How to Adopt Pet Skunks
Skunks are known for their foul odors and striking black and white fur. What is perhaps less known about them is that they can make good pets, if cared for by a loving and knowledgeable owner. Keeping a skunk as a pet requires lots of patience and research, but if you're up for the challenge you can make it happen.
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Instructions
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Contact your local animal shelter. Some animal shelters will take in and adopt out skunks. Check to see if yours has any available.
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Seek out skunk rescue groups. There are many rescue groups on the Internet and those who work for these organizations will be able to provide you with lots of helpful information. They may also recommend veterinarians who treat skunks.
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Consult a skunk breeder. Oftentimes, these breeders can be found in your local paper or through pet stores, depending on where you live. Try to find breeders who sell skunks as pets. Be sure to visit the breeder and take a look at her breeding skunks and the environment in which the skunks are kept. A reputable breeder should have no problems with agreeing to this and if your prospective breeder does, take this as a warning sign and find another. It is important for the skunks and their habitats to look healthy and clean. If you acquire a skunk from a breeder who doesn't have healthy animals, you may end up with a sick skunk.
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Tips & Warnings
Before you attempt to adopt a skunk, make sure that having skunks as pets is legal in your state. Contact your state government, such as your Department of Natural Resources or the Fish and Game Commission, or the US Department of Agriculture to find out the legality issues of owning a skunk in your state. In some states it is downright illegal to own a skunk, but in others it is legal or acceptable with a permit. If you live in a state in which it is illegal to own a skunk but you do so anyway, your skunk may be confiscated and euthanized if found.
Find a veterinarian who treats skunks before you adopt a skunk. Skunks need to receive vaccines and may need other medical care. If you cannot find a veterinarian in your area who sees skunks, you may want to reconsider your adoption choice.
