Have you ever wanted to keep a pet raccoon? Well, there’s good news if you live in Tennessee. According to WATE News, the state’s new laws went into effect in July 2026, making it easier for you to keep one of these masked cuties as a pet.
The publication says a bill waiving permit fees was sponsored by Senator Joey Hensley and Representative Kip Capley, which came to be after several Tennessee residents expressed interest in keeping the wild animals as pets but frustration over the permitting process. And while the state’s previous rules are still in place when it comes to owning a raccoon (especially when it comes to where the animal comes from), the new law will make it less expensive to get started.
However, that doesn’t mean everyone should run out to the local forests to snag a raccoon for themselves. While it’s now easier to have one of these pets, there are still plenty of rules and regulations required (AKA: you can’t just snatch these creatures from the wild).
Additionally, the state still warns against raccoons as pets due to their temperament and wild nature. Here’s what we know.
You No Longer Need to Pay $31 for a Permit
WATE News reports that the permit fee has been lifted for Tennesseans who want to bring home a pet raccoon. While the publication says that you’ll still need a permit, you won’t have to pony up the cash to get one. According to the state government’s website, the Wildlife Possession Permit Application for Class II Animals now has a special section for the animal, which lists the cost at $0.
However, the previous requirements are still in effect, including the fact that the animal has to be obtained legally (not caught in the wild), must be vaccinated, should be a non-native species, and must have a valid permit.
Apparently, the change has been a long time coming, according to Representative Jeremy Faison, who spoke with a WKRN State Capitol Reporter during this year’s legislative session about the animals. “You’d be surprised how many people in Tennessee have reached out and said, ‘We can’t wait for one of these. I’m so excited, thank you!’ Lots and lots. Hundreds, maybe thousands,” Faison said at the time.
While many people may want a pet raccoon in the state, and Tennessee legislators may see the benefits in making them more accessible to the public, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency still advises against bringing these wild animals into your home, no matter how cute they are.
That’s because they can become aggressive when they are frustrated or angry. Not only that, but they can be very destructive, which can put you, your home, and your other pets at risk.
Where Can You Legally Keep a Pet Raccoon
If you don’t live in a state where it’s legal to keep one of these wild animals as a pet, you may be shocked to know that there are actually several spots in the U.S. where you can do this. According to World Population Review, it’s legal to keep a pet raccoon in states like Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Most of these states still require a permit, and most of them come with additional rules and regulations surrounding these pets, so it’s best to check with your local municipality to find out what you need to do before you bring one of these cute critters home.