A current trend on Tik Tok of people finding and “adopting” raccoons as pets creates questions on the legality of having them as pets. Owning exotic pets has always been a controversial topic, and raccoons are no exception. Raccoons are known for being intelligent and curious animals, which often makes them appealing as pets to some people. However, there are many legal and ethical considerations when it comes to owning raccoons as pets.
The legality of owning raccoons as pets varies from state to state and even from city to city. In some places, it is illegal to own a raccoon as a pet, while in others it may be legal with the proper permits and licenses. The reasons for these laws typically stem from concerns about public health and safety, as well as the safety of the animals themselves.
Raccoons are known carriers of diseases such as rabies, distemper, and roundworm, which can be transmitted to humans and other pets. This presents a public health risk, especially if the raccoon were to escape or meet other animals or people. Also, raccoons are wild animals that have specific dietary and environmental requirements that can be difficult to meet in a domestic setting. Keeping a raccoon as a pet could potentially lead to stress, and other health issues for the animal.
In conclusion it seems irresponsible to keep a racoon as a pet for multipole reasons, along with it being illegal in Virginia, no matter how cute and cuddly they seem, raccoons are still wild animals and removing them from their natural habitat is wrong.