Is it legal to own a raccoon in Georgia?
The short answer
No. Georgia prohibits keeping raccoons as pets. Native status doesn't help — Georgia's wild animal law requires licenses that are only issued for commercial, scientific, educational, or exhibition purposes, never personal pets.
What Georgia law says
O.C.G.A. Title 27, ch. 5 requires a wild animal license or permit for listed animals, and DNR's regulations make clear pet ownership isn't a qualifying purpose. Raccoons are also rabies-vector natives handled through rehabilitator licensing only.
Which agency regulates raccoons in Georgia
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division (Special Permit Unit) is the authority for raccoon (Procyon lotor) possession in Georgia.
Is there a permit for pet raccoons?
No. There is no permit pathway that allows private pet ownership. Wild animal licenses go to commercial, exhibition, scientific, and educational operations — not pet owners. A narrow permit exists for capuchin monkeys assisting mobility-impaired persons.
Penalties for owning a raccoon illegally
Unlawful possession of a wild animal is a misdemeanor under Title 27, with seizure of the animal. Inherently dangerous species add liability-insurance requirements even for the licensed commercial holders who can possess them.
Local city and county rules
The statewide scheme controls; local rules only add restrictions.
Legal alternatives in Georgia
- Sugar Glider in Georgia — A palm-sized gliding marsupial, legal in most states but banned in a handful of cities and states.
Frequently asked questions
Can I rescue and keep an orphaned raccoon in Georgia?
No — transfer it to a DNR-licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Keeping it is a misdemeanor.
Does Georgia issue any pet permits for native wildlife?
No. Wild animal licenses are for commercial, scientific, educational, or exhibition purposes only.
Sources
More animals in Georgia
- Is it legal to own a monkey in Georgia?
- Is it legal to own a serval in Georgia?
- Is it legal to own a fennec fox in Georgia?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in Georgia 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 Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division (Special Permit Unit) and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.