Wild animals do not make good pets. They are wild and belong in the wild.
Washington
state law says you have to have a permit to hunt or trap them. There is
a ban on ownership of exotic animals as of 2007. Wildlife
rehabilitators have to have permits for each animal if it cannot be
released into the wild. Importing of exotic animals is banned unless for
exhibition or educational purposes which then requires a permit.
Washington State Legislature states in WAC 246–100–197 (5a) that “All persons are prohibited from acquiring, selling, bartering, exchanging, giving, purchasing, distributing, or trapping to retain any bat, skunk, fox, raccoon, or coyote, except a zoological park, animal exhibitor, research facility, or wildlife rehabilitator.” Rabies-Measures to prevent human disease. The key words here are “to retain”. This means nobody can keep the above listed animals as pets. Raccoons are known rabies carriers and even when vaccinated, vaccines do not work reliably on them.
“Raccoons are the prime vector for rabies virus. For unknown reasons, though it is suspected that the large brain cavity of the raccoon is of primary influence, rabies virus thrives in this specific species. Because of this, raccoons are always suspect for the disease even if no symptoms are discernible.
Raccoons are also known to carry leptospirosis, a bacterial infection
that affects the kidneys of humans and other mammals. Lesser concerns
center on the intestinal parasites spread by raccoons, some of which can
be ingested by humans and can cause serious debilitations in young or
elderly people. Raccoons are most frequently killed in nature by
distemper virus, though this is not a disease that can be passed the
humans.”How to Get Rid of Raccoons in the Attic, Roof, Ceiling, House, Yard, Garbage
In
2012, a group of raccoons (probably a family) attacked a Washington
state woman when her dog got loose and chased some of the raccoons up a
tree. Raccoons chase, attack Washington state woman Raccoons can be aggressive once they become sexually mature. Females willingly fight to defend their young.
Just
because an animal is cute and appealing does not mean they are
domesticated or even tame. Wild animals do not make good pets. Keep them
in the wild.
To answer your question: NO, it is not legal to keep a raccoon in Washington State as a pet.
Raccoons - Living with Wildlife Good article on raccoons from the WA state Fish and Wildlife
