Is there anywhere (somewhere in Australia ideally) where I can - Quora States where Otters may be legal, New York. Different provinces have different laws. 2. Keeping an otter as a pet would be unfair to the animal and potentially dangerous for you. Otter as a pet [Facts & Guides] | Pet Comments Can you have a pet sea otter? But theyre probably more likely to bite unfamiliar people, like visitors! As stated in the introduction, otters are mustelids. But above all, enjoy this unique and intimate insight into one of our wildest, shyest animals. You can keep an otter as a pet with the proper permits that allow you to house game animals in captivity. However, this is a highly regulated process and requires meeting strict requirements for the care and housing of the animal. Put up you have it off otters every bit pets uk How To Get A Pet Otter (Realistically) Here is a list of places where you might be able to find a pet otter: Exotic pet stores These are specialty stores that deal with rare and exotic animals. The smell of an otters spraint has been likened variously to that of freshly mown hay to putrefied fish. If you like animals you can cuddle, ferrets are popular domesticated pets and can be a fine substitute for their larger and aquatic brown cousins. Question: Could an otter, raised from a young pup, make a unique and workable therapy animal or visiting moral animal for elderly / disabled / children? The IUCN guidelines don't even provide a the space for a single otter as otters are social animals that need at least one other otter for company. Guess what, they are picked off by predators within 3 days. Gonna go out on a limb and say that's where the otter encounters take place. While they are the smallest otter species in the world, Asian small-clawed otters can still grow to 24 inches (61cm). Negative impact on the wild population: Keeping otters as pets contributes to the decline of wild populations, as individuals are captured from the wild and taken away from their natural habitats. HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. However, keeping otters in captivity is not the same as keeping an otter as a pet. Conservationists may need to keep an otter in captivity for protection, post-rescue or for research purposes. Only one species of otters is not considered federally illegal in the US, which is the Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus). The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists several otter species as either endangered or vulnerable due to habitat loss, pollution, and hunting. Are otters legal pets? Otters should not live in a domestic household, and a demand for pet otters helps drives illegal animal trade and decimate wild populations. It takes a tremendous amount of time, effort, patience, and experience to house them, provide them with enrichment, and keep them safe and secure. The space aka property with a huge pond that I would build a huge enclosure around. Are Otters Dangerous? - AZ Animals In some states, it is not illegal to keep an Asian small-clawed otter as a pet. The name otter derives from the Old English word otor which, alongside other Indo-European cognates, ultimately stems from the root word *wdr, which, you guessed it, gives us the modern word water. And then you need to give all your time. For example, most states have bans on big cats, primates, and bears, but in states that allow more surprising species as pets, the majority of counties and towns don't allow it. I couldn't agree more. (2018). Many Asian countries have taken measures to protect them through bans and regulation.. Because Dalmations are high energy dogs that were bred to run 25 miles a day under carriages, and the families couldn't handle them. By clicking Subscribe, I agree to the WebMD, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Smoking Pot Every Day Linked to Heart Risks, Artificial Sweetener Linked to Heart Risks, FDA Authorizes First At-Home Test for COVID and Flu, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, Protect Your Cat From These Household Hazards. It is illegal to own most otter species as pets. Keeping an otter in a home is a surefire way to destroy anything valuable you own. 1. Shes advising you not, To. Its not like they are using them for fur or food. Then there are, of course, ferrets. If you are interested in adopting an otter, you will need to provide a specialized diet that includes a variety of fresh fish and shellfish. Otters need space to roam. If you want to have an otter as a pet, make sure that they have a pond or a lake filled with their food, or you can manage to bring them fresh one from the market. Hundreds of thousands of newborn kittens are euthanized at shelters because no one can take care of them. I guess if someone owns a exotic pet then theyd really need to keep it in a space like theyre natural environment and take really good care of it, not just like its a dog or cat. Dogs can infect otters with canine distemper and rabies. Well I did come come across an instragram account of a pet otter in Japan, and I never saw a outdoor cage in the account. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has previously released a general, but not exhaustive, guideline to keeping otters in captivity[4]. Your email address will not be published. Some species of otter exist discontinuously in patches unconnected by land because of over-poaching. However, owning an otter requires a permit, which can be obtained from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. After reading your expose, I realize that it would not be fair or practical. Otters are wild animals and can be unpredictable, especially if they feel threatened or uncomfortable. 3. What is the Difference Between a Donkey, a Mule and an Ass? Can Otters Be Pets - Petsnetic Pet Collars & Leashes Pet Furniture Pet Clothing & Shoes . As a vet you shouldnt explain people what to do if they still wanna keep a wild pet! Eastern Newt. These animals are also preys in the wild and keeping these animals as pet increase their chances of survival greatly. In the wild, they feed on mostly invertebrates and occasionally frogs. Question: Are otters illegal in western Australia? These are wild animals who suffer greatly being kept in our houses. Question: Are otters legal to keep as pets in Georgia? In some cases, it is possible to obtain a permit to own an otter. Film fundraiser showcasing Mori-made movies for cyclone relief Because I love otters. They love to swim and dive in shallow waters although there are records of sea otters diving as deep as 100 meters. In most countries, otters are considered wild animals, and it is illegal to buy or sell them. Not only do you need the right enclosure and dietary resources to take care of a pet otter, but you need to have access to specialists in your neighborhood. seni, var, bir, pet, otter, iinde, Avustralya, olabilir. When theyre captured and sold as pets, otters are not living their full, natural lives. A certified veterinarian giving advise on how to get an exotic animal to own as a pet? "Oh honey~~~ you shouldn't have! While they were not the first country to open a pet caf (this was Taiwan's honor), the idea gained significant popularity there. They have exotic pet stores with meerkats in rabbit cages. That being said there are no breeders , otters are poached from the wild. Theyre destructive and will hurt you or your kids and they will get depressed ! Answer: Yes, but you would have to be granted a permit, which isn't easy. Question: Are sea otters legal in Kentucky? If the otter is not able to be released, it may be possible to adopt it as a pet. However, they also mark territory with scent glands at the base of their tail. You may not realize that the otter is likely there only as a stop gap in a larger conservation effort. Can you touch an otter? These big furry dogs were bred to hunt otters, which were considered as pests back in the day. Sadly, due to the difficulties that come with owning an otter, many are abandoned or discarded to rescue groups., National Geographic: Wild otters are the latest exotic pet trend., PetHelpful: A Guide to Legally Owning and Caring for a Pet Otter., Sea Otter Savvy: Dangerous Liaisons: Interactions Between Pets and Sea Otters., The Furry Companion: FAQs for Aspiring Pet Otter Owners., WORLD ANIMAL PROTECTION: Why You Shouldnt Share That Cute Pet Otter Video.. Instead, consider visiting them at a zoo or wildlife sanctuary, where you can observe and appreciate these amazing animals in a safe and responsible manner. Very few are owned by private individuals and habited in domestic environments. The upfront cost of purchasing an Asian small-clawed otter is approximately $4,000 unaffordable for most individuals. Members of the Mustelidae family, otters are related to weasels, badgers, honey badgers, martens, minks, polecats and wolverines. Retrieved from, Smith, C. (2017). Can You Have an Otter as a Pet? The Legal Answer For this reason, petting and handling are ill-advised. All pets have at least some bans on exotic pets, even if they sometimes dont make complete sense. As we have stated, they are not domestic animals. Even if you could get an otter certified as a therapy animal, it would still be illegal to buy or sell one. The woman in the video DOES SAY she would 100% NOT recommend an otter as a pet Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on May 27, 2019: Shame on you! If the water is not sufficiently well cleaned, it can lead to the quick death of the otter. Most products include Include a 90 day warranty for your convenience and to ensure you're completely satisfied! They are not commonly available, and you would likely need to get on a waiting list. If i found a fox or coyote i would raise it. Otters can be legally obtained for private ownership. Owning native otters is illegal in many countries including the UK, Japan, and the U.S. They are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Guests must be fit and healthy, have full motor skill and intellectual capabilities. Answer: I would guess no, but it might depend on the animal and your particular talent in animal training. Otters For Sale Online | baby otters for sale near me - GOLDEN EXOTIC PETS Otters are social creatures. Theyre not for us to publish to get likes ! Cats Domesticated Themselves, Ancient DNA Shows. Otters are delightfully cute. One of the few ways to keep an armadillo as a pet is to be someone who holds an Animal Breeding License, but obtaining one is difficult. Additionally, otters can have sharp teeth and claws that can cause injury. Answer: You purchase otters from a breeder or broker. If you cannot provide an outdoor area, you must provide a large, heated (it must not fall below 50F), secure indoor area, with a pool kept at 75-85F. Theyre not for us to put them in cute hats ! In conclusion, it is not advisable to keep otters as pets. It is illegal in all US States to keep this indigenous otter as a pets. Stoats as Pets: Guidelines and General Tips, The Ocelot as a Pet: Everything you Need to Know, Silver Foxes as Pets: Guidelines and General Tips, Ostriches as Pets: Guidelines and General Tips, Gov UK. Otters can be destructive and are difficult to housetrain. Dont take this as an endorsement of keeping them, but in purely legal terms, you may be able to own an otter in the following states: In the majority of the US, it is completely illegal to keep an otter as a pet. Asian small-clawed otter: This is the only otter to have entered the pet trade. This is the smallest. I have an affinity for unique companions (my first buddy was a nurse shark that imprinted on me). This does not even take into consideration the amount of capital needed to install the appropriate enclosure and keep the otters well fed. Otters are very playful creatures. Not all our wants are positive. As a pet, otter ownership can be difficult for a variety of reasons, but owning one is not an easy choice. 11:06. Several countries have legislation protecting otters from being kept as pets. All those things you find cute on IG are them showing their distress ! Below is a basic care guide. Cats and dogs were bred to be companions and we couldn't even handle that. There are several ways to support otter conservation efforts, including: In conclusion, otters are unique and fascinating animals that are best appreciated from a distance. Unfortunately, we would not be able to list every country where keeping otter as a pet is legal or illegal. Prohibited mammals, reptiles and amphibians You are not allowed to keep prohibited animals as a pet in Queensland. Despite being the state small mammal of Texas, they are illegal as pets there because they are one of the few animals which can transmit Hansen's disease, also known as leprosy. It is extremely important that you provide diverse enrichment for ottersand all animals for that matter. About. This is the way for all animals, but the fundamental problem is that wild animals are better off wild, no matter how well we think we can look after them. Yes, there are some health risks associated with otters. Parasites and general hygiene issues created by otters are also significant factors in why you shouldn't keep an otter as a pet. Nevertheless, otters are personable, entertaining little creatures, as you would expect from their reputation. You can discover many popular videos of them interacting with their caretakers in ways other than direct contact. Such illegal trafficking is detrimental to wild populations of animals worldwide. Nevada: In Nevada, owning an otter is legal as long as you have a permit from the Nevada Department of Wildlife. Put a ring on it! many native mammals have large home-ranges and need to kept in large outdoor enclosures. For many, ferrets make a viable alternative. More information can be found by referring to the Asian Small-Clawed Otter Husbandry Manual. All rights reserved. It depends on the state, but yes, it is likely illegal. If I live in Australia can I own a pet otter? - Quora Additionally, otters require specialized care and a suitable habitat, making them unsuitable as pets for most people. Fencing needs to extend in-ground because they can also dig out. No, it is not safe or ethical to swim with otters. Nutritionally complete cat food can serve as a base subsistence food. These have brought significant problems and it is very questionable if exotic animals will fare well in such environments. Can you have an otter as a pet? | AgroCorrn They belong in the wild, where they can swim, run, hunt and live freely. Giant otter: Native to South America, these otters are very large, quite noisy, and actually very social. They also mark their territory by smearing their feces around, which contributes to the odor.. Their bite is sharp and piercing. The lifespan of otters varies depending on the species and their environment. Otters have very sharp teeth and can turn aggressive quickly, if annoyed. When you are walking, you have to focus on walking because there are so many factors that come into playbalance, proprioceptionand you can't take those for granted.". Maximum of two people per encounter. Other otters have fully webbed feet and strong, well-developed claws. Aquarium where you can touch otters? - aquariums - 2023