Is it legal to own a raccoon in Nevada?
The short answer
No. Nevada — otherwise one of the most permissive exotic pet states — prohibits raccoons outright as rabies-vector wildlife. No pet permits are issued.
What Nevada law says
NAC 503.110 lists species prohibited from private possession; raccoons, foxes, and skunks are on it for rabies-control reasons even as monkeys and exotic cats remain legal.
Which agency regulates raccoons in Nevada
Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) is the authority for raccoon (Procyon lotor) possession in Nevada.
Is there a permit for pet raccoons?
No. There is no permit pathway that allows private pet ownership.
Penalties for owning a raccoon illegally
Misdemeanor possession, seizure, and destruction of the animal for rabies testing after any bite.
Local city and county rules
Statewide prohibition controls; Clark County adds its own exotic rules.
Frequently asked questions
Nevada allows monkeys — why not raccoons?
Nevada's list targets rabies-vector and invasive-risk species specifically. Raccoons, foxes, and skunks are prohibited on disease grounds; primates never made the list.
Sources
More animals in Nevada
- Is it legal to own a monkey in Nevada?
- Is it legal to own a serval in Nevada?
- Is it legal to own a fennec fox in Nevada?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in Nevada 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 Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.