Captive Game Species Permit FAQs

Q. Can I have a pet raccoon, skunk or opossum in New Jersey?
A. Yes, but only if purchased from a licensed pet dealer. A Captive Game Permit would be needed. You cannot obtain a raccoon, skunk or opossum from the wild and keep it as a pet.

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

Q. Are there any pet dealers in NJ that sell raccoons, skunks or opossum?
A. There are no dealers for these species in New Jersey, but they may be purchased from pet dealers in other states.

Q. What do I need to bring a pet raccoon, skunk or opossum into New Jersey?
A. An importation permit is needed to bring these species into NJ. Download, print, complete and submit the Application to Import Game Animals Form (pdf, 60kb). A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection must be submitted along with the Captive Game Permit application if bringing one of these species into New Jersey. This applies whether the animal has been recently purchased or has been a pet 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. It is expected that you will be able to purchase deer in the future, but only from herds that have been enrolled in the Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Herd Certification program for at least five years.