Could Raccoons Actually Become America’s Next Favorite Pet? Science Says Maybe

Raccoons are everywhere, climbing your fence, splashing in your pool, and somehow scaling 20-story buildings. They're chaotic, they're mischievous, and they don't mind living near humans at all. So the real question is, could these little trash pandas actually become our next house pets? A new study says it's not as far-fetched as you'd think.

Why Do Scientists Think This Could Happen?

Researchers actually looked at physical traits to back this up. Scientists tested whether "domestication syndrome," where animals develop traits like floppier ears and flatter, rounder faces over time, could be measured early in the process by comparing thousands of images of city raccoons against their wild, human-avoidant counterparts. Their results? City raccoons show a "clear reduction" in snout length compared to wild raccoons, supporting the idea that they could already be on a domestication path. That doesn't mean a pet raccoon trend is coming next week, but it's a pretty fascinating sign.

Wait, Have Animals Done This Before?

Yep, more often than you'd think. Scientists say domestication usually isn't some deliberate human strategy. Cats and dogs essentially domesticated themselves because life was easier near a species with reliable shelter and constant trash. Dogs have been living alongside us for at least 14,000 years, while cats took their time and joined the party around 10,000 years ago. So raccoons potentially following a similar pattern isn't as wild as it sounds.

Would Raccoons Actually Make Good Pets?

The short answer is no, not even a little bit. This is not your sign to go get one. And here's a few reasons why:
1.) They're incredibly mischievous and destructive, and their dexterous little hands mean nothing is safe unless it's locked up tight.

2.) They're nocturnal, and unlike cats, they haven't had thousands of years to adjust to indoor living, so caging them just creates a new problem instead of solving one.
3.) They can carry diseases like rabies, distemper, and roundworm, and if a pet raccoon bites or scratches someone, it could be euthanized or seized, depending on local laws.

4.) They can become aggressive and temperamental as young as six months old, so that adorable baby phase doesn't last long.

5.) They're undeniably messy, and yes, the "washing their food" thing is real, though it's more about texture than cleanliness.

Is It Even Legal To Own One?

Depends on where you live. As of 2026, 13 states allow raccoon ownership: Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. But even in those states, special permits are usually required, and owning a wild animal is a serious, lifelong responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly, vet care, enrichment, the whole deal.

So while raccoons might be inching toward domestication on their own timeline, your backyard visitor should probably stay exactly where it is... outside.