Most states make their laws for certain animals unclear and otters could be regulated under some laws when it appears they are legal under another law. What is a good pet? Space alone is not enough to mimic the otter's natural ecosystem. In the U.S. there is only one otter species that can be kept in the home so to speak - the Asian Short-clawed Otter . If you were able to find one, the cost of their expertise would be prohibitively expensive to most households. 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. You can discover many popular videos of them interacting with their caretakers in ways other than direct contact. 4. They also mark their territory by smearing their scent; which is known as sprinting. If you don't provide sufficient environmental enrichment, they will likely find it for themselves, probably among your things. Gonna go out on a limb and say that's where the otter encounters take place. When you see horror movies about canibbals or something you feel freaked out do you eat meat how do you think the cows,pigs and lambs feel and so on. As always, wed be delighted to read your comments. Why is is not right to have an OTTER as a PET? While otters can form bonds with humans, they still retain their natural instincts and behaviors. However, even if you could buy an otter, the cost of owning one would be significant. Question: Are otters legal to keep as pets in Georgia? Click to attach a photo related to your comment. Home / My Animal / Can You Have an Otter as a Pet? Pet owners must provide a secure and appropriate habitat, as well as proper nutrition and veterinary care. I tend to state that theres no such thing as a good or bad petit depends on what youre looking for in an animal. Nutritionally complete cat food can serve as a base subsistence food. Sometimes people can't handle the truth. Dont get an otter just because its adorable , you probably will not be able to care for her . Otters can carry and transmit diseases that can be harmful to humans, such as salmonella and giardia. It is illegal in all US States to keep this indigenous otter as a pets. Question: Are otters legal in Pennsylvania? It is extremely important that you provide diverse enrichment for ottersand all animals for that matter. Hannah Elizabeth is an English animal behavior author, having written for several online publications. If you are bit by an otter, you'll need to treat the wound immediately. Even cats and dogs require a team of people to help you. Additionally, swimming with otters can be harmful to the animals, as it can disrupt their natural behaviors and expose them to human diseases. But they are legal in some states. Most people do not know what they are doing. For example, in Nevada, lions and elephants are actually legal to own, but fennec foxes (which weigh 3 lbs) are not. In the wild they live in families of up to 15, which contrasts with their life in captivity. Crested Gecko Enclosures: Whats the Best Choice? Very few are owned by private individuals and habited in domestic environments. Eastern Garter Snake. The Answer May Surprise You! Here is we collected all that you wanted about Can You Have An Otter As A Pet In Australia Watch free videos. Pool should make up about 30% of the enclosure. They belong in the wild, where they can swim, run, hunt and live freely. Funny Otter Sweatshirt, Teacher Gift Sweatshirt, Cute Otter Sweatshirt, Punctuation Saves Otters, Punctuation Saves Sweatshirt, Teacher Gift . If you want to interact with otters, consider visiting a zoo or aquarium or volunteering with a wildlife rehabilitation center. Theyre not for us to put them in cute hats ! https://www.gov.uk/guidance/otters-protection-surveys-and-licences#how-otters-are-protected, http://www.otterspecialistgroup.org/Library/TaskForces/OCT/OCT_ASO_Husbandry_Guidelines_Summary.pdf, https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/07/17/national/otters-smuggled-sale-japan-demand-pets-grows/#.XeDfjZNKiUl, https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/12302/21936349, https://ptes.org/get-informed/facts-figures/otter/. But there is one species, the Asian small-clawed otter, which could be legal in some states. They werent always domesticated they were rescued or ripped away from thier habitat as well for generations. Just saying because you want an exotic pet doesnt make you a bad person. She did nothing wrong shes a vet giving you advice on a animal that people love and right now have are popular. Expenses such as those mentioned above are not the only detrimental factors in keeping an otter as a pet. 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. 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. Additionally, otters can have sharp teeth and claws that can cause injury. Habitat destruction, hunting, and pollution threaten their conservation. Giant otter: Native to South America, these otters are very large, quite noisy, and actually very social. Some animals are illegal to keep in Queensland. However, mascotism damages biodiversity, since it does not focus on . Answer: No, animals grouped in Carnivora, except wolfdogs, are illegal. As a pet, otter ownership can be difficult for a variety of reasons, but owning one is not an easy choice. But would only ever do it if I had the money #1, a lot of money. The upfront cost of purchasing an Asian small-clawed otter is approximately $4,000 unaffordable for most individuals. Question: Where do you go to adopt an otter? But above all, enjoy this unique and intimate insight into one of our wildest, shyest animals. People who like to physically interact with their pets will be disappointed. Because Dalmations are high energy dogs that were bred to run 25 miles a day under carriages, and the families couldn't handle them. They are hard to potty train, and their fast metabolism means they poop a lot, and often. 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. Keeping an otter as a solitary pet can make them very sad. They are the masters of disaster. Otters need plenty of environmental enrichment. 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. Unfortunately, we would not be able to list every country where keeping otter as a pet is legal or illegal. Do otters like to cuddle? Question: Are otters legal pets in California? Not to mention the sad ways in which they are breed, in cages, only to then be separated from their significant others. But can you keep one as a pet? Their bite is sharp and piercing. However, they will probably warn you against going down the route of otter husbandry, for the reasons I have outlined in this guide. The smell of an otters spraint has been likened variously to that of freshly mown hay to putrefied fish. Weird Pets: Sugar Gliders Sugar gliders are quickly becoming America's new exotic pet darling. Unless you do what Joseph Carter does for his mink to keep them busy, I wouldn't recommend them as pets to most people. Additionally, if you live near a river, lake, or other natural body of water, you may be able to spot otters in the wild. You can usually visit the otter you have adopted, and some programs offer other perks, like behind-the-scenes tours. Otters are smelly, loud and extremely active; they have sharp teeth and jaws strong enough to crack open shellfish. These big furry dogs were bred to hunt otters, which were considered as pests back in the day. Or in a zoo? Have you ever seen an otter in the wild? Where can I hold hands with otters? In such a case, the average dog run won't cut it. If the water is not sufficiently well cleaned, it can lead to the quick death of the otter. Not to mention that an otter in a home life most likely is not going to get the water time he needs. Its time to wake up and change, seriously. How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at PetSmart? Complex care requirements: Otters are not domesticated animals and require specialized care. Yes, you can own an otter in Massachusetts as long as you have a permit from the state. [removed] Below is a basic care guide. Even you own a river its not enough! The bad news is that this leaves them vulnerable to poachers, who hunt them for their velvety fur. Can Caracal Kitten be good pets? 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. They are the smallest otter species in the world. 3. As such, captive otters need ample space to move around, including a deep enough freshwater source in which to swim, bathe, and socialize. As a result, these pets are often abandoned. However, these permits are usually only granted to licensed wildlife rehabilitators, educators, or researchers. And then you need to give all your time. Pet Collars & Leashes Pet Furniture Pet Clothing & Shoes . Otters can also dig, so the enclosure will need to have deep walls underground. The answer is no. 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. Sea otter: Illegal to own under the Marine Animal Protection Act. Answer: Australia is extremely strict with entry and exportation of exotics, so no. This article is very upfront and honest, however when reading the comments I was overwhelmed with all the ignorance. Question: Could an otter, raised from a young pup, make a unique and workable therapy animal or visiting moral animal for elderly / disabled / children? You should include fish. But shipping can be stressful, even if managed by a careful courier, so it is advised to go directly to a zoo, private breeder or animal educator, and enquire in person. You see, otters are members of the weasel family. This, we can presume, is because they were always found at the waters edge, be it at the seaside (sea otters), riverside (river otters), clambering over brooks (Asian small-clawed otter) or in The Guianas (giant otters). There should be hollowed-out logs, aptly placed shrubs and trees, and various cage furniture that will make the space more interesting. Even with the best intentions we cant give them enough , enough playtimes, enough nutrition.l enough everything. Captive otters require caging. Otters can be dangerous around children, full grown adults as well as pets. It is also something which could see a rise in other countries if the wrong information is spread. This craze of having exotic pets like fennec and foxes (in Russia its popular ), beautiful exotic reptiles and so much more is so wrong ! An otters diet can vary in captivity. But even if this is the case, keeping them as a pet will be discouraged by animal control and the Department of Health. 1. 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. Supplement their diet with vegetables, soft-boiled eggs, and insects. 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. Different provinces have different laws. Are there any health risks associated with otters? If you want to see otters, your best bet is to visit a zoo or aquarium. 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. Before considering obtaining a permit to keep an otter, it is important to thoroughly research the requirements and responsibilities involved. Zoological parks Some zoos have captive breeding programs for otters and may offer the opportunity to adopt one. These can grow up to 6 ft long, almost 2 meters, and have a nasty bite, so you probably wouldnt want to own one anyway! Supporting conservation efforts and avoiding products that contribute to habitat destruction can help protect these animals. AnimalWised takes a look at the different aspects of domestic otters. As stated in the introduction, otters are mustelids. They like attention but do not like to play with humans, in the way humans like to interact with pets. If you love animals, then volunteer at shelters, rescues, or an ACA accredited zoo. IM SO SAD READING THESE COMMENTS AND THIS ARTICLE IN GENERAL! There are several websites and online sources where pet otters are sold. Mrs Smith, inform yourself, go back to University to learn the BASIC ethics of your job. (Lifespan Guide). These have brought significant problems and it is very questionable if exotic animals will fare well in such environments. many native mammals have large home-ranges and need to kept in large outdoor enclosures. 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.. 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. Native birds are also federally protected. In many states, do you think it's illegal to keep river otters, beavers and many exotic animals as pets? This species is not for beginners. Even if you could get an otter certified as a therapy animal, it would still be illegal to buy or sell one. Unique or exotic pets. 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. 12:34. South Carolina: In South Carolina, otter ownership is allowed with a permit from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Otters do climb, adding to the complexity of the habitat, so a top is required. Food is expensive. While sea and river otters are deemed federally illegal due to the Marine Mammal Protection Act, Asian small-clawed otters are not covered by the same level of protection. However, they also mark territory with scent glands at the base of their tail. Thanks. Yes, in some cases, you can adopt an otter. You should be ashamed Mellissa! . Of course, this depends on whether or not you can find someone willing to sell you one in the first place. Dogs and otters do not get along. The only reason is if they cannot survive in the wild and need to be protected. They can have up to 1 million (thats 1 with six zeros!) However, this is a complex process that requires specialized care and rehabilitation to ensure the otter can survive in its natural environment. Because I love otters. But theyre probably more likely to bite unfamiliar people, like visitors! Many zoos and aquariums train their otters to participate in educational programs or to exhibit natural behaviors for visitors to see. 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. Plumbing fixture you fuck an otter as a pet linear unit australia OTTERS as PETS Reason It's a BAD Thought. Keeping an otter in a home is a surefire way to destroy anything valuable you own. Otters are wild animals and can be unpredictable, especially if they feel threatened or uncomfortable. Conservationists may need to keep an otter in captivity for protection, post-rescue or for research purposes. -They are relatively low-maintenance, compared to other animals. They swim 17km everyday , live in large groups of 20 individuals esprantes in multiple families. Your email address will not be published. To raise an otter away from its natural family group is a tragedy, so if you are still planning on keeping an otter, know that you will have to keep several otters in order to maintain the sanity and mental wellbeing of each one! Rage at the cruelty of man. I will stick with my donations and wish them love. A otter is a species protected by both state and federal wildlife laws, and it is illegal to take them from the wild. Have a secondary pond/enclosure that I keep stocked with fish,frogs, and other native species that I would let my baby out in daily and go swimming with it. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. If you have adopted one, youll need to have the proper habitat for it. Dv Kaufman's Adventures 44.5K subscribers OTTERS AS PETS?!? 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. How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at Petco? Also it's diet would not only be what is in the ponds clearly but only then would I even think about getting an otter. Alabama law prohibits any wildlife protected by law being held in captivity (as in kept as pets.) Otters are so adorable, I can understand why we would want to have them as a pet, but it's not right. They need a much larger enclosure than a typical dog. They travel in groups and maintain family ties, for life. Do pet otters smell? Are there any research programs to help repopulate endangered species of otters such as the Congo clawless otter which so little is known about. Its various extant subspecies, numbering a total of 13, can be found on almost every continent (its too cold in Antarctica, apparently), and come in a range of shapes and sizes, and levels of ferocity. Note: All information comes from online resources and personal knowledge. An otter needs to have the life he was intended to have and need to be around their own kind in order to thrive.