Is it legal to own a raccoon in South Carolina?

VERIFIED 2026-07-03CONFIDENCE: HIGHS.C. Code Ann. Rabies Control Act (Title 47); S.C. Code Ann. Title 50, Ch. 16

The short answer

Banned

Raccoons are furbearers and 'nondomesticated carnivores' barred from private ownership by SC's Rabies Control Act..

No. South Carolina classifies raccoons as furbearers, and its Rabies Control Act prohibits the sale, purchase, donation, or transfer of nondomesticated carnivores (raccoons, foxes, skunks, bobcats, etc.) to private individuals. Importing furbearers also requires an SCDNR permit.

What South Carolina law says

SC's Rabies Control Act (S.C. Code Title 47, Ch. 5) bans transferring nondomesticated carnivores like raccoons to private owners, and Title 50, Ch. 16 requires an SCDNR permit to import furbearers.

Which agency regulates raccoons in South Carolina

South Carolina Department of Natural Resources / SC DPH is the authority for raccoon (Procyon lotor) possession in South Carolina.

Is there a permit for pet raccoons?

No. There is no permit pathway that allows private pet ownership. Licensed wildlife rehabilitators and research/educational institutions operate under separate authorizations.

Penalties for owning a raccoon illegally

Misdemeanor; fines and confiscation of the animal.

Local city and county rules

Local ordinances add further restrictions; but the statewide carnivore-transfer ban is the controlling barrier.

Legal alternatives in South Carolina

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

Frequently asked questions

Can I own a pet raccoon in South Carolina?

No. The Rabies Control Act prohibits transferring raccoons and other nondomesticated carnivores to private individuals.

What if I raise one from a kit?

Still prohibited; acquisition/transfer of the animal is what the law bars.

Sources

More animals in South Carolina

See all animals on the exotic pet laws in South Carolina 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 South Carolina Department of Natural Resources / SC DPH and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.