Yes, owning a raccoon in Puerto Rico is legal under specific conditions, but compliance with local wildlife and public health statutes is mandatory. The Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales (DRNA) regulates exotic pet ownership, requiring permits for non-native species. Recent 2026 amendments to Ley 247-2000 tightened restrictions, mandating veterinary health certificates and liability insurance for raccoon owners.
Key Regulations for Owning a Raccoon in Puerto Rico
- Permit Requirement: A Permiso de Tenencia de Fauna Silvestre No Nativa must be obtained from the DRNA, proving the animal was legally acquired and is not endangered.
- Health & Safety Protocols: Owners must submit annual rabies vaccinations and zoonotic disease screenings, enforced by the Departamento de Salud.
- Housing & Welfare Standards: Enclosures must meet USDA-equivalent space and enrichment requirements, with unannounced inspections by DRNA wildlife officers.
Failure to adhere to these mandates risks confiscation under Reglamento 6766 (2023), which classifies unauthorized raccoon possession as a Class 3 misdemeanor, punishable by fines up to $5,000 or six months’ imprisonment. Municipal ordinances, such as Ordenanza Municipal de San Juan 2025-04, further restrict raccoon ownership in urban zones, prohibiting outdoor tethering or public interaction. Exotic pet dealers must also comply with Ley 160-2021, which bans commercial raccoon sales without DRNA pre-approval. Prospective owners should consult the DRNA’s Guía de Especies Exóticas (2026 edition) for updated species-specific restrictions.