Is it legal to own a raccoon in Washington?
The short answer
No. It is illegal to own a raccoon as a pet in Washington. Raccoons are classified as native wildlife, and state rules prohibit keeping live native wild animals in captivity without a specific license. There is no pet permit for raccoons — the only people who may legally possess one are licensed wildlife rehabilitators, and only temporarily for release.
What Washington law says
Washington rules prohibit the live capture and possession of native wild animals, and raccoons are specifically addressed because they are a rabies-vector species. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) does not issue pet permits for raccoons under any circumstances. Separately, RCW ch. 16.30 bans a list of 'dangerous wild animals' statewide; raccoons are regulated through the wildlife code rather than that list, but the outcome is the same — private pet ownership is not allowed.
Which agency regulates raccoons in Washington
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is the authority for raccoon (Procyon lotor) possession in Washington.
Is there a permit for pet raccoons?
No. There is no permit pathway that allows private pet ownership. Licensed wildlife rehabilitators may temporarily possess injured or orphaned raccoons for treatment and release. Educational and scientific institutions may qualify for separate permits. Neither pathway allows keeping a raccoon as a pet.
Penalties for owning a raccoon illegally
Unlawful possession of wildlife is generally a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor under RCW 77.15, punishable by fines and up to 364 days in jail for gross misdemeanors. The animal is confiscated, and because raccoons are a rabies-vector species, a confiscated raccoon that has bitten or scratched someone is typically euthanized for rabies testing.
Local city and county rules
City and county codes can add further restrictions, but no local rule can make raccoon ownership legal — the statewide prohibition controls.
Legal alternatives in Washington
- Serval in Washington — A tall African wildcat, popular in the exotic cat trade and the parent breed of the Savannah cat.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep a baby raccoon I found in Washington?
No. Keeping a wild raccoon — even an orphaned kit you rescued — is illegal. Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator (WDFW maintains a directory) so the animal can be raised and released legally.
What happens if I'm caught with a pet raccoon in Washington?
Expect confiscation of the animal and a criminal citation under RCW 77.15. If the raccoon has bitten or scratched anyone, it will likely be euthanized for rabies testing, since there is no approved rabies vaccine for raccoons.
Can I get a permit to own a raccoon in Washington?
No. WDFW does not issue pet permits for raccoons. The only permits that allow possession are wildlife rehabilitation, scientific, and educational permits — none of which cover pet ownership.
Are pet raccoons legal in any state near Washington?
Neither Oregon nor Idaho allows raccoons as pets taken from the wild, and California bans them entirely. A small number of states elsewhere allow captive-bred raccoons with permits — check each state's page in our directory.
Sources
- WAC 220-450-030 — Washington State Legislature
- RCW ch. 16.30 — Dangerous wild animals
- WDFW — Living with wildlife: Raccoons
More animals in Washington
- Is it legal to own a serval in Washington?
- Is it legal to own a monkey in Washington?
- Is it legal to own a fennec fox in Washington?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in Washington 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 Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.