{"id":155238,"date":"2022-07-14T12:15:18","date_gmt":"2022-07-14T12:15:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/can-i-have-a-skunk-as-a-pet\/"},"modified":"2022-07-14T12:15:18","modified_gmt":"2022-07-14T12:15:18","slug":"can-i-have-a-skunk-as-a-pet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/can-i-have-a-skunk-as-a-pet\/","title":{"rendered":"Can I have a skunk as a pet?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_17 counter-hierarchy counter-decimal ez-toc-grey\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"display: none;\"><i class=\"ez-toc-glyphicon ez-toc-icon-toggle\"><\/i><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class=\"ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1\"><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/can-i-have-a-skunk-as-a-pet\/#Can_I_have_a_skunk_as_a_pet\" title=\"Can I have a skunk as a pet?\">Can I have a skunk as a pet?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/can-i-have-a-skunk-as-a-pet\/#How_much_does_a_pet_skunk_cost\" title=\"How much does a pet skunk cost?\">How much does a pet skunk cost?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/can-i-have-a-skunk-as-a-pet\/#Do_pet_skunks_stink\" title=\"Do pet skunks stink?\">Do pet skunks stink?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/can-i-have-a-skunk-as-a-pet\/#Can_you_have_a_spotted_skunk_as_a_pet\" title=\"Can you have a spotted skunk as a pet?\">Can you have a spotted skunk as a pet?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/can-i-have-a-skunk-as-a-pet\/#Do_skunks_stink_as_pets\" title=\"Do skunks stink as pets?\">Do skunks stink as pets?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/can-i-have-a-skunk-as-a-pet\/#How_much_is_a_skunk_for_a_pet\" title=\"How much is a skunk for a pet?\">How much is a skunk for a pet?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/can-i-have-a-skunk-as-a-pet\/#Do_pet_skunks_cuddle\" title=\"Do pet skunks cuddle?\">Do pet skunks cuddle?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/can-i-have-a-skunk-as-a-pet\/#Are_pet_skunks_affectionate\" title=\"Are pet skunks affectionate?\">Are pet skunks affectionate?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/can-i-have-a-skunk-as-a-pet\/#How_long_does_a_pet_skunk_live\" title=\"How long does a pet skunk live?\">How long does a pet skunk live?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/can-i-have-a-skunk-as-a-pet\/#Are_skunks_smart_pets\" title=\"Are skunks smart pets?\">Are skunks smart pets?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/can-i-have-a-skunk-as-a-pet\/#Can_you_buy_a_skunk\" title=\"Can you buy a skunk?\">Can you buy a skunk?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/can-i-have-a-skunk-as-a-pet\/#Are_skunks_smelly_pets\" title=\"Are skunks smelly pets?\">Are skunks smelly pets?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/can-i-have-a-skunk-as-a-pet\/#Do_skunks_make_good_pets\" title=\"Do skunks make good pets?\">Do skunks make good pets?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/can-i-have-a-skunk-as-a-pet\/#Do_pet_skunks_smell_like_ferrets\" title=\"Do pet skunks smell like ferrets?\">Do pet skunks smell like ferrets?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/can-i-have-a-skunk-as-a-pet\/#Will_a_pet_skunk_spray_you\" title=\"Will a pet skunk spray you?\">Will a pet skunk spray you?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/can-i-have-a-skunk-as-a-pet\/#Can_you_cuddle_a_skunk\" title=\"Can you cuddle a skunk?\">Can you cuddle a skunk?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/can-i-have-a-skunk-as-a-pet\/#Does_a_skunk_make_a_good_pet\" title=\"Does a skunk make a good pet?\">Does a skunk make a good pet?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/can-i-have-a-skunk-as-a-pet\/#Do_skunks_love_their_owners\" title=\"Do skunks love their owners?\">Do skunks love their owners?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/can-i-have-a-skunk-as-a-pet\/#Do_skunks_like_to_be_held\" title=\"Do skunks like to be held?\">Do skunks like to be held?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/can-i-have-a-skunk-as-a-pet\/#Is_a_skunk_friendly\" title=\"Is a skunk friendly?\">Is a skunk friendly?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/can-i-have-a-skunk-as-a-pet\/#Do_skunks_make_nice_pets\" title=\"Do skunks make nice pets?\">Do skunks make nice pets?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/can-i-have-a-skunk-as-a-pet\/#Are_pet_skunks_smart\" title=\"Are pet skunks smart?\">Are pet skunks smart?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/can-i-have-a-skunk-as-a-pet\/#Can_skunks_be_trained\" title=\"Can skunks be trained?\">Can skunks be trained?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/can-i-have-a-skunk-as-a-pet\/#Do_Descented_skunks_smell\" title=\"Do Descented skunks smell?\">Do Descented skunks smell?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/can-i-have-a-skunk-as-a-pet\/#Can_skunks_feel_affection\" title=\"Can skunks feel affection?\">Can skunks feel affection?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_I_have_a_skunk_as_a_pet\"><\/span>Can I have a skunk as a pet?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>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.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_much_does_a_pet_skunk_cost\"><\/span>How much does a pet skunk cost?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A skunk can be a costly pet, especially the first year. <b>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. Verify that it is legal to own a pet skunk where you live.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_pet_skunks_stink\"><\/span>Do pet skunks stink?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Domesticated skunks are quite lovable, <b>non-stinky companions. Wild skunks are a pest for many homeowners and dog owners, particularly due to their scent glands that leave a strong musky odor thats hard to get rid of. They can also be quite ferocious.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_you_have_a_spotted_skunk_as_a_pet\"><\/span>Can you have a spotted skunk as a pet?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Check with your state before purchasing a skunk, and <b>never take a skunk out of the wild to keep as a pet. Not only is it illegal, but you are putting yourself, and any exposed pets or people, at risk for contracting rabies and parasites. Several reputable skunk breeders, along with skunk rescues, are out there.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_skunks_stink_as_pets\"><\/span>Do skunks stink as pets?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Domesticated skunks are quite lovable, <b>non-stinky companions. Wild skunks are a pest for many homeowners and dog owners, particularly due to their scent glands that leave a strong musky odor thats hard to get rid of. They can also be quite ferocious.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_much_is_a_skunk_for_a_pet\"><\/span>How much is a skunk for a pet?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>between $150 and $500<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_pet_skunks_cuddle\"><\/span>Do pet skunks cuddle?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>To many, skunks arent just their negative traits  <b>theyre also cuddly, loving, adorable members of the family. Especially if youre an experienced animal owner, skunks may have started to sound like theyll fit well into your household. Youre not alone  many others feel this way.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_pet_skunks_affectionate\"><\/span>Are pet skunks affectionate?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>I am no trying to talk anyone out of getting a pet skunk; <b>pet skunks are extremely affectionate, loving pets. They get on well with other animals in the house and are friendly with children.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_long_does_a_pet_skunk_live\"><\/span>How long does a pet skunk live?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The average life span for a domestic skunk is <b>8 to 12 years or longer. If handled properly as babies, they are very affectionate pets. They can live with children if the children are responsible and old enough to know how to handle a pet properly and not leave doors open allowing the skunk to escape.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_skunks_smart_pets\"><\/span>Are skunks smart pets?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>When born and raised in captivity, skunks can make friendly, intelligent, and unique pets. They can learn to be comfortable when handled by people and can be quite playful and cuddly. Native to North America, skunks are known for their scent glands that can spray foul-smelling chemicals at predators.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_you_buy_a_skunk\"><\/span>Can you buy a skunk?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Skunks are usually ready towards mid June. Once they become available we will call and email deposit holders in the order that their deposit was placed. The final balance is due when your skunk is picked up or before shipping can be arranged. Deposit is $200 and goes towards the total price of $500-$600.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_skunks_smelly_pets\"><\/span>Are skunks smelly pets?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Wild skunks are a pest for many homeowners and dog owners, particularly due to their scent glands that leave a strong musky odor thats hard to get rid of. They can also be quite ferocious.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_skunks_make_good_pets\"><\/span>Do skunks make good pets?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Domesticated skunks are unique and sometimes rewarding pets, but they require a lot of specialized care. As with any pet, prospective skunk owners should think long and hard about whether or not they have the time and the resources to properly care for a skunk before purchasing or adopting one.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_pet_skunks_smell_like_ferrets\"><\/span>Do pet skunks smell like ferrets?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>They spray their odor from a scent gland near their tail (Im putting it mildly here) and otherwise smell no stronger than any other pet. <b>If you can tolerate ferrets, youll have no problem with skunks.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Will_a_pet_skunk_spray_you\"><\/span>Will a pet skunk spray you?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>As domestic skunks are essentially the same as wild skunks, <b>they can indeed spray. However, many owners opt to have their spray glands removed when they are about a month old.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_you_cuddle_a_skunk\"><\/span>Can you cuddle a skunk?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Domesticated skunks are unique and sometimes rewarding pets, but they require a lot of specialized care. As with any pet, prospective skunk owners should think long and hard about whether or not they have the time and the resources to properly care for a skunk before purchasing or adopting one.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_a_skunk_make_a_good_pet\"><\/span>Does a skunk make a good pet?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Domesticated skunks are unique and sometimes rewarding pets, but they require a lot of specialized care. As with any pet, prospective skunk owners should think long and hard about whether or not they have the time and the resources to properly care for a skunk before purchasing or adopting one.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_skunks_love_their_owners\"><\/span>Do skunks love their owners?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>I am no trying to talk anyone out of getting a pet skunk; <b>pet skunks are extremely affectionate, loving pets. They get on well with other animals in the house and are friendly with children.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_skunks_like_to_be_held\"><\/span>Do skunks like to be held?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In the case of wild skunks the answer is no. But <b>domesticated skunks, which have been bred in captivity for over 60 years, are known to be quite docile and loving. Still, keeping a domesticated skunk happy and healthy is a lot of work, and so is acquiring a pet skunk in the first place.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_a_skunk_friendly\"><\/span>Is a skunk friendly?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>These animals need lots of stimulation and many enjoy playing with dog or cat toys. Theyre also natural diggers and might dig into a carpet or scratch furniture if they dont have enough toys of their own. As social animals, <b>skunks generally enjoy being handled by and playing with their human family members.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_skunks_make_nice_pets\"><\/span>Do skunks make nice pets?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>When born and raised in captivity, skunks can make friendly, intelligent, and unique pets. They can learn to be comfortable when handled by people and can be quite playful and cuddly. Native to North America, skunks are known for their scent glands that can spray foul-smelling chemicals at predators.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_pet_skunks_smart\"><\/span>Are pet skunks smart?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Temperament. <b>Skunks are sensitive, intelligent animals, and like all intelligent animals, temperament varies with each individual.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_skunks_be_trained\"><\/span>Can skunks be trained?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Most skunks can be housebroken by corner training. After they choose a corner, a litter pan with unscented litter can be placed there. If the skunk misses the litter pan, after cleanup, the area should be saturated with plain white vinegar to remove the scent, so that they will not return to that spot.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_Descented_skunks_smell\"><\/span>Do Descented skunks smell?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Domesticated skunks are unique and sometimes rewarding pets, but they require a lot of specialized care. As with any pet, prospective skunk owners should think long and hard about whether or not they have the time and the resources to properly care for a skunk before purchasing or adopting one.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_skunks_feel_affection\"><\/span>Can skunks feel affection?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Domesticated skunks are quite lovable, <b>non-stinky companions. Wild skunks are a pest for many homeowners and dog owners, particularly due to their scent glands that leave a strong musky odor thats hard to get rid of. They can also be quite ferocious.<\/b><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Table of Contents Can I have a skunk as a pet?How much does a pet skunk cost?Do pet skunks stink?Can you have a spotted skunk as a pet?Do skunks stink as pets?How much is a skunk for a pet?Do pet skunks cuddle?Are pet skunks affectionate?How long does a pet skunk live?Are skunks smart pets?Can you&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"spay_email":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[622],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-155238","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-pet-care"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/155238"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=155238"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/155238\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=155238"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=155238"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=155238"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}