I will stick with my donations and wish them love. Otters As Pets - Do Otters Make Good Family Pets? - Pet Blog As a pet, otter ownership can be difficult for a variety of reasons, but owning one is not an easy choice. 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. Do Otters Make Good Pets? What You Should Know. - WebMD (Lifespan Guide). Food is expensive. Its time to wake up and change, seriously. But if you do decide to own an otter telling you how to properly care for your new family member. you, an, otter, as, a, pet, unit, australia, s, can, have, in. Here are several reasons why: Legal restrictions: Otters are protected by law in many countries and it is illegal to keep them as pets. (Complete Budgie Diet Guide). In some cases, otters that have been in captivity can be released back into the wild. Average Lifespan, What Do Parakeets Like to Eat? SafePetsForJoliet. Also They really have an annoying squeal. Dogs and otters do not get along. The local authority's regulations will need to be assessed before it could even be considered. -They have a lot of personality and can be very affectionate with their owners. Question: Are otters legal pets in California? Laws change, and this list is not necessarily exhaustive. With a degree in Animal Behaviour and over a decade of practical animal husbandry experience, Hannah's articles cover everything from pet care to wildlife conservation. I have to say that most though not all of the comments cause me extreme concern regarding our society today. 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. Heap, C. J., Wright, L., and Andrews, L. (2008). In the United States, it is legal to own an otter with a license, although regulations vary from state to state. Even you own a river its not enough! The level of protection and types of otters present vary across different parts of the world. This is not a pet for beginners, or the faint-hearted! Why you can't keep native mammals as pets - NSW Environment and Heritage Shes advising you not, To. Hundreds of thousands of newborn kittens are euthanized at shelters because no one can take care of them. It's scary to think of what it'll be like in just 5-10 more years. They're wild animals. If you still want to own this aquatic creature, the biggest obstacle you will face is this: Where can you find one? Their bite is sharp and piercing. Otters are restless and do not like to be restrained or restricted. Avoid rigid structure in order to prevent stereotypic behavior. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. They are so delightful, you could see why people might want to have an otter as a pet. The water not only needs to be the right temperature (your local climate may not be able to maintain this correct temperature), but it needs to be free of disease-promoting bacteria. 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. Click to attach a photo related to your comment. Otters mostly eat fish and planktons, but they also feed on the ground with small birds, snails, frogs, or other amphibians. A certified veterinarian giving advise on how to get an exotic animal to own as a pet? They're actually very aggressive animals. Can Caracal Kitten be good pets? Otters and most exotic pets may not like to be restrained, especially with strangers. HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. Arkansas: Arkansas is one of the few states in the U.S. that allows otter ownership as a pet. For instance, in Nevada, lions and elephants are technically legal to own but not 3-pound fennec foxes. 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). I have seen so many animals killed because of ignorance. Sometimes people can't handle the truth. Answer: Probably not. 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. Otters are considered to be wildlife, so you will need to follow the state guidelines for ownership. Instead of citing specific sizes, I would recommend simply imagining what you would deem an acceptable length and width for a very energetic and playful carnivore that will spend most, if not all, of its life in the enclosure. If left untrained, they can leave many droppings around the house. 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. Lets look after wildlife, please! These include many species of native birds (mostly parrots), some captive-bred reptiles and frogs from a licensed breeder or society. This has spread to the opening of various hedgehog and even owl cafs. Can you have a pet sea otter? All states have bans on at least some exotic pets, even states that are notorious for having lax pet laws. Are otters legal pets? You can keep an otter as a pet with the proper permits that allow you to house game animals in captivity. Native birds are also federally protected. As with all wild animals, otters are likely to react to humans in unexpected ways, and they can turn aggressive when they feel threatened. In some cases, it may be possible to keep an otter with the proper permits and licenses. They would come to the nano-reef forums posting spotless 10 gallon tanks loaded with fish including tangs. No, and you don't want one. Where can I hold hands with an otter? : r/orangecounty I tend to state that theres no such thing as a good or bad petit depends on what youre looking for in an animal. Aggression when stressed. They have high exercise and socialization needs and require a large living space with access to water. This craze of having exotic pets like fennec and foxes (in Russia its popular ), beautiful exotic reptiles and so much more is so wrong ! Additionally, there may be wildlife rehabilitation centers in your area that need volunteers to help care for injured or orphaned otters. How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at Petco? some native mammals, particularly wallabies and kangaroos, are prone to diseases caused by the stress of contact with humans, domestic pets (cats and dogs) and noise. Otters are wild animals and require specialized care. However, some US states may allow you to own exotic pet species such as otters. Hence the name. Additionally, otters are social animals and need to live with other otters to thrive. Since otters are not legal to buy, its difficult to give a price range. Sea otters carry around a favorite rock in a pouch under their arms between meals, which they use to crack open the shells of various crustaceans. Very few are owned by private individuals and habited in domestic environments. People's Trust for Endangered Species. Not all our wants are positive. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on May 26, 2020: Nixie Nox I guess this also means dalmatians shouldn't be pets then. Pet Guide: How to Care for a Pet Emperor Scorpion, Blue Parakeets: 5 Step Complete Care and Color Mutation Guide, How Long Do Budgie or Parakeet Live as Pets? Pets You Can Have In Australia - UniAcco Wildlife as pets | Mass.gov Poor animals in those cages, would you like to be in jail ? Can you have a pet otter in australia. 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. Keeping an otter as a pet would be unfair to the animal and potentially dangerous for you. Otters For Sale Online | baby otters for sale near me - GOLDEN EXOTIC PETS Living inside comes with many challenges, like cleaning up otter feces and keeping your furniture intact. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. They need a much larger enclosure than a typical dog. Both these habitats need to be well-tended. An otters diet can vary. WOW!! Using food dispensing devices available for dogs and cats that must be manipulated to dispense treats. 12:34. I think otters are fun to watch, have exciting personalities and overall give out positive vibes. 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. 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.". The otter is not a domesticated animal species. However, these permits are usually only granted to licensed wildlife rehabilitators, educators, or researchers. They love to swim and dive in shallow waters although there are records of sea otters diving as deep as 100 meters. It is illegal to own most otter species as pets. From Otters To Capybaras, 6 Weird Pets That You Could Actually Own For many, ferrets make a viable alternative. Pet Otter Legal States 2023 - worldpopulationreview.com The short answer is yes, but it comes with many caveats or catches. There are some 83% of mammals, 89% of reptiles, 90% of fish and insects and 93% of amphibians that inhabit the continent are endemic to Australia. If you want to read similar articles to Can You Have an Otter as a Pet?, we recommend you visit our What you need to know category. I was headstrong about owning an otter and this article actually dissuaded me people are insane nowadays, would you rather there I have not come across this information then got an otter and regretted? 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. They are cunning and intelligent and predatory and like to know every nook and cranny of their dwelling place. Also do you own any dogs or cats? In captivity, diets can vary somewhat but need to provide a lot of basic nutrients. Placing food out of reach so the animal needs to work out how to get it down. You should remove this article and every advise on owning exotic pets. 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. Habitat destruction, hunting, and pollution threaten their conservation. Find out in this video all about the Asian Small Clawed Otter, Mr. Chow! They have exotic pet stores with meerkats in rabbit cages. That way, youll get advice direct from the source! Otters are highly social, very active, semi-aquatic, and need a lot of space - so having one single one as a pet would certainly be unethical - even if it were possible. Otters are very territorial and live in family groups. 10 dog breeds facing extinction in the UK: Rough collies, greyhounds Yes, in some cases, you can adopt an otter. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on December 16, 2018: Can you have an Asian small clawed otter as a pet in the state of Georgia. 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. No matter how much you fantasize about them, you must accept the fact that they are not house pets. I was looking into purchasing a friend but after all this I think its not the best for either of us. If I live in Australia can I own a pet otter? - Quora Can You Have An Otter As A Pet In Australia Watch HD Videos. Valentina z not all exotic pets are ripped away from their habitat some are rescued. Are otters friendly with humans? And then you need to give all your time. - Once you have that set, click "Add to Cart". Do OTTERS make good PETS? - YouTube They deserve to be out in the world in environments which we do't interfere with. Can you have a pet otter in australia. The upfront cost of purchasing an Asian small-clawed otter is approximately $4,000 unaffordable for most individuals. 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. Eastern Red-backed Salamander. Otters are wild animals and can be unpredictable, especially if they feel threatened or uncomfortable. Another relatively popular pet fad in Japan is the practice of keeping otters as pets. Would it require witchcraft for an otter to stay alive like that? Are otters legal in New York? Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on December 31, 2019: Katouchka, I have seen breeders. Otters can be dangerous around children, full grown adults as well as pets. (2019). Obtaining a permit for keeping an otter is difficult, if not impossible. They have an oil, waterproof coat and webbed feet, which makes them good swimmers. I though a pair of otters would love to have me as their human (based on youtube videos). However, like all mustelids that arent domesticated ferrets, they are also challenging to keep, and will require large enclosures and extensive enrichment. Question: Are otters legal in Pennsylvania? Can you have otters as pets in Canada? - ruggedthuglife.com 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. Do otters stink? They are extremely uncommon, and you would likely need to contact a broker who can track down a breeder or import one. Specifically, Missouri, North Carolina, Florida, Nebraska and a handful of other states appear to allow the private-ownership of otters. Living with a Pet Otter There are many effects which you should be aware of before getting a pet otter. There are 13 types of otter in total, but some are more common than others. You may not realize that the otter is likely there only as a stop gap in a larger conservation effort. Other otters have fully webbed feet and strong, well-developed claws. 70-80% can be meat-based, and can include chicks, chicken, venison, rabbit, etc. Otters are very playful creatures. Lontra canadensis. Additionally, otters can have sharp teeth and claws that can cause injury. Otters are wild animals. Hannah Elizabeth is an English animal behavior author, having written for several online publications. One thing that I think it's important to note is that ASC otters vocalize constantly in captivity for attention. When theyre captured and sold as pets, otters are not living their full, natural lives. They like attention but do not like to play with humans, in the way humans like to interact with pets. Do you know they have a higher rate of dying of starvation in the wild or dehydration or cars or other animals or hundreds of other things can kill them.my home is a safer place for most animals. 3. Put up you have it off otters every bit pets uk How To Get A Pet Otter (Realistically) Otters are excellent diggers and have sharp claws and teeth. 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. Smitten. Many of these facilities have otters on display, and some even have interactive exhibits where you can watch them play and swim. Otters do climb, adding to the complexity of the habitat, so a top is required. Captive otters require caging. They will need to be kept in an enclosure that is at least 10' x 8' x 6'. Otters can be destructive. These animals are also preys in the wild and keeping these animals as pet increase their chances of survival greatly. Retrieved from. Health and safety risks: Otters can carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans and pets, and their sharp claws and teeth can cause injury. They are carnivores with a high metabolic rate, requiring them to consume 20% of their body weight per day. They love water so it is best if you have a body of water nearby for them to frolic in. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a42687def9b0fea2fd9b99208cd94d0d" );document.getElementById("ae31964646").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If they are constantly wet, they can develop health conditions.. Otters in this genus are characterized by only partial webbing between their toes, and small, blunt, peg-like claws. What exotic pets can you own in Australia? Question: are otters legal to own in New York? Vets are expensive. EXOTIC ANIMALS ARE NOT PETS. Can you pet otters? This species is not for beginners. Otters are being poached from the wild to become pets in Japan and Thailand The Asian small-clawed otter has become a popular pet in Southeast Asia. States where Otters may be legal, New York. Or in a zoo? Your email address will not be published. Its amazing and I have always dreamed of having one as a pet. The answer is no. They thrive in social settings within their natural habitat. While they're widely illegal in the U.S., you may be able to own and care for an otter in some states with the proper permitting. South Carolina: In South Carolina, otter ownership is allowed with a permit from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. You cannot keep one as a pet in the US. Owning a pet otter is considered illegal in several countries including the US, Japan, and the UK. However, keeping otters in captivity is not the same as keeping an otter as a pet. If the otter is not able to be released, it may be possible to adopt it as a pet. Online classified ads Sites such as Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace sometimes have individuals who breed or sell otters. You can have 2 of each of the following animals: American Bullfrog. Is there anywhere (somewhere in Australia ideally) where I can - Quora Can You Have an Otter as a Pet? 2023 Bestie Paws Hospital More otters smuggled for sale in Japan as demand as pets grows. Yes, you can own an otter in Massachusetts as long as you have a permit from the state. You should include fish. No. Otters are social creatures. 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. Can You Keep a Jackal as a Pet? What You Need to Know! Supporting conservation efforts and avoiding products that contribute to habitat destruction can help protect these animals. Under provincial and federal law, it is illegal to keep a wild animal, as designated under the BC Wildlife Act, as a pet. Patrons for the Utterly Outrageous Otters Encounter must be 12 years and over. Zoological parks Some zoos have captive breeding programs for otters and may offer the opportunity to adopt one. As a vet you shouldnt explain people what to do if they still wanna keep a wild pet! Some of the different types of otter species include: The North American river otter is the only river otter found in north of Mexico. They belong in the wild, where they can swim, run, hunt and live freely. I want a Asian small clawed otter In Arizona ,mesa. There are owners who have domesticated otters. Dv Kaufman's Adventures 44.5K subscribers OTTERS AS PETS?!? Otter Encounter: How to Have an Unforgettable Experience with Otters Answer: Since pet otters are rare, a dealer has a lot of leeway when naming their price. In the wild they live in families of up to 15, which contrasts with their life in captivity. In most countries, otters are considered wild animals, and it is illegal to buy or sell them. Before considering obtaining a permit to keep an otter, it is important to thoroughly research the requirements and responsibilities involved. In addition to common domesticated pets such as cats, dogs, aviary birds and aquarium fish, some native animals can be kept as pets under a special licence from NPWS. Because theyre so cute, theres been a high demand to own them as pets., Illegal poaching and sales have hurt the global otter population. It is illegal to keep almost all otters as pets in North America, with one exception. In many states, do you think it's illegal to keep river otters, beavers and many exotic animals as pets? Feel free to share this guide with anyone who loves otters! Emergency Vet Prices: How Much Does an Emergency Vet Visit Cost? Otters should not live in a domestic household, and a demand for pet otters helps drives illegal animal trade and decimate wild populations. 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. It could benefit the scientific community as well since little is known about their behaviors. Those nails are perfectly manicured, oh yes they are! Keeping an otter as a solitary pet can make them very sad. Expenses such as those mentioned above are not the only detrimental factors in keeping an otter as a pet. I couldn't agree more. You may not think it, just to look at them, although even when stock-still they are adorable. Everything You Need to Know About Owning a Pet Otter - PetPress Remember when 101 Dalmations came out and everyone ran and got a Dalmation and thousands got dumped at animal shelters? Cats and dogs were bred to be companions and we couldn't even handle that. This can be fed irregularly with a "scatter" method to ward off stereotypic behaviorsomething that occurs when certain animals are fed at specific times. 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. The otter is one of the cutest creatures you can imagine. If you are handling or cuddling your otter, it will know if it doesnt have your full attention, and scream in order to get it. Unique or exotic pets. They swim 17km everyday , live in large groups of 20 individuals esprantes in multiple families. The fact that these otters require a tropical climate may be why they tend to be kept mostly by zoo professionals. Question: Are otters illegal in western Australia? So, if you keep an otter as a pet, be ready to clean the potty of your otter several times during the days from different parts of your home. She said yes . Asian small-clawed otters are one of 13 species of otters in the carnivore family Mustelidae. I just have no words for it! However, if youre still keen on the otter, and live in a state where you can legally own one, youre welcome to take the next step. Not needing to be walked or taken out for exercise is a big plus for many people. Objects, such as hollowed-out lots, well-placed shrubs and trees, and items of cage furniture. In so many States in the USA it is illegal to keep a pet otter. Can You Have Otters as Pets - Petsnetic The base can consist of nutritionally-complete cat food. Why is is not right to have an OTTER as a PET? (8 Best Scorpions Types as Pets), How Often Do Scorpions Eat? I thank you for the info! Otters play an important role in their ecosystems. Answer: I would guess no, but it might depend on the animal and your particular talent in animal training. Additionally, if you live near a river, lake, or other natural body of water, you may be able to spot otters in the wild. Or someone actually get it and have no proper information on how to care for it? While they were not the first country to open a pet caf (this was Taiwan's honor), the idea gained significant popularity there. 2. Otter as a pet [Facts & Guides] | Pet Comments Answer: No, animals grouped in Carnivora, except wolfdogs, are illegal. While it's common to keep dogs and cats as pets, other unique and interesting animals including reptiles, insects, amphibians and terrestrial . Asian small clawed otters may be kept with a permit. Maybe they are for you, maybe not! While they may have a better chance of coexistence with humans if socialized at a young age, it is not easy to predict their actions. Crested Gecko Enclosures: Whats the Best Choice? Retrieved on 29 November, 2019. If not..why? They are considered to be very high-maintenance, as you would imagine. Is it illegal to have an otter as a pet in every country? Expect to pay at least $3000; it could also be a lot higher. 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. Pet owners must provide a secure and appropriate habitat, as well as proper nutrition and veterinary care. Some species of otter exist discontinuously in patches unconnected by land because of over-poaching. Can otters be released into the wild after being in captivity? 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. Depending on the size, the cage should provide at least 30% water. Nevada: In Nevada, owning an otter is legal as long as you have a permit from the Nevada Department of Wildlife. Mrs Smith, inform yourself, go back to University to learn the BASIC ethics of your job. 7 Caracal Cat Facts. Question: How much does a pet otter cost? They are cunning! Many Asian countries have taken measures to protect them through bans and regulation.. 'Otterly' Amazing Facts Explained: Can You Have An Otter As A Pet? Otters make loud whistling or screeching noises. Exotic animals have many guidelines regarding their maintenance in captivity, but possession laws do change depending on the State. All pets have at least some bans on exotic pets, even if they sometimes don't make complete sense. They live in freshwater wetlands and mangrove swamps in Southern Asia. The heaviest weigh in at up to 100lbs again, you wouldnt want to get on the wrong side of an animal of that bulk. Listen people, trying to stifle information will only lead to more of that thing your trying to stop dont be ignorant. You are wrong. This classification means that only native otters are legal which includes the river otter. 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. 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. Pet owners must provide proper care, including a secure enclosure, appropriate food and water, and veterinary care. Other otter species, like the ocean otter and giant otter, can reach lengths of 6 ft (1.8m), as long as a tall human. Eastern Garter Snake. If the water is not sufficiently well cleaned, it can lead to the quick death of the otter. NO. Theyll need a dry area as well as a pool. When otters are agitated or stressed they can bite and become aggressive. If the otter is not able to be released, it may be possible to adopt it as a pet. How much does a pet otter cost? Background on Otter Otters eat 15 to 25% of their body weight daily. Stop being sensitive everyone. You can supplement the diet with monkey nuts, soft-boiled eggs, crayfish and insects, introduced at irregular intervals with a scatter method. The smell of an otters spraint has been likened variously to that of freshly mown hay to putrefied fish.