Best Foot Traps for Raccoons: 10 Spring and Cage Traps Compared

The best foot traps for raccoons depend on your yard, your pets and your local rules. Most spring traps in this guide, like the QWERT12 Spring Trap and Ecliptica Dog Proof Trap, are small iron traps with a chain and a ground anchor. Cage traps like the Humane Way Sentinel 32 hold the animal in an enclosure instead.

This guide compares 10 traps by type, size, chain, anchor and material. All specs come from the product listings, and we mark a spec as not listed where a listing gives no detail. Most spring trap listings do not describe the trigger style, so read the full listing and manual before you buy.

Before you buy, check your local wildlife rules. Some areas restrict certain trap types or require a permit, and many require frequent checks. This guide is not legal advice.

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On this page

1. Compare Raccoon Traps by Type, Size, Chain and Material
2. Detailed Reviews: Best Foot Traps for Raccoons
3. Check Local Rules Before You Buy a Raccoon Trap
4. Protect Pets and Check Traps Often
5. How to Choose the Best Foot Traps for Raccoons
6. Which Raccoon Trap Should You Choose?
7. Frequently Asked Questions
8. Final Verdict

Compare Raccoon Traps by Type, Size, Chain and Material

Detailed Reviews: Best Foot Traps for Raccoons

1. Live Animal Trap for Raccoons Heavy Duty Dog Proof Raccoon Trap (QWERT12) (Best overall spring trap)

• 1.8 x 8.5 inSize
• 15.2 inChain
• IronMaterial
• Hand guardSafety plate

Best for: yards, gardens and farms where raccoons or other small animals are a problem

Why it ranks #1: It has the clearest setup notes of the spring traps, with a hand guard plate and a folding design.

QWERT12 lists this trap as iron with a spring mechanism, measuring 1.8 x 8.5 in with a 15.2 in chain. The listing says handles and a hand guard plate keep your hand away from the animal, and the trap folds flat for storage.

The listing names stray cats, raccoons, skunks, rabbits and other small animals, so non-target animals can be caught too. It warns you not to put your hand into the opening after you open the clip. It does not describe how the trigger is set or whether it holds by the foot, so read the full listing and manual before you buy.

Skip it if you want a ground anchor listed; the Ecliptica Dog Proof Trap lists an earth anchor.

2. Heavy Duty Dog Proof Live Raccoon Trap for Outdoor Yard Farm Use (Ecliptica) (Best with lever handle and anchor)

• 1.8 x 8.5 inSize
• 15.2 inChain
• Earth anchorIncluded
• Dark coatedFinish

Best for: setting the trap without touching the trigger area, with an anchor to hold it in place

Why it ranks #2: It lists both an earth anchor and a lever handle, so it has more setup gear than the QWERT12 Spring Trap.

Ecliptica lists this trap as iron with a dark coated finish and a fast-response spring. A lever handle and a hand guard plate let you set it without touching the trigger area. It measures 1.8 x 8.5 in with a 15.2 in chain and folds flat.

The listing says the chain and earth anchor keep the trap in place and that it rinses clean with water. It names raccoons, skunks, stray cats and rabbits as targets. The listing uses the term dog proof, but it does not explain how.

Skip it if you want a longer chain; the DANGONGLI DP-DK0520 lists 26 in.

3. STEPHANIE Hand Raccoon and Small Animal Trap with Ground Anchor and Chain (Best narrow entry design)

• NarrowEntry style
• Ground anchorIncluded
• ChainIncluded
• Dark coatedFinish

Best for: yards, barns and coop areas where you want a narrow entry to cut down on accidental triggers by dogs

Why it ranks #3: Its narrow entry is its main listed feature, but no size is given.

STEPHANIE lists reinforced iron with a thick dark coating. The listing says the narrow entry style helps reduce accidental activation by dogs and other large animals, and that the trap works on dirt, grass, rocky ground or snow.

It comes with a ground anchor and a chain. The listing says to rinse it after use and reset it in seconds. It does not give a size or chain length.

Skip it if you want listed dimensions; the QWERT12 Spring Trap gives 1.8 x 8.5 in.

4. DP-DK0520 DP Anti Dog Trap with Ground Anchor and 7 in Lever Handle Setting Tool (Best long chain steel trap)

• 1.8 x 8.5 inSize
• 26 inChain
• 7 inLever tool option
• SteelMaterial

Best for: places where a longer tether helps and you want a setting tool

Why it ranks #4: It has the longest listed chain and a coated steel body, with a choice of one or two items.

DANGONGLI lists a thickened steel stamping with a black electrophoretic coating that the listing says will not peel. The trap measures 1.8 x 8.5 in with a 26 in chain and an anchor.

The listing offers two options, a single tube or a tube plus a 7 in pry bar tool. It says the design is meant to stop dogs from triggering it. The listing names raccoons, so check what other animals it can catch.

Skip it if you want a folding design; the QWERT12 Spring Trap folds flat.

5. DP-T3 Reusable Black Coated Pipe Trap with Ground Anchor (DANGONGLI) (Best kit with pry bar)

• 1.8 x 8.5 inSize
• 26 inCord
• 7 inPry bar
• Ground anchorIncluded

Best for: a kit with a pry bar for setting, plus a longer cord

Why it ranks #5: It matches the DANGONGLI DP-DK0520 on size and cord length, but its listing says less about the build.

DANGONGLI lists this trap at 1.8 x 8.5 in with a fixed 26 in cord and a 7 in pry bar. Two kit options are offered, so check which one you are buying.

Setup is described as opening the trap and placing food in the black hole. The listing says it is suitable for forests, farms, gardens and courtyards. It does not name the material, so check the full listing.

Skip it if you want a listed material; the QWERT12 Spring Trap says iron and the DANGONGLI DP-DK0520 says steel.

6. HQLDMYGS 2Pcs Reusable Raccoon Trap with Ground Anchor (Best two-pack)

• 2Traps in pack
• 1.8 x 8.5 inSize
• IronMaterial
• Black coatedFinish

Best for: covering two spots at once, such as two entry points to a coop

Why it ranks #6: It is the only multi-trap listing, which helps if you need more than one.

HQLDMYGS sells two reusable traps in one pack. The listing says they are iron with a black anti-corrosion coating and a spring mechanism, and that they measure 1.8 x 8.5 in. A ground anchor is part of the listing.

It names raccoons, skunks, rabbits, squirrels and other small animals. The listing says it catches animals without harming them, but it does not explain how, so follow the maker instructions and check local rules.

Skip it if you only need one trap; the QWERT12 Spring Trap is sold singly.

7. Humane Raccoon and Small Animal Trap, Spring Trap with Dog-Safe Trigger (leechy) (Best simple spring trap with anchor)

• 1.8 x 8.5 inSize
• 15.2 inChain
• IronMaterial
• Ground anchorIncluded

Best for: farms, yards and gardens where you want a basic setup

Why it ranks #7: It lists the same size and chain as the QWERT12 Spring Trap and adds a ground anchor.

leechy lists a heavy duty iron body with a spring mechanism. It measures about 1.8 x 8.5 in and has a 15.2 in chain. The listing says it has a dog-safe trigger and a ground anchor.

Setup is described as opening it and placing bait in the designated compartment. The listing calls the trap humane, but it gives few other details, so read the manual before use.

Skip it if you want a lever handle; the Ecliptica Dog Proof Trap lists one.

8. Havahart Large 1-Door Live Animal Trap for Raccoons, Cats and Possums 1079SR (Best cage trap with a one-door design)

• 1 doorDesign
• GalvanizedWire mesh
• SteelDoor
• Handle guardsSafety

Best for: catching an animal alive in an enclosed cage, without a chain or spring

Why it ranks #8: It is a cage, not a spring trap, with smooth internal edges listed. No size is given.

Havahart sells this large one-door cage trap with galvanized wire mesh and a solid steel door. The listing says the animal enters fully before the door closes, and that smooth internal edges and handle guards are included for safe handling.

The listing names raccoons, cats and possums. The text also mentions larger animals, so check the product page for the exact size and the animals it suits. A cage trap lets you see what you caught and release it where local rules allow.

Skip it if you want a compact trap; the QWERT12 Spring Trap folds flat.

9. Humane Way Sentinel 32 Inch Live Animal Trap (Best ready-to-use cage trap)

• 32 inLength
• 10.5 inWidth
• 12.5 inHeight
• No assemblySetup

Best for: raccoon-size animals when you want a cage that works out of the box

Why it ranks #9: It lists exact dimensions and needs no assembly, which the Havahart Large 1-Door Cage does not state.

Humane Way lists the Sentinel 32 as a medium trap for raccoons, feral cats, groundhogs and opossums. It measures 32 x 10.5 x 12.5 in and needs no assembly. SureSet is the listing name for a one-step setup.

The body is heavy duty galvanized steel with a rust-resistant powder coating for repeated outdoor use. Because it is a cage, it can catch pets and other animals as well. Place it with that in mind.

Skip it if you want a spring trap; the QWERT12 Spring Trap folds flat.

10. KMSUPERB Hand Raccoon and Small Animal Trap (Simplest listing)

• 1.8 x 8.5 inSize
• 15.2 inChain
• Small to mediumAnimals
• ReusableUse

Best for: basic use in yards, farms and gardens

Why it ranks #10: It repeats the common size and chain, but gives very little other detail.

KMSUPERB lists a 1.8 x 8.5 in trap with a 15.2 in chain for small to medium wildlife such as raccoons, stray cats, skunks and rabbits. The listing says it is easy to place and reusable.

The listing is short. It does not name a material, a finish, an anchor or a safety feature, so it is the least described option here. Read the product page and manual first.

Skip it if you want more listed features; the Ecliptica Dog Proof Trap gives a lever handle and anchor.

Check Local Rules Before You Buy a Raccoon Trap

The most common mistake is buying first and reading the rules later. Trap laws vary by state, county and town. Some places restrict spring or foot hold style traps, some require a license, and some limit what you can do with an animal once you catch it.

Call your state wildlife agency or a local animal control office before you set a trap. Ask what trap types are allowed, how often you must check it, and whether you can relocate the animal. Cage traps like the Havahart Large 1-Door Cage and Humane Way Sentinel 32 are often easier to use because you can see what you caught and release it.

Keep a record of the rules you were given. This guide is general information, not legal advice.

Protect Pets and Check Traps Often

A trap does not know a raccoon from a cat, a skunk or a dog. The listings for the QWERT12 Spring Trap and DANGONGLI DP-T3 name several animals, so non-target catches are possible.

Keep traps away from pets, set them where animals you do not want to catch are unlikely to go, and check them often. Many areas require checks at least daily, so confirm your local rule. Wear heavy gloves, never reach into a trap, and follow the maker instructions for setting. The Ecliptica Dog Proof Trap lists a lever handle that lets you set it without touching the trigger area.

If you catch an animal you did not want, or a sick or injured one, call animal control or a licensed wildlife handler. Do not handle a raccoon with bare hands.

How to Choose the Best Foot Traps for Raccoons

Type

Spring traps like the QWERT12 Spring Trap, STEPHANIE Hand Trap and leechy Dog-Safe Spring Trap are small and light. Cage traps like the Havahart Large 1-Door Cage and Humane Way Sentinel 32 are bulkier but enclose the animal.

Size and chain

Most spring traps here list 1.8 x 8.5 in. Chains run from 15.2 in on the Ecliptica Dog Proof Trap to 26 in on the DANGONGLI DP-DK0520 and DANGONGLI DP-T3.

Anchor and tools

Look for a ground anchor like the one on the HQLDMYGS 2 Pack, and a setting tool like the lever or pry bar options on the DANGONGLI DP-DK0520.

Material and finish

Iron and steel with a dark coating, like the Ecliptica Dog Proof Trap and DANGONGLI DP-DK0520, resist rust. Check how the listing describes the material, since the KMSUPERB Hand Trap gives none.

Which Raccoon Trap Should You Choose?

• If you want the best-described spring trap, choose the QWERT12 Spring Trap, because it lists a hand guard plate and a folding design.
• If you want a lever handle and anchor, choose the Ecliptica Dog Proof Trap, because it lists both.
• If you want a narrow entry, choose the STEPHANIE Hand Trap, because the listing says it cuts accidental triggers.
• If you want a longer chain, choose the DANGONGLI DP-DK0520, because it lists 26 in.
• If you want a kit with a pry bar, choose the DANGONGLI DP-T3, because it offers a 7 in pry bar.
• If you need two traps, choose the HQLDMYGS 2 Pack, because it is a two-pack.
• If you want a basic spring trap, choose the leechy Dog-Safe Spring Trap, because it lists a dog-safe trigger and anchor.
• If you want a cage, choose the Havahart Large 1-Door Cage, because it has a one-door galvanized design.
• If you want a cage that needs no assembly, choose the Humane Way Sentinel 32, because it lists 32 x 10.5 x 12.5 in.
• If you want a plain basic listing, choose the KMSUPERB Hand Trap, because it lists a 15.2 in chain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best foot traps for raccoons?

For a spring trap, the QWERT12 Spring Trap has one of the clearest listings here, with a hand guard plate and a folding design. If you prefer an enclosed cage, the Humane Way Sentinel 32 lists exact dimensions and needs no assembly.

Are foot traps legal for raccoons?

It depends on where you live. Some areas restrict certain trap types, and many require a license or frequent checks. Call your state wildlife agency before you buy. This guide is not legal advice.

Spring trap vs cage trap: which is better for a yard?

A cage trap like the Havahart Large 1-Door Cage or Humane Way Sentinel 32 lets you see the animal and release it, but it is bulky and can catch pets. A spring trap like the QWERT12 Spring Trap is compact but listings often describe it less clearly. Choose by local rules and your pets.

Will a dog proof trap stop my dog from triggering it?

Listings for the Ecliptica Dog Proof Trap, DANGONGLI DP-DK0520 and leechy Dog-Safe Spring Trap use dog proof or dog safe wording, but none explains how it works. Treat that as a listing claim, keep pets away from the trap, and read the manual.

How often should I check a raccoon trap?

Check it as often as your local rules require, and many areas expect at least once a day. Check at the same time each day and do not leave a trap unattended for long.

What bait works for raccoons?

Maker instructions for traps like the QWERT12 Spring Trap say to place food in the bait opening or compartment. Check the manual for what the maker advises, and avoid baits that can attract other animals you do not want.

Final Verdict

The QWERT12 Spring Trap is the best foot trap for raccoons in this guide by listing detail. It is iron, 1.8 x 8.5 in with a 15.2 in chain, and has a hand guard plate and a folding design. If you want an enclosed cage instead, the Humane Way Sentinel 32 lists 32 x 10.5 x 12.5 in and needs no assembly. Before you buy, check your local trap rules and plan to check the trap often.

See the QWERT12 Spring Trap on Amazon