To find out how your province is performing, visit our campaigns page. You can see what wildlife is allowed in your province and how your province compares to other areas. Here`s a list of adorable exotic animals you didn`t know were legal in Canada: In total, an estimated 1.4 million wild animals are kept as pets in Canada. Incredibly, Ontario lacks almost every law – regarding the ownership of “exotic” animals. In fact, there are only two animals that are prohibited by state law – the pit bull and the killer whale. Prince Edward Island has a comprehensive list of animals that are prohibited, and permits are required not only for the possession but also for the sale or importation of certain species. If your exotic pet escapes, the owners are also responsible for retrieving it, along with any associated costs. For example, Ontario law contains regulations prohibiting the keeping of many local animals such as raccoons, wild turkeys and squirrels, but there are no specific laws prohibiting the possession of a tiger or giraffe. We have come a long way since then, but you will be surprised to learn that exotic animal regulations in Canada are quite poorly regulated. Nevertheless, there are many exotic animals that you can invite into your home, from flat-bellied pigs to dwarf goats.
These may not be all the most convenient options, but it`s good to know what`s out there, right? Many of the animals you have listed as legal are actually illegal, at least in significant parts of the country. Since this is a legal opinion that lists legal and illegal things, it is terribly unethical to give false information, let alone maintain it., Note: While it should go without saying, just because it`s legal (or rather, not illegal) to own an exotic pet doesn`t mean it`s a good idea for you and the animal. Pets demand that you devote time, energy and money to their health, well-being and safety and that of others. For more information, see Are you ready to have an exotic pet? Below is an overview of how each province and territory regulates exotic animals, whether the required applications, registrations and permits are required, and whether they are monitored at the provincial or municipal level. It is important to note that regardless of the province in which a person lives, a permit for international trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora (CITES) may be required. Finally, the International Recognition of Endangered Species (CITES), Ontario`s Endangered Species Act and the Species at Risk Act at the federal level help protect individual animals on these lists. Quebec is one of the few provinces to offer extensive features where exotic animals do not need (and have) permits to own them. Wildlife not only suffers in captivity, but can also pose a danger to its owners and the local community. Injuries, bites, scratches and constrictions can cause serious damage and even death.
The results are worrying. Half of Ontario`s municipalities do not have bylaws that restrict or even address the presence of exotic animals. There is no clear geographic profile or size, and in every corner of Ontario, there are areas where there is no law or status prohibiting anyone from owning tigers. Ontario needs provincial leadership that carefully addresses the importation, breeding, trade and display of exotic animals (and what happens to those already here), for their safety and ours. As mentioned earlier, Ontario is the only province that does not have a law on keeping exotic animals as pets at the provincial level. Aquatic animals such as fish, crustaceans and molluscs must be declared. If the animal is on the list of susceptible aquatic animal species and cannot be released (e.g. If the owner can confirm that the animal does not come into contact with water types other than those kept in the household), a permit is required. Humans have kept animals as pets for over 12,000 years. Keeping animals for their company is something that has slowly evolved in cultures over the years.
This is where the rules get a little trickier, as what can`t be kept as a pet in Canada often changes from province to province. In addition, it is not always explicitly stated that keeping a particular animal is illegal, but the law will simply not say anything about it. However, there are a variety of rarer and more unique animals that are off the beaten path when it comes to pet ownership. Below is an overview of 10 exotic animals that can be legally owned as pets in Canada, as well as links to each province`s rules below. Municipalities can pass laws to deal with animals and pets within their city limits, but from my research, it seems that only Toronto and Ottawa have such laws/lists. So that begs the question: If you move outside the city limits and think your exotic animal collection is non-Canadian wildlife that isn`t on an endangered species list, how crazy can you get? Well, apparently, almost everything is on the table at this point. The laws are so non-existent that just about everything except a pit bull — or a killer whale — is fair play. And also for killer whales you will receive special permits for. Animal cruelty regulations were passed in 1892.