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Raccoons are arboreal animals that live most of their lives in trees. They are not really domesticated, so prefer to be outdoors and roam. This does not mean that they cannot be kept as pet, just that they may not fit in normal pet housing. So what is proper housing for pet raccoons you ask?

First of all, as stated previously, raccoons are arboreal and thus normally live in dens in trees. They usually find a cavity at the junction of two branches or even the trunk of the tree if it is hollow. They also like to be near water. If you have a tree in your yard like this, convert it to a raccoon den. If not, don't worry, you can always manage to create something similar in any large tree or even on the side of your house. It just takes a bit of time.

Raccoons like to be cozy, so do not want a large den, usually a box about 18 inches square and two feet deep will do. The opening into the box should be only as wide as the raccoons shoulders. The idea is that the hole should be big enough for the raccoon to fit in, but too big for bees or squirrels to be comfortable using. Your pet will squeeze in, turn around a few times, and then go to sleep. Now mount the den in a large tree to the trunk or on the side of the house just under the eaves on the shaded side of the building. If it is on the house, you will need to attach a way for your pet to get in, a small ladder or solid branch will do, but be sure it is firmly attached to the pet's home and the ground.

Why not a larger house for your dear pet? For starters, it can get to big to put in the tree or attach to the side of the house. The weight of the raccoon's house should not damage where you put it. Also a smaller den is best for the animal during the winter. In summer, the leaves of the tree will shade and cool you pet, but in the winter the cold winds blow. The animals body heat will keep it warm, but too large an area and the heat gets lost! It is the same reason raccoons in the wild choose smaller dens.

Decorating the raccoon's house is up to you. You can put in old shirts to make it more comfortable (in the wild, raccoons use leaves), but use cotton. Painting is not recommended, or be sure to use child safe paint, because your pet will chew on the sides, just like a dog. Put water close to the den and your pet raccoon now has a safe cozy home. Just hope he doesn't invite others to join him!

Learn more about this author, James Johnson.
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