01 Mar Tennessee Veterinary Medical Association Statement on Skunks as Pets
As a matter of public health, skunks do not make ‘safe’ or ‘good’ pets. Even when bred in captivity, skunks are at risk of contracting rabies, just as a pet cat or dog would be. However, there is not currently an FDA approved rabies vaccine for use in skunks. So far this year, there have been as many skunks positive for rabies as all other species combined. The Tennessee Veterinary Medical Association feels a very real concern for public health implications should skunks be allowed as pets.