No, owning a raccoon as a pet in Texas is prohibited under Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) regulations, which classify raccoons as non-domesticated wildlife. Exceptions require TPWD permits, typically reserved for educational, rehabilitative, or scientific purposes, not personal ownership.
Key Regulations for Owning a Raccoon in Texas
- TPWD Permit Requirement: A Scientific Permit or Captive Wildlife Permit is mandatory for any non-domesticated wildlife possession, including raccoons, with strict oversight by TPWD’s Wildlife Division.
- Local Ordinance Overrides: Cities like Austin and Houston enforce additional restrictions; for example, Austin’s municipal code bans raccoon ownership outright, regardless of state permits.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: TPWD’s 2026 Wildlife Code revisions tighten permit conditions, requiring applicants to demonstrate conservation benefits or educational necessity, eliminating loopholes for personal pets.
Violations may result in fines up to $2,000 under Texas Parks and Wildlife Code §12.113, with confiscation of the animal. Municipalities may impose further penalties. Exotic pet dealers circumventing these rules face enhanced scrutiny under 2024 TPWD enforcement directives targeting illegal wildlife trafficking.