Is it legal to own a raccoon in California?
The short answer
No. Raccoons are restricted species under 14 CCR §671, and California does not issue restricted species permits for personal pets. California is among the strictest states in the country on this — even animals legal nearly everywhere else are barred here.
What California law says
California regulation 14 CCR §671 lists the animals that cannot be imported, transported, or possessed without a CDFW permit, and raccoons are included under Order Carnivora. CDFW's permits cover research, exhibition, education, and shelter — not pets. Native wild raccoons are additionally protected under Fish and Game Code take rules.
Which agency regulates raccoons in California
California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is the authority for raccoon (Procyon lotor) possession in California.
Is there a permit for pet raccoons?
No. There is no permit pathway that allows private pet ownership. CDFW issues restricted species permits only for research, public exhibition, education, or sheltering — never for personal pets.
Penalties for owning a raccoon illegally
Misdemeanor possession: fines commonly $500–$10,000 plus costs (including care and removal of the animal), up to 6 months in jail, and seizure. CDFW actively enforces, including at borders and via online-sale investigations.
Local city and county rules
No local rule can override the statewide restriction — California's list controls everywhere in the state.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get any permit for a pet raccoon in California?
No. CDFW restricted species permits are limited to research, exhibition, education, and shelter purposes. There is no personal-pet category.
What if I move to California already owning a raccoon?
There's no grandfather provision for restricted species pets. Bringing the animal into the state is itself a violation — importation is barred by the same regulation.
Who enforces this?
CDFW wildlife officers, with support from local animal control and border agricultural inspection stations. Online-sale stings are a real enforcement channel.
Sources
More animals in California
- Is it legal to own a monkey in California?
- Is it legal to own a serval in California?
- Is it legal to own a fennec fox in California?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in California page, or compare every state on the pet raccoon laws by state page.
Last verified 2026-07-02 against the cited primary sources. This is a research directory, not legal advice — confirm current rules with California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.