Is It Legal To Have A Pet Raccoon In Tennessee
Introduction
What you are doing is illegal, and we would advise against it.
You may not have been wondering, but you certainly were not alone.
You may not have been wondering, but you certainly were not alone. Raccoons are wild animals, and they are not legal to own as pets in Tennessee or most states. If you see a raccoon for sale for $20 at the pet store, it is illegal to buy it (and if you did buy it, you would be breaking the law).
Raccoons often get into houses and do damage because they’re looking for food or shelter—or even just because they want some company! They are smart enough to open doors with latches and can be very destructive when they get inside your house. Even if your raccoon doesn’t do much damage while he’s in your house, once he gets out again he might bite someone who tries to catch him or her!
The short answer is no.
The short answer is no. Raccoons are not legal pets in Tennessee. They are listed as one of the species that can be owned in the state, but only with a permit from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Other non-native critters that require a permit include white tailed deer, coyote, beaver, bobcat and fox.
Raccoons are not listed as one of the species that can be owned in the state.
While raccoons are adorable and enjoyable to have as pets, Tennessee is one of the few states that does not allow them to be kept as such. Raccoons are not allowed in Tennessee by law.
The state has a list of animals that can be legally kept as pets, and raccoons are not on it. While you may be able to find a breeders willing to sell you a pet raccoon for $300, this will technically be against the law if you live in Tennessee.
The full list includes white tailed deer, coyote, beaver, bobcat and fox.
The full list includes white tailed deer, coyote, beaver, bobcat and fox.
The following animals are illegal to own in Tennessee
- Skunks
- Wolves
- Bears
- Hyenas
It is against state law to keep a pet raccoon without a permit from the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency.
If you have a raccoon as a pet in Tennessee, the state requires you to obtain a permit for the animal from the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency. If you fail to get this permit, or if your raccoon is discovered and removed from your property by officials without it, you will face steep penalties.
If you take an illegal raccoon from the wild, as opposed to buying one at a pet store or breeder, there are even higher penalties. These include up to six months in jail and fines of $1,000 per day that the animal was held illegally on your property. Note that these fines do not apply if you were unaware that having this animal was illegal (for example if someone gave it to you).
A violation could result in fines and fees up to $2,500.
A violation could result in fines and fees up to $2,500. The amount of the fine depends on the severity of the violation. If there are multiple violations or if your pet raccoon causes harm to someone or an animal, you may face higher fines and fees.
The penalty increases to a class C misdemeanor if someone takes a raccoon from the wild.
Violating this law is a class C misdemeanor. You can be fined up to $50 and spend up to 30 days in jail for violating this law.
If you take a raccoon from the wild, you will be in violation of the law and subject to prosecution by state law enforcement agencies or even U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service agents.
Anyone who obtains a permit must abide by all laws regarding rabies vaccinations of their animal.
In Tennessee, anyone who obtains a permit must abide by all laws regarding rabies vaccinations of their animal.
In order to get a permit, you will need to take your raccoon to the vet to have it vaccinated against rabies. Your veterinarian will be able to tell you how often your raccoon needs to be vaccinated in order for it become legal in this state.
Don’t get a pet raccoon in Tennessee unless you know what you’re doing!
- Don’t get a raccoon as a pet unless you are absolutely sure about what you’re doing.
- You will need to find a reputable breeder, rescue organization, and veterinarian before getting your raccoon.
Conclusion
The state does not have a permit for raccoons and you should consult with your local wildlife resource office before going through the process of obtaining one.
If you own a raccoon in Tennessee, be sure to follow all laws regarding rabies vaccinations so that you can avoid fines or penalties. We hope this has been helpful information on whether or not it’s legal to have pet raccoons in Tennessee!