Is it legal to own a raccoon in Tennessee?
The short answer
Yes, with a permit. Raccoons are Class II wildlife (native species) in Tennessee: personal possession requires a TWRA wildlife possession permit, renewed annually, with the animal from a legal captive source — not the wild.
What Tennessee law says
T.C.A. §70-4-403 classifies wildlife; Class II covers native species like raccoons and requires a TWRA possession permit with facility standards and records.
Which agency regulates raccoons in Tennessee
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is the authority for raccoon (Procyon lotor) possession in Tennessee.
Is there a permit for pet raccoons?
Yes — the TWRA Wildlife Possession Permit (Class II), issued by Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) (~$31/year (verify current fee)).
Penalties and enforcement
Unpermitted possession is a Class C misdemeanor per animal with confiscation; rabies-vector rules apply to bites.
Local city and county rules
Local ordinances may add restrictions.
Legal alternatives in Tennessee
- Sugar Glider in Tennessee — 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 Tennessee's Class II permit?
Apply to TWRA with your facility details and the captive-bred source documentation; renew annually.
Can I keep a raccoon I found in Tennessee?
No — wild-taken animals aren't eligible; contact a licensed rehabilitator.
Sources
More animals in Tennessee
- Is it legal to own a monkey in Tennessee?
- Is it legal to own a serval in Tennessee?
- Is it legal to own a fennec fox in Tennessee?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in Tennessee 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 Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.