive nature. They need a raccoon enclosure or secured areas where they can climb, play, and explore safely. Letting a raccoon roam freely indoors can lead to destruction, as they are naturally drawn to investigating and pulling apart objects. Small living spaces like small bedrooms are unsuitable, and traditional cages do not provide enough room.
Diet and Feeding
Understanding the dietary needs of pet raccoons is essential for their health. They are omnivores, meaning they eat both meat and plants. A balanced diet should include insects, fish, poultry, and some fruits and vegetables. While they may eat cat food, it should not be their main diet.
Raccoons tend to be messy eaters, often washing their food in water before consuming it. They also have a habit of scavenging from garbage disposal, which can lead to health problems. Feeding a pet raccoon requires planning, with at least two meals per day to maintain proper nutrition.
Hygiene and Health Concerns
Raccoons have specific hygiene needs, and some can be trained to use a litter box. However, they still require frequent cleaning due to their messy nature. It is important to consult a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for proper care and rehabilitation of raccoons. They are also prone to various health issues, including raccoon roundworm, which can be dangerous to humans and other animals.
Vaccination is necessary, including a rabies vaccine, to reduce the risk of disease transmission. However, even vaccinated raccoons can still carry rabies. Regular visits to a vet or veterinarian are important, but not all vets are willing or qualified to treat exotic animals like raccoons.
Health and Veterinary Care
Raccoons, like any other exotic pets, require specialized veterinary care. Finding a veterinarian experienced in treating raccoons and other wild animals is crucial. Regular check-ups and vaccinations are essential to keep your pet raccoon healthy. Raccoons are prone to various health issues, including roundworm infestations, dental problems, and obesity. Ensuring a balanced diet and regular exercise can help mitigate these concerns.
It’s important to be aware that raccoons can carry diseases such as rabies, distemper, and parvovirus. Vaccinations against these diseases are available, but it’s vital to adhere to the vaccination schedule recommended by your veterinarian. Additionally, regular dental care is necessary for raccoons. Their teeth can become damaged or infected if not properly maintained, leading to serious health complications.
Challenges of Keeping a Raccoon as a House Pet
While raccoons may seem like fun companions, they are not good pets for everyone. Their active animal nature makes them difficult to manage, and they do not behave like a small dog or a cat. Their tendency to get into everything has earned them the nickname masked bandit, as they often steal and hide objects.
Interactions with other animals can also be problematic, as raccoons may act aggressively toward dogs, cats, or even people. Unlike domesticated raccoons, which are rare, wild raccoons do not adapt well to living as pets. Additionally, finding a reputable raccoon breeder can be difficult, and many raccoons sold as pets are taken from the wild illegally.
Are Raccoons Good Pets?
Raccoons can make fascinating and unique pets, but they are not suitable for everyone. These intelligent animals require a significant amount of attention, care, and space. As nocturnal animals, raccoons are most active at night, and they can be quite mischievous and destructive if not provided with adequate stimulation.
Before deciding to keep a raccoon as a pet, consider the following factors:
- Space: Raccoons need ample space to move around and exercise. A large enclosure or a raccoon-proofed room is essential.
- Diet: Raccoons have specific dietary needs, including a variety of fruits, vegetables, and proteins.
- Socialization: Raccoons are social animals and require regular interaction with their owners.
- Veterinary Care: Raccoons need specialized veterinary care, so it’s important to find a vet experienced in treating raccoons.
If you’re prepared to meet these requirements, a raccoon can be a loving and entertaining pet. However, it’s crucial to remember that raccoons are wild animals and may not always behave as expected.
Tips for Keeping a Raccoon as a Pet
If you’ve decided to keep a raccoon as a pet, here are some tips to help you provide the best care:
- Provide a Large Enclosure: Ensure your raccoon has plenty of space to move around and exercise. A raccoon-proofed room or a large enclosure is ideal.
- Balanced Diet: Offer a diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, and proteins to meet their nutritional needs.
- Regular Interaction: Socialize with your raccoon regularly to keep them happy and healthy.
- Veterinary Care: Find a veterinarian experienced in caring for raccoons and schedule regular check-ups and vaccinations.
- Clean Environment: Keep your raccoon’s enclosure clean and well-maintained to prevent health issues.
- Enrichment: Provide plenty of toys and stimulation to keep your raccoon entertained and engaged.
- Reputable Breeder: Consider getting your raccoon from a reputable breeder to ensure you have a healthy and well-socialized pet.
What Do Raccoons Eat?
Remember, keeping a raccoon as a pet is a significant responsibility. With the right care and attention, a raccoon can be a loving and entertaining companion.
Conclusion
Before deciding to own a pet raccoon, it’s crucial to consider the legal, behavioral, and care challenges. While raccoons are fascinating exotic animals, they are not as easy to care for as traditional pets. They require a proper raccoon enclosure, a specialized diet, and frequent medical attention.
For most people, it is best to admire raccoons from a distance rather than attempting to keep them as pets. Whether due to local laws, high maintenance needs, or their wild nature, raccoons are better suited to living in their natural habitat than in a house as a pet.
