Question

Do you need a permit to own a raccoon in indiana?

Answer 1

Short answer: Generally yes — you cannot legally keep a wild raccoon as a pet in Indiana without the appropriate state permits or license.

Details and next steps
- Raccoons are native wild animals and possession by private individuals is typically prohibited except under specific circumstances (licensed wildlife rehabilitator, permitted educational or research facility, zoo, etc.).
- There are permits/licenses for wildlife rehabilitation, educational exhibits, research, and similar uses; those require training, facility standards, and an application to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
- Local county or city ordinances and public-health rules (rabies control) can also apply.

If you found an injured or orphaned raccoon
- Do not attempt to keep or raise it yourself. Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, local animal control, or the Indiana DNR for guidance.

To confirm current rules and apply for any permit
- Contact Indiana DNR (www.in.gov/dnr) or your county animal control. You can also search Indiana statutes at the Indiana General Assembly website (iga.in.gov) for up-to-date legal text.

If you want, tell me your county or why you’re asking and I can look up the most relevant agency phone/email and the common permit type you’d need.