Many people dream of having a pet raccoon, but wonder if they can legally keep one in the Garden State. Yes, it is legal to own a raccoon in New Jersey, but only with proper permits and strict compliance with state regulations. New Jersey allows raccoon ownership under specific conditions that protect both the animals and public safety.
The process involves more than just deciding you want a furry masked companion. You’ll need to navigate permit requirements, find licensed breeders, and meet ongoing responsibilities that many potential owners don’t expect. The state treats raccoons as exotic animals with special needs and potential risks.
Before you fall in love with the idea of a pet raccoon, you should understand the full legal framework, costs, and daily realities of ownership.
This guide covers everything from permit applications to the serious responsibilities involved, plus explores other legal exotic pets that might better suit your lifestyle and budget.
Legal Status Of Raccoon Ownership In New Jersey
You can legally own a raccoon in New Jersey, but only with proper permits. The state classifies raccoons as captive game species, not typical pets.
Required Permits
You need two specific permits to legally own a raccoon:
- Captive Game Permit – Required for possession ($12 fee)
- Importation Permit – Needed if bringing the raccoon from another state
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection confirms these permit requirements for raccoon ownership.
Strict Acquisition Rules
You cannot capture wild raccoons. All raccoons must come from licensed breeders only.
Currently, no breeders for raccoons exist in New Jersey. You must import your raccoon from out-of-state licensed facilities.
Health and Safety Requirements
Raccoons are rabies vector species. You can only obtain them from states with the same rabies variants as New Jersey.
You need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection dated within 30 days before bringing the raccoon into New Jersey.
Legal Consequences
Operating without permits makes raccoon ownership illegal. Wildlife authorities can confiscate unlicensed animals and impose penalties.
The state recommends contacting the Wildlife Permits Unit before purchasing to confirm breeder acceptability. This prevents costly mistakes and legal issues.
Permit Requirements And Restrictions
You need two separate permits to legally own a raccoon in New Jersey. The first is a captive game permit for possession of any game species within the state.
The second required permit is an importation permit if you bring the raccoon from another state. You must obtain this permit before the animal enters New Jersey.
Application Process:
- Download and complete the Initial Captive Game Permit Application
- Submit with a $12.00 permit fee
- Complete the Application to Import Game Animals if bringing from out-of-state
You cannot capture wild raccoons and keep them as pets. All raccoons must come from licensed breeders only.
Veterinary Requirements:
A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection must accompany your import application. This certificate must be dated within 30 days of the raccoon entering New Jersey.
Geographic Restrictions:
Raccoons can only come from states with the same rabies variants as New Jersey. You should contact the Wildlife Permits Unit to confirm if your chosen breeder’s state qualifies before making a deposit.
Current Availability:
No licensed raccoon breeders currently operate in New Jersey. You must purchase from an approved out-of-state breeder, which requires the importation permit and veterinary inspection.
The state recommends verifying breeder approval before placing any deposits to avoid complications with your permit applications.
Responsibilities And Risks Of Owning A Raccoon
Owning a raccoon requires significant daily commitment. You must provide two meals per day and maintain a constant water supply.
Raccoons need large spaces to explore and climb. Small cages or bedrooms cause stress and behavioral problems.
Daily Care Requirements:
- Raccoon-proof your entire home
- Set up and maintain a litter box
- Provide several hours of interactive playtime
- Clean up after messy eating habits
You must build a secure outdoor enclosure with a roof. This gives your raccoon safe supervised outdoor time.
Health Risks
Raccoons carry serious diseases including rabies, canine distemper, and raccoon roundworm. These can spread to humans and other pets.
Finding veterinary care proves challenging. Most vets lack experience treating raccoons.
Behavioral Challenges
Raccoons are naturally destructive animals. They will chew furniture, tear bedding, and knock over items.
Their dexterous paws allow them to open latches and escape secured areas. You must constantly upgrade your raccoon-proofing efforts.
Intelligence brings problems. Raccoons solve problems to get into forbidden areas. They remember how to repeat troublesome behaviors.
Financial Costs
Expect high veterinary bills for exotic animal care. Specialized diets cost more than regular pet food.
Property damage from their destructive nature creates ongoing repair expenses. Insurance may not cover raccoon-related damages.
Alternative Legal Exotic Pets In New Jersey
If raccoon ownership seems too complicated, New Jersey allows several other exotic pets with proper permits. These animals require less paperwork and have clearer regulations.
Permitted Exotic Animals:
| Animal | Permit Required | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar Gliders | No | Basic care knowledge |
| Hedgehogs | No | Veterinary access |
| Ferrets | No | Local ordinance check |
| Chinchillas | No | Temperature control |
| Axolotls | No | Aquatic setup |
Easier Options Without Permits
Sugar gliders make popular pets and need no special permits. They are social animals that bond with owners. Hedgehogs are quiet and low-maintenance compared to raccoons.
Ferrets are playful and can be litter trained. They need regular veterinary care but have no state restrictions. Chinchillas are gentle and live 10-15 years with proper care.
Animals Requiring Permits
Some exotic pets legal in New Jersey need permits but are easier to obtain than raccoon permits. Emus and other large birds require captive game permits. Certain reptiles like ball pythons need basic documentation.
Local Rules Still Apply
Check your local town rules before getting any exotic pet. Some cities ban specific animals even when the state allows them. Your homeowner’s association may also have restrictions.
These alternatives give you exotic pet ownership without raccoon-level complexity. They often have established care guides and veterinary support networks.
