Raccoon Revelry: Unleashing the Truth About Pet Raccoons in WA

Is it legal to have a raccoon as a pet in Washington? Recently we read about a woman with more than 100 raccoons on her property. The critters had taken over her yard and she fled to her vehicle for safety. She called 911 for help. The woman had been feeding the animals for 35-years. It was normal for the raccoons to tap on her windows and door for food.

If you don't want raccoons on your property, don’t give them access to your garbage.

Keep your garbage can lid on tight. Keep your cans in tightfitting bins, a shed, or a garage. As cute as these critters might seem, they can be outright rascals.

Can you legally have a raccoon as a pet in Washington?

According to the Washington State Department of Agriculture, (WSDA) website:

It is illegal to own animals that may infect people with rabies. Animals illegal to own under this law include:
• Bats
• Skunks
• Foxes
• Raccoons
• Coyotes

It is NOT legal to have a pet raccoon in the state of Washington. Part of the reason is the risk of rabies. According to the Washington Department of Health:

Rabies is a severe viral disease that affects the central nervous system. It is almost always fatal. All warm-blooded mammals including humans are susceptible to rabies.

It is legal to have a raccoon as a pet in the following states:

Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Nebraska, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

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James Blackwood is known as the "Raccoon Whisperer" on Youtube. Check out one of his videos.