How to Get a Permit to Own a Raccoon in Utah

In most cases, a Utah resident cannot get a permit simply to keep a raccoon as a pet. Raccoons are wildlife, and possession is regulated by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR). A permit or other authorization may be available for a qualifying purpose—such as wildlife rehabilitation, education, or research—but those approvals are not ordinary pet licenses. Before acquiring, transporting, or keeping a raccoon, contact DWR and confirm the rules that apply to the animal and the proposed activity.

Can You Legally Keep a Raccoon as a Pet in Utah?

Utah does not treat a raccoon like a domesticated animal that can be purchased and kept with a routine local license. Raccoons are native wildlife, so state wildlife regulations govern possession. The key question is not only whether a person can obtain a permit, but whether DWR authorizes that specific purpose and whether the species is eligible under current rules.

Utah’s wildlife-possession requirements are set out in state law and administrative rules, including Utah Administrative Code R657-3. The rule categorizes wildlife and governs possession, importation, and related approvals. Because classifications and permit conditions can change, the current rule and written direction from DWR should be checked before anyone makes arrangements to obtain an animal.

A permit is not a general exception to wildlife law. A permit issued for an educational display, rehabilitation, or research project does not automatically authorize keeping the animal as a household pet. It may specify the animal, location, purpose, care standards, and activities allowed. Using wildlife for a purpose outside the permit can lead to enforcement action or loss of authorization.

What Kind of Permit Might Apply?

The appropriate authorization depends on why a person wants to possess the raccoon. Utah DWR may require a Certificate of Registration or another wildlife authorization for certain activities, but not every species or purpose qualifies. Applicants should describe the proposed activity accurately rather than applying under a purpose that does not reflect how the animal will actually be kept.

These categories are general descriptions, not a guarantee that a raccoon permit will be granted. DWR determines eligibility under current regulations and may require additional approvals. A person should get a clear answer about the species and purpose before taking possession.

How to Ask DWR About a Raccoon Permit

Start by contacting the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and explaining the intended activity. The DWR website provides current wildlife regulations, regional office information, and permit resources. Ask whether raccoons may be possessed for the proposed purpose, which application applies, and whether the animal’s source or location changes the requirements.

1. Describe the purpose. State whether the request involves rehabilitation, education, research, or another activity. If the plan is simply to keep a raccoon at home, say so directly.
2. Identify the animal. Provide the species, number of animals, age if known, and whether the raccoon is wild-caught, captive-bred, or already in someone’s possession. Do not capture or buy an animal while waiting for an answer.
3. Explain the proposed care and location. Give the address where the animal would be housed, enclosure details, and who would handle daily care. DWR may assess whether the setup meets applicable requirements.
4. Ask about other agencies. Confirm whether local animal-control rules, zoning, public-health requirements, or federal rules also apply. State authorization may not replace those requirements.
5. Request the applicable rule and written guidance. Keep copies of the agency’s response, the application, and any permit conditions. Follow the written authorization rather than relying on informal advice or online anecdotes.

Applications and approval procedures vary by permit type. If DWR says the activity is eligible, the agency can provide the correct form, documentation requirements, fees if applicable, and submission instructions. A complete application does not mean approval is automatic; the agency may deny a request if the purpose, facilities, or applicant do not meet regulatory standards.

Information an Application May Require

For activities that qualify, applicants should be ready to provide detailed information. Requirements depend on the authorization, but a wildlife application may ask for:

• The applicant’s contact information and relevant experience or training.
• The exact species and number of animals involved.
• The purpose, duration, and planned activities associated with possession.
• The source of the animal and any records documenting lawful acquisition.
• The enclosure’s design, dimensions, security, and location.
• A veterinary-care plan, feeding plan, and procedures for emergencies.
• Measures to prevent escape, public contact, and exposure to other animals.
• Plans for reporting, transfer, release, or disposition if the permit ends.

For rehabilitation, applicants should ask specifically about training, facility standards, species authorization, and release criteria. For education or display, they should clarify whether public handling is allowed; permission to possess an animal does not necessarily permit visitors to touch it. For research, the application may need to identify study methods, animal handling, and project dates.

Why a Found or Orphaned Raccoon Still Needs Help From a Professional

A young raccoon found alone is not necessarily abandoned. Its mother may be nearby or temporarily away searching for food. Taking a healthy animal from the wild can separate it from its mother, and attempting to raise it at home can create serious welfare and public-health problems.

If a raccoon appears injured, sick, or truly orphaned, avoid handling it and contact DWR, local animal control, or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for instructions. Do not feed it, bring it into a home, or transport it across town without guidance. A rehabilitator can assess whether intervention is needed and can explain the lawful next steps.

Raccoons are strong, dexterous wild animals. They can bite or scratch, damage household spaces, and require specialized food, housing, and veterinary care. As with other wild mammals, they can also carry diseases or parasites. A wildlife authorization does not eliminate these risks or make a raccoon domesticated.

Importing, Buying, or Moving a Raccoon

Buying a raccoon from a breeder or seller does not by itself make possession legal in Utah. Before paying for an animal or arranging transport, confirm with DWR that the species and intended use are permitted and that the seller can document lawful origin. Do not rely solely on a seller’s claim that an animal is legal or “captive-bred.”

Moving a raccoon across state lines may trigger additional requirements. Depending on the circumstances, regulations may involve wildlife agencies, animal-health authorities, or federal rules. An animal may also be subject to restrictions in the place it is coming from or going to. Ask DWR about Utah’s requirements and check with the relevant authorities in the other state before transport.

Local Rules and Public-Health Requirements

State wildlife approval, if available, may not be the only requirement. Cities and counties can have animal-control, zoning, nuisance, or facility rules that restrict wild animals. A property lease, homeowners’ association, or insurance policy may impose additional limits. Contact the local government where the animal would be housed before investing in an enclosure or facility.

Public-health authorities may also be relevant if a person has been bitten, scratched, or exposed to a raccoon. In that situation, seek medical advice promptly and contact the local health department for guidance. Do not attempt to capture or relocate an animal involved in an exposure unless officials instruct you to do so.

What Happens if Someone Keeps a Raccoon Without Authorization?

Possessing wildlife without required approval can result in penalties and the animal being seized or transferred to an authorized facility. The specific consequences depend on the facts and applicable law. An owner may also face local violations or other costs associated with the animal’s care and disposition.

Trying to obtain a permit after acquiring the raccoon does not guarantee that DWR will approve continued possession. A person who already has a raccoon should contact DWR promptly for instructions and should not release it into the wild or give it to another person without authorization. Releasing a captive animal can harm the animal, spread disease, or violate wildlife rules.

Practical Checklist Before Taking Any Action

• Read the current version of Utah Administrative Code R657-3 and any other rule DWR identifies.
• Ask DWR directly whether a raccoon may be possessed for the specific proposed purpose.
• Obtain required written authorization before capture, purchase, transport, or possession.
• Confirm local, animal-health, and interstate requirements that may also apply.
• Use a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for an injured or apparently orphaned raccoon.
• Keep the permit and follow every condition, including limits on handling, display, transfer, and release.

The most reliable first step is to contact Utah DWR before obtaining a raccoon. For private pet ownership, a permit should not be presumed available. DWR can confirm the animal’s current legal classification and explain whether a specific, regulated activity may qualify for authorization.