Before You get a Skunk

Before you go out and get a skunk to share your life, be aware of some things:

Just like any species, skunks have very specific peculiarities. For instance, they have very different dietary needs. You can't just run to the pet store and pick up skunk food in a bag. Understand these fully prior to getting a skunk. Talk to long time skunk owners. Visit a skunk home if possible. Also read the Skunk Health and Rabies in Skunks pages on this site.
Skunks are not dogs or cats, and can not be cared for or treated as such. They must be fed differently, housed differently ( can not be left outside as they could roam away), you must watch them carefully around people, and many other issues that are not the same.
Know whether or not skunks are legal where you live. To find out, check the STATES page at www.aspenskunk.org This page will give you an idea of what places are legal, however, laws change quite often, so contact your local DNR and county animal control offices to make sure.
Know if you can find a vet who will see your skunk and who is knowledgeable in skunk care issues. Not all veterinarians will see skunks. Those who will may not know anything about them. In many cases, you will need to educate your vet, especially on the proper vaccines to use. Read our Find a Vet page on this site.
Understand how you will feed your skunk. In some cases, food will have to be ordered ahead of time, plan for this. Please review the health page on this site.
Even if you live in a "legal state", be sure that you fully understand the rabies issues faced by domestic skunk owners. Even in legal states, since there is no vaccine or quarantine period for skunks, a skunk will most likely be killed and tested for rabies if a bite occurs. See www.aspenskunk.org to understand this more thoroughly. Be prepared to take the necessary precautions to ensure your skunk can live a long and healthy life.