Q. Can I have a pet raccoon, skunk or opossum in New Jersey?
A. Yes, but only if the appropriate permits are obtained. A captive game permit is needed for the possession of any game species in New Jersey. Additionally, an importation permit must be obtained before any game animals may be brought into New Jersey from another state. Animals must be purchased from a licensed breeder. No animals may be taken from the wild and kept as pets.

Q. How do I get a Captive Game Permit?
A. Download, print, and complete the Initial Captive Game Permit Application (pdf, 75kb) and submit it with the $12.00 Permit Fee.

Q. Are there any pet dealers in NJ that sell raccoons, skunks or opossum?
A. There is currently one pet store in New Jersey that sells striped skunks. There are no breeders for raccoons or opossums in New Jersey.

Q. What do I need to bring a pet raccoon, skunk or opossum into New Jersey?
A. An importation permit must be obtained before any of these species may be brought into NJ. Download, print, complete, and submit the Application to Import Game Animals (pdf, 60kb). A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) must be submitted along with the application if bringing one of these species into New Jersey. The CVI must be dated within the 30 days prior to the animal entering New Jersey.

Rabies vector species, including the striped skunk and raccoon, may only be obtained from breeders in states that have the same variants of rabies as New Jersey (Refer to the CDC’s rabies reservoir map here: www.cdc.gov/rabies/location/usa/surveillance/wild_animals.html). It is recommended that you contact the Wildlife Permits Unit to confirm if a state/breeder is acceptable before placing a deposit for an animal. The importation permit requirement applies whether the animal will be a new purchase or has been a pet in another state and you are moving into New Jersey.

Q. Can I have a pet deer?
A. No. Deer are a Potentially Dangerous Wildlife Species and Individual Hobby Permits are not issued for such species.

Q. Can I keep deer for breeding, selling or hunting purposes?
A. At this time, no new Propagation and Sales Permits are being issued for deer.