The US Transport Security Administration has responded after fans repeatedly called for viral raccoon Jimothy to join its K9 unit, saying the internet’s current favorite animal isn’t eligible for the job.
Jimothy’s rise from local Seattle celebrity to internet sensation has taken another unexpected turn, with the US agency weighing in after fans of the animal repeatedly asked if the raccoon could become an official member of its canine program.
The joke (or is it?) follows weeks of growing popularity that has already seen Jimothy immortalized in various games, including as fan-made mods for Stardew Valley and Skyrim.
TSA says Jimothy isn’t eligible for K9 team
In a July 24 X post, the agency addressed the requests, confirming it had noticed the growing campaign.
“We’ve seen your request but unfortunately no… Jimothy is not eligible for the K9 team,” the TSA wrote.
It added that the raccoon was “too small” for the agency’s “do not pet” vests, adding that it doesn’t have any raccoon trainers. “Please stop asking,” the post ended.
We’ve seen your request but unfortunately no… Jimothy is not eligible for the K9 team. He’s too small for the “do not pet” vests & we don’t have any raccoon trainers.
Please stop asking.
— TSA (@TSA) July 24, 2026
On Instagram, the agency added, “We’d like to… but we just raccan’t. Sorry, Jimothy.”
Jimothy first exploded in popularity after videos of the small raccoon, waddling along the ground with an unusual spinal shape, began circulating online. Since then, the animal has become one of the internet’s biggest breakout stars, inspiring fan art, memes and mods, while even tabletop giant Dungeons & Dragons made him an official NPC.
