Is it legal to own a raccoon in Arkansas?
The short answer
Yes. Arkansas famously lets a household keep up to six captive-bred native animals — raccoons included — as personal pets without a permit. Beyond six you need a Wildlife Breeder/Dealer Permit, and the animals cannot be bred or sold freely.
What Arkansas law says
AGFC Code 09.14 allows possession of up to six commercially obtained, captive-born native wildlife (opossums, rabbits, raccoons, squirrels) per household; raccoons stay off the importation/breeding lists (Addendum R1.03) but personal possession is permitted.
Which agency regulates raccoons in Arkansas
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is the authority for raccoon (Procyon lotor) possession in Arkansas.
Is there a permit for pet raccoons?
No permit is required at the state level. Animals must be captive-born and from a legal source; wild-caught raccoons follow separate rules and cannot be sold.
Penalties and enforcement
Exceeding six animals without a breeder/dealer permit, or importing raccoons, violates AGFC code and can bring fines and seizure.
Local city and county rules
Many Arkansas cities ban raccoons and other wildlife pets; local ordinances control.
Legal alternatives in Arkansas
- Sugar Glider in Arkansas — A palm-sized gliding marsupial, legal in most states but banned in a handful of cities and states.
- Serval in Arkansas — A tall African wildcat, popular in the exotic cat trade and the parent breed of the Savannah cat.
Frequently asked questions
How many raccoons can I own in Arkansas?
Up to six captive-bred native animals total per household without a permit.
Can I import a raccoon into Arkansas?
No — raccoons are on the no-importation list; only in-state captive-bred animals qualify.
Sources
More animals in Arkansas
- Is it legal to own a monkey in Arkansas?
- Is it legal to own a serval in Arkansas?
- Is it legal to own a fennec fox in Arkansas?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in Arkansas page, or compare every state on the pet raccoon laws by state page.
Last verified 2026-07-03 against the cited primary sources. This is a research directory, not legal advice — confirm current rules with Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.