Is it legal to own a raccoon in Ohio?
The short answer
Yes, with a permit. Ohio allows pet raccoons through the ODNR Division of Wildlife's noncommercial propagation permit — a real, commonly used pathway for captive-bred raccoons from legal sources. Wild-caught raccoons cannot simply be kept.
What Ohio law says
Raccoons are native Ohio furbearers regulated by ODNR. A Noncommercial Wild Animal Propagation permit lets you permanently possess (but not sell or trade) listed native species, including raccoons, with enclosure and record requirements. The 2012 Dangerous Wild Animal Act doesn't cover raccoons, so this ODNR permit is the controlling requirement.
Which agency regulates raccoons in Ohio
ODNR Division of Wildlife is the authority for raccoon (Procyon lotor) possession in Ohio.
Is there a permit for pet raccoons?
Yes — the Noncommercial Wild Animal Propagation License, issued by ODNR Division of Wildlife ($25/year (verify current fee)). Licensed rehabilitators and commercial propagators hold separate licenses.
Penalties and enforcement
Unpermitted possession of native wildlife is a misdemeanor under ORC Title 15 wildlife provisions, with confiscation; rabies-vector rules apply after bite incidents.
Local city and county rules
Municipal exotic/wild animal ordinances add restrictions in some Ohio cities.
Legal alternatives in Ohio
- Fennec Fox in Ohio — The world's smallest fox — and one of the few foxes legal to own in several U.S. states.
- Sugar Glider in Ohio — A palm-sized gliding marsupial, legal in most states but banned in a handful of cities and states.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get Ohio's raccoon permit?
Apply to ODNR's Division of Wildlife for a noncommercial propagation license, show a compliant enclosure, and document a captive-bred source. It permits permanent possession but not sale or trade.
Can I keep a raccoon I found in Ohio?
No — wild-taken animals aren't eligible. Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator instead.
Sources
More animals in Ohio
- Is it legal to own a monkey in Ohio?
- Is it legal to own a serval in Ohio?
- Is it legal to own a fennec fox in Ohio?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in Ohio 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 ODNR Division of Wildlife and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.