How can I get a pet skunk?

How can I get a pet skunk?

Skunk breeders can sometimes be found locally, although you may need to go a little farther away to find a good reputable breeder of pet skunks. You can check your local paper or even an agriculture-based newspaper in your area. Occasionally, depending on where you live, skunks can be found in pet stores.

Do pet skunks stink?

The telltale of a skunk’s presence is usually known only after the skunk has intentionally sprayed his scent to ward off a perceived threat. Among captive skunks, those who are de-scented have no odor to speak of, but a pet skunk in possession of his scent glands may release odor without meaning to.

How much does a pet skunk cost?

A skunk can be a costly pet, especially the first year. Skunk kits cost between $150 and $500, and spay or neuter can cost up to $250. Add to that the costs for food, cage(s), litter boxes, bed(s), toys, daily diet supplements, and other costs.

Why are skunks illegal as pets?

The primary reason for bans on pet skunks is the fear that people could contract rabies if they are bitten by a skunk. While cats and dogs are routinely vaccinated for rabies, there is currently no approved rabies vaccination for skunks.

Do pet skunks bite?

They’re also not prone to aggression when properly socialized, but they will bite if they feel threatened. This can have serious consequences, as no rabies vaccine is approved for skunks. So if your pet skunk bites a person or another animal, authorities might seize it to monitor for rabies symptoms.

What states is it illegal to own a skunk?

It is currently legal to own domesticated skunks in only 17 states: Alabama, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Do pet skunks cuddle?

Despite wild skunks being most active at dawn and dusk, pet skunks can be trained to have a sleep cycle that mirrors that of their humans. They love cuddling and are playful animals, offering hours of free entertainment for their pet parents.

Will you know if a skunk sprays you?

But even though pet skunks don’t have scent glands, the skunks don’t know this and may still act as though they can spray. This means that pet skunks may still arch their backs, stomp, and raise their tail straight up like they’re going to spray you if they feel scared or threatened but nothing will come out.

What triggers a skunk to spray?

But when someone is bold enough to threaten them, the skunk’s first instinct is to run away. If this doesn’t work, it will turn around to face its enemy, raise its tail as a warning, and stomp its front feet. If this still isn’t effective in scaring away the attacker, the skunk will then use its spray.

What states allow pet skunks?

Most states like Ohio, Florida, New Jersey, and Indiana allow skunks to be kept as pets as long as you have a permit.

Do skunks make good pets?

Wild skunks are a pest for many homeowners and dog owners, particularly due to their scent glands that leave a strong musky odor that’s hard to get rid of. They can also be quite ferocious. Domestic skunks , on the other hand, can make friendly companions and skunk owners say they make good pets.

What exotic pets are allowed in California?

Several ungulate species are legal in California, although most are actually domesticated even though they are considered ‘exotic’. They include the water buffalo, yaks, pot-bellied pigs, alpaca and llamas.

Where can you buy a pet skunk?

In the United States, pet skunks can be purchased from licensed animal shelters, non-profit skunk educational organizations such as the American Domestic Skunk Association, Inc., or breeders with a permit from the U.S. Department of Agriculture ‘s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service .