Is it legal to own a raccoon in Kentucky?

VERIFIED 2026-07-03CONFIDENCE: HIGH301 KAR 2:081

The short answer

Banned

Raccoons are native rabies-vector wildlife prohibited from private possession under the native-wildlife rules..

No. Kentucky prohibits keeping native raccoons as pets. Under 301 KAR 2:081 (native wildlife) raccoons are rabies-vector species that cannot be held by the general public, and the state won't issue personal-possession permits for them.

What Kentucky law says

301 KAR 2:081 governs native wildlife; raccoons (Procyon lotor) are treated as rabies-vector species and are prohibited from private possession.

Which agency regulates raccoons in Kentucky

Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources is the authority for raccoon (Procyon lotor) possession in Kentucky.

Is there a permit for pet raccoons?

No. There is no permit pathway that allows private pet ownership. Licensed wildlife rehabilitators and AZA-accredited facilities operate under separate authorizations.

Penalties for owning a raccoon illegally

Wildlife violation; fines and mandatory surrender of the animal.

Local city and county rules

Local governments may add restrictions, but the statewide prohibition on native raccoons already bars private possession.

Legal alternatives in Kentucky

Serval in Kentucky — A tall African wildcat, popular in the exotic cat trade and the parent breed of the Savannah cat.
Sugar Glider in Kentucky — A palm-sized gliding marsupial, legal in most states but banned in a handful of cities and states.

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep a pet raccoon in Kentucky?

No. Native raccoons are rabies-vector wildlife that private individuals can't possess.

What about a captive-bred one?

Still prohibited; the native-wildlife rules bar private possession regardless of source.

Sources

More animals in Kentucky

See all animals on the exotic pet laws in Kentucky 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 Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.