No, owning a raccoon in the Philippines is prohibited under the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act (Republic Act No. 9147), enforced by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Exotic pet ownership requires permits, but raccoons are classified as invasive species, barring private possession without special authorization.
Key Regulations for Owning a Raccoon in Philippines
- DENR Administrative Order No. 2023-05 explicitly lists raccoons (Procyon lotor) as prohibited wildlife, requiring no further permits for confiscation or prosecution under illegal trade provisions.
- Local Government Units (LGUs) may impose stricter ordinances; for example, Metro Manila LGUs ban exotic pets via the Metro Manila Animal Welfare and Protection Ordinance (2021).
- 2026 Compliance Shift: The DENR’s National Invasive Species Strategy (drafted 2024) will classify raccoons as “high-risk,” mandating immediate surrender of existing pets to wildlife facilities.