Relocation involves taking the trapped animal far away from urban or suburban centers and deep into a rural or wooded area, where it is released. In essence, the raccoon is returned back to its natural habitat, far away from human beings. However, the effectiveness of relocation --- not to mention its legality --- is an issue. Robert Pierce, Extension Fish and Wildlife Specialist at the University of Missouri, contends that relocation can spread disease, and survival rates can be low. It is also illegal in some states to relocate animals.
Some wildlife animal shelters may take in raccoons. These are nonprofit organizations which care for abandoned or other rescued wild animals. As nonprofits, they rely on grants and public support for funding for expenses such as food and veterinary services. The Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Kendalia, Texas, states that it cares for more than 600 at-risk animals.
Zoos will sometimes take in raccoons, if they need them for exhibits. Animal control professionals usually have contacts with the local zoos and inquire if there's a need for a raccoon. Animal habitats in zoos are designed by wildlife experts, such as zoologists. The overall goal of designing an exhibition area is to re-create an animal's natural habitat --- a forest, in the case of a raccoon.
Euthanasia is the humane method of ending an animal's life. Animal control professionals do not cause any pain to the raccoon during the disposal process. Colloquialisms for euthanasia are "put to sleep" or "humanely put down." In California, as of 2011 releasing a raccoon from a trap into another area is illegal, according the the University of California's Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program. The IPM also notes that animal control professionals have the expertise for euthanasia. Pierce also recommends euthanasia over relocation.