How to Buy a Pet Raccoon

Masked Marauder

Many people find the idea of owning a wild animal a fascinating and fun thing to do. Yet, buying one can be a complicated endeavor (as can owning one).If you have your heart set on owning a raccoon as a pet and you have researched the idea properly, here are some tips that may help you on search for buying one.

Things You'll Need

• A phone book
• A computer

Instructions

Research the animal.

1. First, know what you are getting when and if you purchase a raccoon. Do you realize that a raccoon could do damage to your property if you do not care for it properly? For instance, raccoons are known for digging up cable wires. You may want to check out this site: http://www.mnsi.net/~remocoon/index2.htm It gives details on how to care and feed raccoons from babies until their senior years.Next make sure it is legal for you to own one in the state you reside. This site will give you an idea if it is legal in your state, http://www.mnsi.net/~remocoon/regulats.htm. You may want to check your local wildlife department because the list has not been updated in a while.

2. Consult a breeder.A breeder is a person who will know a lot about raccoons. He can advise you on their care and feeding.You may be able to find a breeder locally. You could check in your local phone book under the sub section of animals or just breeders.You could check your local newspapers classified ads.You could ask around and see if anyone knows any breeders ( a good place to ask would be a pet store).Finally, you could check online. There are many sites that cater to breeding and breeders who actually sells animals including raccoons such as: http://www.awesomeexotics.com/photo4.html

3. Buy at your local pet store.This would be an ideal situation if any your local pet stores actually sell exotic animals. If they do not and you know for sure that it is legal to own such animals in your state, you may want to ask the employees if they know of any pet stores that do sell raccoons.

4. Buying raccoons from ads you find in animal magazines.Yes, just like everything else that is bought and sold, you can find ads for exotic animals such as raccoons in magazines, in this case animal magazines. But remember the term buyer beware.You shouldn't buy a raccoon sight unseen. If you do, you will not have a chance to see how the animal has been raised and housed. You also will not be able to tell beforehand if the animal looks fit and healthy.If you do see an intriguing ad for a raccoon and you can find any other way to purchase, call or write. Then try your best to make arrangements to see the raccoon in person before you purchase. Yes, this may mean you have to travel. Be sure to buy an appropriate cage to house the raccoon in for traveling purposes, in case you do decide to go ahead with purchase.

5. Check with local flea market vendors to see if they know of any animal swap days that may be scheduled within your area.Swap days are usually events in which there are many vendors, including animal vendors. These animals usually have been raised by the people selling them. Again, before purchasing make sure you have an adequate cage to bring the animal home and that you actually physically look at the animal closely. Look for signs that may indicate the animal is sick.

6. Check with your local city and apply for any appropriate licensing you may need, if you indeed do buy a raccoon and turn it into your newest family pet.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to research the care and feeding of a raccoon before you purchase one.

• Be sure that you can legal own a pet raccoon in your state before purchasing.

Resources

• www.mnsi.net
• www.mnsi.net/recoon/regulats