It is illegal in all US States to keep this indigenous otter as a pets. Customer reviews and photos may be available to help you make the right purchase decision! However, mascotism damages biodiversity, since it does not focus on . 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 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! But if you do decide to own an otter telling you how to properly care for your new family member. You see, otters are members of the weasel family. Fortunately, many governments and jurisdictions have created contingencies to try to protect these animals. Not only does this depend on the country, the legality of keeping an otter as a pet will also depend on regions and jurisdiction within a given country. Eastern Red-backed Salamander. 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. For example, in Nevada, lions and elephants are actually legal to own, but fennec foxes (which weigh 3 lbs) are not. Otters require a large enclosure with access to water, a specialized diet, veterinary care, and enrichment to keep them mentally and physically healthy. Zoological parks Some zoos have captive breeding programs for otters and may offer the opportunity to adopt one. WOW!! Background on Otter Otters eat 15 to 25% of their body weight daily. You should remove this article and every advise on owning exotic pets. I tend to state that theres no such thing as a good or bad petit depends on what youre looking for in an animal. There are 13 types of otter in total, but some are more common than others. Note: All information comes from online resources and personal knowledge. Why you shouldn't share that cute pet otter video That being said there are no breeders , otters are poached from the wild. As always, wed be delighted to read your comments. Mrs Smith, inform yourself, go back to University to learn the BASIC ethics of your job. Theyre very intelligent and need so much stimulation , just like an African parrot but maybe 10 times more. They're cute and playful when you see them on nature specials and at zoos, but in reality: They aren't domesticated in the slightest. Obtaining a permit for keeping an otter is difficult, if not impossible. Also do you own any dogs or cats? No, you dont need to have a massive zoo enclosure with a natural lake (although it wouldnt hurt), but housing Asian small-clawed otters will still present a challenge for the average person or even an advanced exotic pet keeper. Funny Otter Sweatshirt Teacher Gift Sweatshirt Cute Otter - Etsy However, I'd like to be able to contribute to the conservation of otters and their habitat, so I hope I can find a way to do that. Other members of this family include weasels, skunks, and ferrets. Eastern Newt. Otters can be dangerous around children, full grown adults as well as pets. Answer: Australia is extremely strict with entry and exportation of exotics, so no. Call state wildlife officials to confirm. This is usually at the behest of a larger authority, often governmental. Most products include Include a 90 day warranty for your convenience and to ensure you're completely satisfied! More on each of these later. You will need to provide a heated area for them when temperatures drop below 50F. (8 Best Scorpions Types as Pets), How Often Do Scorpions Eat? All those things you find cute on IG are them showing their distress ! They live in freshwater wetlands and mangrove swamps in Southern Asia. Living in captivity is simply not a good life for an otter. Rage at the cruelty of man. Supporting conservation efforts and avoiding products that contribute to habitat destruction can help protect these animals. Why is is not right to have an OTTER as a PET? What types of animals am I allowed to keep as a pet in NSW? Exotic animals have many guidelines regarding their maintenance in captivity, but possession laws do change depending on the State. Where To Buy Otters In Australia - CelestialPets This time around, the slippery creatures sneaked into a home at Serangoon Gardens near Brockhampton Berwick and killed a whole pond full of koi. Prohibited mammals, reptiles and amphibians You are not allowed to keep prohibited animals as a pet in Queensland. can u own a otter in ohio or any other place please respond because im in highschool and i have plans to move to a place that allows pet otters please respond this important or my dreams wil be crushed to live a happy life, really i cant find any where to own one now i feel depressed so where, cus im planning to move to a state that allows them whith a friend. Wildlife rehabilitation centers - These centers take in injured or orphaned wild animals and care for them until they can be released back into the wild. However, these permits are usually only granted to licensed wildlife rehabilitators, educators, or researchers. Before considering obtaining a permit to keep an otter, it is important to thoroughly research the requirements and responsibilities involved. Where can I hold hands with an otter? : r/orangecounty Click to attach a photo related to your comment. If not..why? No, you cannot keep a jackal as a pet. In such a case, the average dog run won't cut it. What is a good pet? Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on December 31, 2019: Katouchka, I have seen breeders. Why you can't keep native mammals as pets - NSW Environment and Heritage iPhone 13 Pro Otter-box case | Phone Accessories | Gumtree Australia Printed on the money box will be a beautiful otter with your required name. Stop being sensitive everyone. Otters are notoriously difficult to potty train, and even when they are, they may decide to go against their training. However, pet owners must meet strict requirements, including providing a secure and appropriate habitat, proper nutrition, and veterinary care. They're actually very aggressive animals. And I really want to pet or hold hands with an otter. Expenses such as those mentioned above are not the only detrimental factors in keeping an otter as a pet. Shes advising you not, To. Answer: Yes, but you would have to be granted a permit, which isn't easy. Here are a few to get you started, plus some basic information about how they fit into the otter pet trade: 1. Trained professionals can provide the care and rehabilitation necessary to ensure the otter can be released back into the wild. But there are many factors to consider. Living inside comes with many challenges, like cleaning up otter feces and keeping your furniture intact. More information can be found by referring to the Asian Small-Clawed Otter Husbandry Manual. Or someone actually get it and have no proper information on how to care for it? There are many different laws and regulations regarding "exotic" animals as pets and they vary from state to state, so the answer depends on where you live. 11 reasons why you should NOT have an otter as a pet. It is illegal to own most otter species as pets. So, here are some of the reasons you should not keep an otter as a pet: Above all, otters are wild animals that are happiest in their natural habitats and are not meant to be kept in our homes. These animals are also preys in the wild and keeping these animals as pet increase their chances of survival greatly. That includes all game animals, birds and furbearers, including bear, beaver, coyote, deer,. They will need to be kept in an enclosure that is at least 10' x 8' x 6'. They have been known to destroy furniture with their inquisitive claws and teeth. However, it is important to remember that even trained otters are still wild animals and should be treated with respect and caution. All pets have at least some bans on exotic pets, even if they sometimes dont make complete sense. Vegetables, insects, crayfish, monkey nuts, soft-boiled eggs, etc. West Virginia: Otter ownership is legal in West Virginia with a permit from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Those nails are perfectly manicured, oh yes they are! In some cases, otters that have been in captivity can be released back into the wild. Question: Specifically what is required to own an otter in North Carolina and what type of otter(s) can you have? Can Otters Be Pets - Petsnetic However, if you have ever seen one having a snooze while going down river, opening up lunch on their bellies or rollicking in the water with their friends, only the meanest of the mean wouldn't find them enchanting. The fact that these otters require a tropical climate may be why they tend to be kept mostly by zoo professionals. You just made that up and got angry for no reason. Guess what, they are picked off by predators within 3 days. Otters are wild animals and require specialized care. Abigailramirez434@yahoo.com on January 01, 2018: Can I buy a baby otter. Thanks to hunting, habit destruction and many other human activities, almost all species of otter are either endangered or at least threatened. Summary of Husbandry Guidelines for Asian Small-clawed Otters in Captivity. 07:55. Plumbing fixture you fuck an otter as a pet linear unit australia OTTERS as PETS Reason It's a BAD Thought. Yes, there are some health risks associated with otters. Pet owners must provide a secure and appropriate habitat, as well as proper nutrition and veterinary care. 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 like to climb and dig, so your enclosure will need a top and to be dug into the ground. If you were able to find one, the cost of their expertise would be prohibitively expensive to most households. This can be fed irregularly with a "scatter" method to ward off stereotypic behaviorsomething that occurs when certain animals are fed at specific times. Objects, such as hollowed-out lots, well-placed shrubs and trees, and items of cage furniture. Taking feathers directly from the bird so the scent is present, and scatter them in various places. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on December 21, 2016: People in Japan are notorious for doing whatever they want and making it work. I just have no words for it! North American river otter (or common otter): Found in and along North Americas waterways and coasts, these otters weigh between 11 and 31 lbs (5-14kg). All you say and recommend is ethically against your Vet degree! Owning a pet otter is considered illegal in several countries including the US, Japan, and the UK. Your email address will not be published. Fr Rudi, as . They are semi-aquatic animals, and they are well adapted to life on both land and in water, like rivers, streams, freshwater wetlands, and the sea. Can you have otters as pets in Canada? - ruggedthuglife.com 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. Freshwater otters live in family groups of up to 15 in the wild. When she isn't creating content for blog posts, Hannah enjoys long walks with her Rottweiler cross Senna, reading fantasy novels and breeding aquarium shrimp. There are several websites and online sources where pet otters are sold. No, and you don't want one. So why don't you see more otters playing in the park on a Sunday afternoon? All goods sold at cash converters are cleaned and tested to ensure you're completely satisfied with your purchase. Swimming in circles , chanting, running around like crazy is them showing they suffer! Can you have a pet penguin in Canada? Even if it is legal to have an otter as a pet, many exotic pet curators do not go through proper channels to capture and sell animals. As such, captive otters need ample space to move around, including a deep enough freshwater source in which to swim, bathe, and socialize. Members of the Mustelidae family, otters are related to weasels, badgers, honey badgers, martens, minks, polecats and wolverines. Likely, your otter will spend most of its life in the enclosure. Additionally, if you live near a river, lake, or other natural body of water, you may be able to spot otters in the wild. Otters are so adorable, I can understand why we would want to have them as a pet, but it's not right. Feel free to share this guide with anyone who loves otters! Lontra canadensis. They are expensive to buy and house. Sea otter: Illegal to own under the Marine Animal Protection Act. They are easier to care for, cheaper to buy, require zero, or at least fewer, licenses and permits to keep as pets, and are significantly easier to find willing veterinarians for. About. When you see cute baby otters interacting with their keeperssuch as those in the videos hereremember that these are often socialized babies that have not yet undergone maturation. Only one species of otters is not considered federally illegal in the US, which is the Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus). you, have, a, pet, otter, in, australia, can. Dogs can infect otters with canine distemper and rabies. - Repeat the above steps to add more items as needed. You may be asked to demonstrate this. Heap, C. J., Wright, L., and Andrews, L. (2008). Can Caracal Kitten be good pets? I was looking into purchasing a friend but after all this I think its not the best for either of us. If you love animals, then volunteer at shelters, rescues, or an ACA accredited zoo. Canadian Arctic Marble Fox as Pets (Are they good pets? Exotic animals have many guidelines regarding their maintenance in captivity, but possession laws do change depending on the State. How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at Petco? How otters are protected. Can i legaly own a short clawed otter here in Ontario Canada? iPhone 11 Otter + Pop Symmetry Series Case - amazon.com Otters are protected under the law, and it is illegal to keep them as pets or attempt to care for them yourself. These include: In conclusion, it is not advisable to keep otters as pets. Speaking from experience in both areas, the caregivers who work with them are not taking on an easy job - they're noisier than a Siamese cat on an airplane. Otters are excellent diggers and have sharp claws and teeth. You can usually visit the otter you have adopted, and some programs offer other perks, like behind-the-scenes tours. Their appearance may be similar to a friendly dog's, but their temperament is quite the opposite. They also mark their territory by smearing their feces around, which contributes to the odor.. As a pet, otter ownership can be difficult for a variety of reasons, but owning one is not an easy choice. Veterinary Secrets 2022 Bestie PawsLower Manhattan, New York, NY 10038, USA, Pet otters: the truth behind the latest wildlife craze. Nevada: In Nevada, owning an otter is legal as long as you have a permit from the Nevada Department of Wildlife. These Otters Are Popular Pets in Asia. That May Be Their Undoing. Pet Collars & Leashes Pet Furniture Pet Clothing & Shoes . However, a recent uptick of otter attacks has caused distress to many fish owners across the island. We are living in a world full of ignorant, entitled, beings who have little/no respect for anyone or anything. Veterinarians are well trained in looking after a variety of animals, but most will not have the specific training required to look after the health and well-being of an otter. In the UK, otters are fully protected under Sections 9 and 11 of Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981[2]. I guess they'd much rather be coddled and have everything handed to them SMH. 11 reasons why you should NOT have an otter as a pet. An otter needs to have the life he was intended to have and need to be around their own kind in order to thrive. This craze of having exotic pets like fennec and foxes (in Russia its popular ), beautiful exotic reptiles and so much more is so wrong ! There should be hollowed-out logs, aptly placed shrubs and trees, and various cage furniture that will make the space more interesting. In the wild, they feed on mostly invertebrates and occasionally frogs. Remember when 101 Dalmations came out and everyone ran and got a Dalmation and thousands got dumped at animal shelters? Otters in this genus are characterized by only partial webbing between their toes, and small, blunt, peg-like claws. You need another animal carer to assist you if you need to leave. Are otters good pets? 25 million cats and dogs are euthanized in the US each year. Even ferrets are not necessarily easy pets but the first thing I would recommend as a mustelid for a pet. Hi I'm looking to buy a otter I want to know how much they go for. If you have adopted one, youll need to have the proper habitat for it. 7 Caracal Cat Facts. Otters require specific conditions to live well: a large area to roam (the larger the better); a clean water source in which to swim, bathe and (ideally) catch live prey; and adequate daily nutrition. It is illegal to have an otter in most states, Pet otters require a lot of space and water, Axolotl Care: How to take care of an axolotl, Vietnamese Mossy Frog Pet Care (10 Steps Complete Guide), American Green Tree Frog as Pets (4 Care Facts You Must. The upfront cost of purchasing an Asian small-clawed otter is approximately $4,000 unaffordable for most individuals. Depending on the size, the cage should provide at least 30% water. They're very aggressive and bite, and they have very sharp teeth. In some cases, it may be possible to keep an otter with the proper permits and licenses. Very few are owned by private individuals and habited in domestic environments. Due to their high fish diet, an otter's excrement is particularly foul. I can only make educated guesses as to where they might be legal due to researching what isn't legal. Animals other than those that are usually kept as a companion or domestic animal attract a lot of attention and generate curiosity to know what it is like to have one at home. Otters are wild animals and can be unpredictable, especially if they feel threatened or uncomfortable. Can You Have an Otter as a Pet? - Is it Illegal or Even Practical? With that said, most or all states will likely ban possession of native otters, and the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act strongly protects marine species (sea otters). You need resources to own any pet, much less an exotic one. OTTERS as PETS Why It's a BAD IDEA - YouTube This is the otter species Ill be focusing on in this guide, as it is the only one you could, feasibly or otherwise, keep as a pet otter. I greatly agree that some animals are better of wild but I read somewhere as well that as more human encroach on their natural habitats, these animals need to be protected. Otters For Sale Online | baby otters for sale near me - GOLDEN EXOTIC PETS No, you cannot keep an otter as a therapy animal. It is extremely important that you provide diverse enrichment for ottersand all animals for that matter. Fun fact: Otters are one of the lesser-known tool users of the animal kingdom. How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at PetSmart? Unless you are an expert or biologist or zoologist, you should not own an exotic pet. EXOTIC ANIMALS ARE NOT PETS. Home / My Animal / Can You Have an Otter as a Pet? Otters arent as cute as you might think. Other zoological animals like meerkats, raccoon dogs, slow lorises, and pangolins can't be owned privately for many reasons, at least in the United States. This permit requires that you have a secure and adequate enclosure for your otter, and that you provide proper care and nutrition for your pet. If you want to interact with otters, consider visiting a zoo or aquarium or volunteering with a wildlife rehabilitation center. Retrieved on 29 November, 2019. Several countries have legislation protecting otters from being kept as pets. Keeping an otter in a home is a surefire way to destroy anything valuable you own. However, they will probably warn you against going down the route of otter husbandry, for the reasons I have outlined in this guide. Otters can be legally obtained for private ownership. All 13 species of otters are wild animals, extremely sensitive to environmental changes, and are a marking, latrine species. Fencing needs to extend in-ground because they can also dig out. I think otters are fun to watch, have exciting personalities and overall give out positive vibes. 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. It depends on the state, but yes, it is likely illegal. Asian small clawed otters may be kept with a permit. Captive otters are also required to have a registered veterinarian who is happy to see them whenever required, which is hard to find at the best of times. Its not like they are using them for fur or food. But theyre probably more likely to bite unfamiliar people, like visitors! It is illegal in all US States to keep this indigenous otter as a pets. Their unpleasant smell can permeate a home if they live indoors. I cannot recommend any otter species as a personal "pet," although a few have maintained a strong bond with their handler their entire life. Not only will we let you know if you can have an otter as a pet, we'll look into the different reasons why this might not be the best idea for both legal and practical reasons. These include many species of native birds (mostly parrots), some captive-bred reptiles and frogs from a licensed breeder or society. Retrieved from. In fact with a fast google search youll find that its 100% illegal but it seems theres a twist depending where you live. Then there are, of course, ferrets. Although the ferret needs their own considerations when adopted into a family, they are more suited to the role of domestic pet and are a good recommendation for those who previously considered having an otter as a pet. After otter hunting was banned in the UK in 1978, their numbers dropped. Otters are social creatures. Can You Have an Otter as a Pet? 2023 Bestie Paws Hospital This doesnt make them automatically legal in every state. Dont take my word for it read this! Licences to possess, sell or capture otters European protected species: apply for a licence to possess them (A37 and LR37) 8 March 2022 Form Licence to possess plants and animals for scientific. These big furry dogs were bred to hunt otters, which were considered as pests back in the day. I couldn't agree more. Otters mostly eat fish and planktons, but they also feed on the ground with small birds, snails, frogs, or other amphibians. Smell may seem a minor consideration, but should not be overlooked. You are wrong. Can You Have A Pet Otter In Australia. Serfass, T., Evans, S. S., & Polechla, P. (2015). If you have managed to acquire an otter, please make sure you know how to care for it properly and that you are committed to keeping it for the entirety of its lifetime. Can You Have Otters as Pets - Petsnetic In Japan, pet fads appear with a certain regularity. As with all wild animals, otters are likely to react to humans in unexpected ways, and they can turn aggressive when they feel threatened. Maximum of two people per encounter. They are not commonly available, and you would likely need to get on a waiting list. In so many States in the USA it is illegal to keep a pet otter. Uncovering the Price: How Much Does a Canadian Marble Fox Cost? Hands-on experience with an otter : r/aww - reddit Thank you for taking the time to look at our personalised otter ceramic money box. However, Asian small-clawed otters, despite being the otter species best suited for captivity, are not commonly kept, even in the exotic pet-keeping community. If I become rich in my future I will definetly buy a otter, This is great for kids like me to learn about otters, I just bought a baby otter and it is really scared and it attack me how to tame and make him bite me. Marvel at the patience that the author must have had. In most countries, only dogs and miniature horses are recognized as therapy animals. To stay warm in the water for so long, otters have incredibly thick fur, and very fast metabolisms, which means they need to eat a lot 20% of their body weight per day, during certain months. While otters are popularized by their appearance in movies and TV shows, many people are unaware that these animals can actually be kept as pets. As wild animals, otters will not want to be kept in a small enclosure and their dexterous claws mean they will try to climb or dig their way out. Lets look after wildlife, please! They also mark their territory by smearing their scent; which is known as sprinting. 9 Affordable Pet Insurance for Low Income Families, Donating to organizations that support otter conservation, research, and habitat protection, Purchasing products made from sustainable materials to reduce habitat destruction, Volunteering at a local wildlife rehabilitation center or conservation organization, Advocating for policies and regulations that protect otters and their habitats. However, this is highly unethical and illegal, so be cautious and thoroughly research the seller and the legality of owning an otter as a pet before making a purchase. What Does It Cost to Adopt a Pygmy Marmoset (or Finger, How To Setup a Red-eared Slider Turtle Tank, How Long Do Red-eared Slider Turtles Live? You should include fish. 10 Exotic Pets That Are Legal to Own in New York State Are there any research programs to help repopulate endangered species of otters such as the Congo clawless otter which so little is known about. Are otters dangerous? Not only is a home environment not suitable for the welfare of otters, but this relationship can also have some undesirable consequences for their human owners, as they can be loud, destructive and can inflict nasty bites. In some cases, it is possible to obtain a permit to own an otter. What zoos and aquariums have sea otters? SafePetsForJoliet. While it's common to keep dogs and cats as pets, other unique and interesting animals including reptiles, insects, amphibians and terrestrial . amanda panda There are many exotic pets that people fantasize about owningbaby penguins, panda bears, dragonsbut they are often shocked to hear that some people can and do legally keep exotic pets like fennec foxes, wild cats, and marmosets. Parasites and general hygiene issues created by otters are also significant factors in why you shouldn't keep an otter as a pet. Ive occasionally seen them offered for sale on exoticanimalsforsale.net in the past, but not for a while. Laws change, and this list is not necessarily exhaustive. Native birds are also federally protected. Japan Times. Patrons for the Utterly Outrageous Otters Encounter must be 12 years and over. Keeping an otter as a solitary pet can make them very sad.