In Texas, raccoons aren’t treated like normal pets and the rules governing them are much stricter than people expect. Even though they look cute and trainable, the law considers them wild animals that require state oversight. Texas classifies raccoons as fur-bearing wildlife, which means private ownership is tightly controlled and not something the average resident can legally do. If you’re thinking of keeping a raccoon as a pet in Texas, the simple fact is: you cannot legally own one as a typical household pet. The state classifies raccoons as fur-bearing wildlife, and only certain permits allow individuals or organizations to possess them under strict conditions.
What Texas Law Says About Raccoons?
- Under the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) regulations, raccoons fall into the category of “fur-bearing animals” and are considered wildlife rather than domesticated pets.
- To import or possess a fur-bearing animal like a raccoon, a person must obtain a Furbearing Animal Import Permit from TPWD, plus a veterinarian health certificate and a letter of authorization from the Texas Department of Health for animals such as raccoons.
- TPWD’s legal guidance states that private ownership for pet purposes is not covered under the standard pet statutes and is prohibited without proper wildlife permits.
What That Means for Private Ownership
What you can do:
- If you are a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, educational institution, or have state approval under TPWD rules, you might legally possess a raccoon.
- You can apply for specific wildlife permits for fur-bearing animal propagation or exhibition. These are not typical pet licenses.
What you cannot do:
- You cannot simply buy a raccoon and keep it as a household pet in Texas. The state law does not allow raccoons to be treated as domestic animals.
- Possession without the necessary permit may lead to citation, confiscation of the animal, and other legal consequences.
Why Texas Maintains the Ban for Pets
- Wild-animal behavior and risk: Raccoons are wild by nature—nocturnal, destructive, and can carry diseases such as rabies. Texas regulators cite safety and welfare reasons for prohibiting private pet ownership.
- Conservation and wild-life protection: Law treats raccoons under wildlife protections, meaning they’re not simply a pet commodity but part of the state’s natural ecosystem.
- Health regulations: The permit requirements (health certificates, letter of authorization) reflect the state’s concern with zoonotic disease and wild-animal trade.
What You Should Keep in Mind If You’re Considering a Raccoon
- Check if you hold the necessary permits wildlife rehabilitation, education, or propagation—not just a pet license.
- Even with a permit, ensure you meet housing, health, and welfare requirements laid out by TPWD and Texas health authorities.
- If you find someone advertising raccoons as pets in Texas, be aware the transaction may be illegal, and the seller may not have the required permit.
- Be vigilant about local city/county ordinances some localities may have additional restrictions or enforcement policies regarding wild animals.
- Consider the long-term cost and responsibility: wild-animal behavior, specialized care, and legal risk all make raccoons a difficult pet choice.
Final Take
In Texas, you cannot legally keep a raccoon as a typical pet unless you’re operating under a specialized wildlife permit from TPWD or meet the narrow criteria for licensed rehabilitation or educational use. For the vast majority of residents, raccoons remain illegal to own as household pets. If you are exploring exotic or wildlife pets, you should consult the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and local authorities before proceeding.
