Keeping of Native or Exotic Wild Animals as Pets

Position:

“The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) does not condone the keeping as pets of any native or exotic wild animal species, or hybrids thereof, that are considered to be inherently dangerous to humans and other animals.  Veterinarians are also discouraged from performing surgical procedures on these animals for the sole purpose of making the animal a safer companion.  The CVMA urges veterinarians to exert their influence to discourage the keeping of these wild animals as pets.”

Background:

Legislation clearly defines wild animals in many jurisdictions.  The keeping of native wild animals is prohibited except under permit in most regions of Canada.  Regional legislation may also prohibit the keeping of exotic animals that are considered dangerous, hazardous to the environment or very difficult to provide with basic husbandry and psychological requirements.

Fundamental guidelines are necessary in order to distinguish non-traditional captive-born animals, which can potentially be acceptable pets, from wild animals.  Some smaller wild or exotic animal species (e.g., some birds, various “pocket pets”), not yet considered to be domesticated, are being successfully propagated in captivity for the pet trade.  When maintained under responsible pet ownership, these animals do not present a significant hazard to the health and safety of humans and other animals.

Other native or exotic wild animal species (e.g., large carnivores, non-human primates, large and/or venomous reptiles) may be captive-born and available to the pet trade.  These animals do not make good pets.  While they can become acclimated to people and may appear to be tame, they are potentially dangerous (as a source of injury or zoonosis).  These animals may be acquired by people who do not have good basic information regarding their proper care, housing, nutritional requirements, and training.  Carnivores and non-human primates are often subjected to various surgical procedures (e.g., declawing, canine extraction, neutering, descenting, etc.) in order to prolong their maintenance as pets.  If the animal becomes an unacceptable pet as it reaches maturity, disposing of it can be a traumatic experience for both the animal and the owner: legitimate zoos usually will not accept an altered wild animal pet; and release to the wild is not a viable option since the animal may not be able to fend for itself and could pose a threat to people, other animals, and the environment.  Euthanasia may be the only option, if the animal’s needs cannot be met in a safe situation.

The animal species included in the group of acceptable non-traditional pet species will change over time and with perspective.  An animal should be considered as unacceptable as a pet if any of the following criteria are true:

- The animal presents a significant health or safety risk to people or other animals.
- The animal will present a risk to the environment if it escapes.
 - The acquisition of this animal will have an impact on the conservation of this or other species in the wild.  The CVMA is opposed to the capture of wild animals to be kept as pets (See separate position statement: Capture of Wild Animals for the Pet Trade).
- The long-term husbandry needs of the captive animal cannot be met at all stages of its life.
- Qualified and willing veterinary support is not locally available for the care of the animal.  (Special training, facilities, or experience, not commonly available in domestic animal practices, may be required to provide appropriate veterinary care of wild animals and non-traditional pet species.) 

(Revised March 2003)