There are several popular social media channels showcasing the inquisitive and intelligent behavior of pet raccoons. It makes sense why people would want a raccoon as a pet. They appear cute and cuddly. They are clever and resourceful critters.
But raccoons do not make good pets.
From the serious health risks they pose to the extensive damage they can cause, adopting a raccoon is fraught with challenges that far outweigh any perceived benefits. This article will explore seven key factors that demonstrate why raccoons should be appreciated from a distance, rather than welcomed into our living spaces.
Here are seven reasons to resist the urge to adopt one of these masked bandits as a pet.
1) Rabies and Other Infectious Diseases
 Studies show that raccoons make up nearly 30% of all rabies cases in the United States. Raccoons also carry zoonic parasites and infectious diseases that can spread to you, your family, and your pets.
Raccoons also carry fleas and ticks. Both of which can spread to people and pets introducing another whole host of problems.
 Additionally, raccoon droppings can cause raccoon roundworm (baylisascaris procyonis); a parasitic worm that can harm both humans and pets. The egg spores in the raccoon droppings are light and can quickly become airborne, resulting in a dangerous infection.
Common Raccoon Diseases:
- Rabies
- Baylisascaris procyonis (raccoon roundworm)
- Leptospirosis
- Giardiasis
- Salmonella
- Canine distemper
2) Behavior and Temperament
Raccoons are smart, curious, active, and playful animals. However, they are also demanding, attention-seeking, and unpredictable.
Born to roam wild, raccoons act out when held captive. When trapped in confinement, they will use their long, dexterous, tapered fingers and nails to pry their way out.
Simply put: Adopting any wild animal as a pet is extremely dangerous. Their instincts will often override any “training” you try to impart on them, and they will always act in unpredictable ways.
3) Known to Act Out if Unhappy
Once a raccoon reaches sexual maturity, the cute and cuddly baby becomes unpredictable.
When upset or moody, raccoons can act like hormonal teenagers. These selfish critters can turn vengeful, aggressive, and territorial in an instant all to assert their dominance.
Their tendency to act out makes interacting with others close to impossible. In a human home, raccoons often feel trapped—which can stir up extra agitation and hatred to fuel the fire.
Raccoons cannot be tamed! It is unsafe to have an adult raccoon trapped in your home with children (or anyone) present!
4) Damage to House
Raccoons are roamers. The natural range for a raccoon is one to three miles. Locking them inside of a house goes against their nature. They need large, open spaces.
Wild animals get irritable if caged in one place for too long. Trapped raccoons will reach out from the cage, grab onto anything within reach, and destroy it. Once let out, they will explore every square inch of your house.
Translation? Say hello to torn and scratched furniture, chewed-up cords, and broken valuables everywhere.
 Everything must be not only child-proof but also raccoon-proof. Now that’s a lot to ask for.
5) Say Goodbye to Your Time and Money
Taking care of a raccoon as a pet is a full-time job that can break the bank over time. To ensure a raccoon doesn’t escape; you would need to invest in an expensive cage that locks and is sturdy enough to handle a lot of shenanigans.
What do raccoons eat?
Grocery stores do not carry a bag of raccoon feed in their pet aisle. Raccoons are omnivorous animals, meaning they eat both plants and meat. If you are considering keeping a raccoon as a pet, it is important to provide a varied and balanced diet to meet their nutritional needs. Raccoons should be fed a combination of:
- High-quality commercial raccoon or omnivore diet
- Fresh fruits and vegetables (e.g. apples, berries, carrots, lettuce)
- Cooked lean proteins (e.g. chicken, turkey, eggs)
- Nuts and seeds
- Clean, fresh water at all times
Raccoons also require a lot of fiber in their diet, so it’s important to include plenty of leafy greens and other high-fiber foods. Additionally, their diet should be supplemented with vitamins and minerals to ensure they are getting all the nutrients they need. Proper nutrition is crucial for a raccoon’s overall health and well-being when kept as a pet.
A captive raccoon is prone to obesity.
What about vets?
Only 13 states allow you to keep a raccoon as a pet. If you live in one of the other 37 states, you won’t be able to find a vet to legal treat a raccoon. You will most likely need to travel to find a vet to care for your raccoon.
Then, add on the cost of house damage repairs from emotional outbursts and mischievous behavior. It all adds up.
6) Nearly Impossible to Potty Train
Due to their stubborn nature, raccoons can be difficult to potty train.
While they can be trained to use a litterbox, if you irritate them, they will willfully punish you by having accidents around the home; raccoons hold grudges!
7) Adapted to a Nocturnal Lifestyle
As a nocturnal species, raccoons are most active at night. For raccoons held in captivity, this can pose a problem, as most humans sleep during the day.
Pet raccoons may keep you up at night by scratching their cage or escaping and causing trouble in your home while you sleep.
What’s the Difference Between Keeping an Adult Raccoons as a Pet and Caring for an Orphaned Baby Raccoon?
Wildlife rehabilitators care for orphaned juvenile raccoons to release them back into the wild. Depending on the raccoon kit, it usually happens around 12 weeks but a healthy 10-week-old raccoon kit can be released.
Providing a safe, secure, and comfortable enclosure: Rehabilitators create a spacious, enriched environment that mimics the raccoon’s natural habitat, with hiding spots, branches, and toys to encourage natural behaviors.
Feeding a nutritious diet: Raccoons are omnivores, so rehabilitators provide a balanced diet of high-quality commercial raccoon food, fruits, vegetables, and occasional protein sources.
Administering medical care: Rehabilitators closely monitor the raccoons’ health, providing veterinary treatment for any injuries or illnesses, and administering necessary medications or supplements.
Socializing and preparing for release: Rehabilitators work to maintain the raccoons’ natural wariness of humans, while also socializing them with other juvenile raccoons to learn important survival skills.
Gradual release to the wild: When the raccoons are healthy and have developed the necessary survival skills, rehabilitators will release them back into their natural habitat, often in a protected area near where they were found.