by Jessy Hudson

Created on: September 28, 2009   Last Updated: September 29, 2009

Raccoons are lively, inquisitive and very intelligent animals. It is important to note that, although they have been successfully kept in captivity for hundreds of years, they are not considered "domesticated" animals. It takes thousands of years of selective breeding to remove the strong natural instincts that wild animals possess. This does not, however, mean that you cannot successfully keep a raccoon as a pet. What it does mean is that you need to be armed with knowledge and a great deal of patience and willingness to train your raccoon in order for it to become a polite member of your family.

The first step towards obtaining your new pet is to check the laws in your area concerning the possession of wildlife. In some states, owning a pet raccoon is considered illegal. In others, a permit may be necessary. Once you are sure that you can legally own a raccoon and have obtained any permits you need, you must find a breeder. Almost all states currently outlaw owning a raccoon that has been found in the wild, unless you have a specific wildlife rehabilitation permit. Raccoon breeders can be difficult to find, but you may be able to contact your local Department of Wildlife for a list.

It is up to you whether you would rather keep your pet raccoon in the house or in an outdoor enclosure, but any location you keep your pet in should be very large. If you decide to keep your pet in the house, they should have the run of the house with a room for themselves including a bed, plenty of things to climb on and lots of things to play with. Since it is in a raccoon's nature to be curious and playful, they do have a tendency to destroy household objects. One way that this can be kept to a minimum is to "raccoon-proof" your home, much like you would for a toddler. It is also a good idea to put locks on any cupboards that you do not wish your animal to get into. Another way to avoid household destruction is to provide your pet with its own belongings, such as toys. If you do this from a young age, they will tend to destroy their own things, not yours. There are many toys that you can give to a raccoon that are fun and engaging. Stuffed animals and balls are favorites, but any toy designed for infants or toddlers should be safe for your pet.

Raccoons are omnivorous animals and, as such, should be given a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, and meat. There are no particular fruits or vegetables that are known to be toxic to raccoons, so try a variety and see what your pet

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