Can I Keep a Raccoon as a Pet in Kentucky?

Whether you have found an exotic raccoon breeder or picked up an abandoned pup, you may be thinking about adding a new pet to the family. But before you do, it is important to review the local and federal laws that govern exotic pet possession and ownership. Continue reading to learn whether or not Kentucky has laws against or surrounding raccoons as pets.

Raccoon Removal and Control 502-553-7622

Raccoon Removal and Control 502-553-7622

Kentucky Exotic Pets

All states have laws regarding exotic pet ownership and breeding, all of which differ greatly. Some allow exotic pets, such as bears, large cats, wolf hybrids, venomous reptiles, marine animals, rodents, and more; while others strictly prohibit any type of non-domestic animal possession. The short answer to whether or not you can have a pet raccoon in Kentucky is no. In Kentucky, owning a pet raccoon is against the law. More specifically, “No person may possess an inherently dangerous animal, including primates, dangerous reptiles, bears, large cats and more.”

So if you have found someone selling pet raccoons that they have bred themselves, steer clear. And if you found a stray baby raccoon, do not attempt to interact with it at all. Even if it were legal to domesticate a raccoon as a pet, you wouldn’t want to. See our article, “Raccoons Do Not Make Good Pets” to learn why.

What to Do If You Find a Baby Raccoon

If you discover a baby raccoon, whether on your property or in a public area, your first response should be to keep your distance. Never attempt to touch, trap, harm, or kill a wild animal under any circumstances, especially raccoons. Not only are raccoons capable of scratching you with their long, sharp claws, or biting you with their sharp teeth, they are also known carriers of several infectious diseases, such as Rabies, Roundworm, Distemper, and more. These diseases are transmissible to both people and pets, making a stray a dangerous presence to have around.

Upon finding a raccoon pup, be sure to keep your pets away by placing them inside the house or keeping them on a leash. Once you have your pets protected and secured, contact a licensed Louisville raccoon removal and control company for safe animal rescue and relocation services. They have the proper permits, training, and resources to humanely transport and relocate raccoons to a safe and far away habitat.

Louisville Raccoon Removal and Control

Louisville Raccoon Removal

Louisville Raccoon Removal 502-553-7622

If you are experiencing raccoon problems, let us help. We offer 24 hour raccoon removal, as well as, raccoon proofing and prevention, minor restorations for raccoon damages, raccoon cleanup, and much more. We are DNR licensed and insured, and provide both residential and commercial raccoon control services in Louisville, Kentucky and throughout its surrounding areas. Call us directly at 502-553-7622 to request a free estimate or advice, today.