Can I Have an Otter as a Pet? | FluffyStuffie.com Can you own an otter as a pet in Australia? - KnowledgeBurrow.com All goods sold at cash converters are cleaned and tested to ensure you're completely satisfied with your purchase. Otters are accustomed to preying on live animals; hunting is an integral part of an otters life. That being said there are no breeders , otters are poached from the wild. 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. It is illegal in all US States to keep this indigenous otter as a pets. Otters can carry and transmit dangerous bacteria like Salmonella and Streptococcus phocae to you and your other animals. iPhone 11 Otter + Pop Symmetry Series Case - amazon.com When walking on our uneven roads is a balancing act Keeping an otter as a pet would be unfair to the animal and potentially dangerous for you. As mentioned earlier, they have specific needs that are challenging to meet in a domestic setting. Otters need plenty of environmental enrichment. After reading your expose, I realize that it would not be fair or practical. 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. One thing that I think it's important to note is that ASC otters vocalize constantly in captivity for attention. 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. Hence the name. Then there are, of course, ferrets. : They are not illegal to breed. 11 reasons why you should NOT have an otter as a pet. You see, otters are members of the weasel family. Answer: Australia is extremely strict with entry and exportation of exotics, so no. Its time to wake up and change, seriously. As with all wild animals, otters are likely to react to humans in unexpected ways, and they can turn aggressive when they feel threatened. AnimalWised takes a look at the different aspects of domestic otters. But what do you think? There should be hollowed-out logs, aptly placed shrubs and trees, and various cage furniture that will make the space more interesting. Otter. Summary of Husbandry Guidelines for Asian Small-clawed Otters in Captivity. 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. ), Are jumping spiders friendly or harmful to us? Australia boasts a huge variety of animals. Many Asian countries have taken measures to protect them through bans and regulation.. Only one species of otters is not considered federally illegal in the US, which is the Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus). They are carnivores with a high metabolic rate, requiring them to consume 20% of their body weight per day. Reuters 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. 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. 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. Supporting conservation efforts and avoiding products that contribute to habitat destruction can help protect these animals. 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. So why don't you see more otters playing in the park on a Sunday afternoon? Can Otters Be Pets? - wildlifefaq.com They are considered to be very high-maintenance, as you would imagine. It is illegal in all US States to keep this indigenous otter as a pets. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on May 26, 2020: Nixie Nox I guess this also means dalmatians shouldn't be pets then. Question: Specifically what is required to own an otter in North Carolina and what type of otter(s) can you have? Yet otters are still being illegally smuggled into these countries to be sold as pets., Loud noises. Are Emperor Scorpions Poisonous? 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. No, otters cannot be domesticated. These have brought significant problems and it is very questionable if exotic animals will fare well in such environments. However, like all mustelids that arent domesticated ferrets, they are also challenging to keep, and will require large enclosures and extensive enrichment. Call state wildlife officials to confirm. Otters are wild animals and can be unpredictable, especially if they feel threatened or uncomfortable. That is a great way to help, thank you for your comment! Everything You Need to Know About Owning a Pet Otter - PetPress Otters require a large enclosure with access to water, a specialized diet, veterinary care, and enrichment to keep them mentally and physically healthy. This has spread to the opening of various hedgehog and even owl cafs. Pets banned in Alabama - al.com "Oh honey~~~ you shouldn't have! They have exotic pet stores with meerkats in rabbit cages. 25 million cats and dogs are euthanized in the US each year. many native mammals have large home-ranges and need to kept in large outdoor enclosures. Keeping exotic animals as pets in Queensland Not to mention that an otter in a home life most likely is not going to get the water time he needs. You need another animal carer to assist you if you need to leave. If a state doesnt prohibit the possession of "non-domesticated carnivores" or the family Mustelidae (of which Asian small-clawed otters are a member), and it doesnt have an awful list of "non-regulated" species of which all not named on it are considered illegal, then these otters might be legal! No, and you don't want one. I tend to state that theres no such thing as a good or bad petit depends on what youre looking for in an animal. Gonna go out on a limb and say that's where the otter encounters take place. Have you ever seen an otter in the wild? Laws change, and this list is not necessarily exhaustive. you, have, a, pet, otter, in, australia, can. I cannot recommend any otter species as a personal "pet," although a few have maintained a strong bond with their handler their entire life. Otter Encounter: How to Have an Unforgettable Experience with Otters North Carolina: Otter ownership is legal in North Carolina with a permit from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Even if it weren't, keeping wild animals as pets is not a good idea. Due to their high fish diet, an otter's excrement is particularly foul. Being A Pet Is Not Good For an Otter If you love animals, then please do not keep otters as pets! Keeping an otter as a pet has become fashionable in some countries for some time. My dogs have full access to run outside and play in the backyard but they choose to stay inside on a bed watching tv and eatting treats. Even ferrets are not necessarily easy pets but the first thing I would recommend as a mustelid for a pet. Online classified ads Sites such as Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace sometimes have individuals who breed or sell otters. Otters are very territorial and live in family groups. These Otters Are Popular Pets in Asia. That May Be Their Undoing. While they are the smallest otter species in the world, Asian small-clawed otters can still grow to 24 inches (61cm). 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. How To Care for A Pet Otter? Thanks. It is illegal to keep almost all otters as pets in North America, with one exception. Squirrels as Pets - Is It OK to Have a Pet Squirrel? They can have up to 1 million (thats 1 with six zeros!) Otters are cute, furry water animals that hold hands and groom each other to bond. However, mascotism damages biodiversity, since it does not focus on . However, just like any other wild animal, otters can be dangerous and aggressive. Because theyre so cute, theres been a high demand to own them as pets., Illegal poaching and sales have hurt the global otter population. You need a vet. Have you think for A SECOND how do they take them from their habitat?? iPhone 13 Pro Otter-box case | Phone Accessories | Gumtree Australia You can discover many popular videos of them interacting with their caretakers in ways other than direct contact. Unless you are an expert or biologist or zoologist, you should not own an exotic pet. They bite and they have glands to produce a vile smell , people get those removed , its cruel. 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. They are expensive to buy and house. What states are otters legal in? Japan Times. You may have seen videos on YouTube of otters playing in people's homes, but often these videos lack context. They love water so it is best if you have a body of water nearby for them to frolic in. What types of animals am I allowed to keep as a pet in NSW? In some cases, it is possible to obtain a permit to own an otter. If the otter is not able to be released, it may be possible to adopt it as a pet. In the wild, they use their strong jaws and sharp teeth to crack open shells and catch fish. Other otters have fully webbed feet and strong, well-developed claws. Put up you have it off otters every bit pets uk How To Get A Pet Otter (Realistically) If you try to teach an otter right vs. wrong, for example regarding littering outside the litter box, it will likely perform the negative action just in order to elicit a reaction from you. They're actually very aggressive animals. (Diet and Feeding Frequency). There are owners who have domesticated otters. The fact that these otters require a tropical climate may be why they tend to be kept mostly by zoo professionals. The local authority's regulations will need to be assessed before it could even be considered. 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. . hairs per square inch. Only two species of native mammal can be kept . I am currently an ecological project officer at Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. But theyre probably more likely to bite unfamiliar people, like visitors! In captivity, diets can vary somewhat but need to provide a lot of basic nutrients. This could devastate our unique environment. These include many species of native birds (mostly parrots), some captive-bred reptiles and frogs from a licensed breeder or society. Heap, C. J., Wright, L., and Andrews, L. (2008). Question: Where do you go to adopt an otter? They have been known to destroy furniture with their inquisitive claws and teeth. Therefore, purchasing an otter can do more harm than good and is not advised. They deserve to be out in the world in environments which we do't interfere with. Given their sensitivity, less than 10% are likely to survive to adoption. Can Otters Be Pets - Petsnetic Asian countries, including Japan, Thailand, and Malaysia, have thriving pet otter industries. If you want to see otters, your best bet is to visit a zoo or aquarium. I though a pair of otters would love to have me as their human (based on youtube videos). All states have bans on at least some exotic pets, even states that are notorious for having lax pet laws. For this reason, petting and handling are ill-advised. Are otters legal in New York? 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. Yes, I said scream. Their ideal temperature is 75 to 85 degrees. Where can I hold hands with an otter? : r/orangecounty Otters should not live in a domestic household, and a demand for pet otters helps drives illegal animal trade and decimate wild populations. Do OTTERS make good PETS? - YouTube An otter needs to have the life he was intended to have and need to be around their own kind in order to thrive. Question: Are pet otters legal in Canada? Non-Domesticated Since these animals aren't domesticated, they're not 100% safe to be around humans full-time without proper training. No, you cannot keep a jackal as a pet. Maximum of two people per encounter. Even many experienced pet owners would not try to take on an otter. Can you have an otter as a pet? | AgroCorrn Because Dalmations are high energy dogs that were bred to run 25 miles a day under carriages, and the families couldn't handle them. Are otters friendly with humans? It depends on the state, but yes, it is likely illegal. 7080% of the diet can be meat-based and can consist of day-old chicks, chicken, venison, rabbit, etc. Put a ring on it! Do otters stink? 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. DeKay's Brown Snake. Customer reviews and photos may be available to help you make the right purchase decision! Retrieved on 29 November, 2019. Expect to pay at least $3000; it could also be a lot higher. Yes, otters can be trained using positive reinforcement techniques. Poisonous bite symptoms and treatments, 8 AMAZING jumping spiders types you can get as pets, 31 Interesting Axolotl Facts That Will Blow Your Mind. !" EatRawPotatoes. These are wild animals who suffer greatly being kept in our houses. Required fields are marked *. 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. Eastern Racer. From Otters To Capybaras, 6 Weird Pets That You Could Actually Own They werent always domesticated they were rescued or ripped away from thier habitat as well for generations. If left untrained, they can leave many droppings around the house. And for those shaming her in the comments. 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). Objects, such as hollowed-out lots, well-placed shrubs and trees, and items of cage furniture. Otter licences - GOV.UK Even cats and dogs require a team of people to help you. Note: All information comes from online resources and personal knowledge. You should include fish. It is important to work with trained professionals and follow guidelines for releasing otters back into the wild. Can You Own An Otter As A Pet In Australia? - CelestialPets Printed on the money box will be a beautiful otter with your required name. Can Caracal Kitten be good pets? Additionally, otters are social animals and need to live with other otters to thrive. 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. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on December 31, 2019: Katouchka, I have seen breeders. Also They really have an annoying squeal. Can Dogs Have Whipped Cream? Background on Otter Otters eat 15 to 25% of their body weight daily. HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. 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. Fencing needs to extend in-ground because they can also dig out. 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. Fun fact: Otters are one of the lesser-known tool users of the animal kingdom. Dogs and otters do not get along. 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. They live in freshwater wetlands and mangrove swamps in Southern Asia. 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. Its not like they are using them for fur or food. Retrieved from. Not all countries have strict protection laws and many otter populations are already in decline. Can you have otters as pets in Canada? - ruggedthuglife.com (2019). 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. Do Otters Make Good Pets? What You Should Know. - WebMD Quite possibly. However, these permits are usually only granted to licensed wildlife rehabilitators, educators, or researchers. Messy housemates. They are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Dont encourage this craziness! You are wrong. You just made that up and got angry for no reason. You can give them a complete cat food as the base, but make sure that over half of their diet is meat-based. Specifically, Missouri, North Carolina, Florida, Nebraska and a handful of other states appear to allow the private-ownership of otters. Asian small clawed otters may be kept with a permit. -They have a lot of personality and can be very affectionate with their owners. Thank you for this VERY enlightening article. This article is accurate and true to the best of the authors knowledge. They require about 2-2, 5 pounds of meat every day. Do pet otters smell? WOW!! Unless you do what Joseph Carter does for his mink to keep them busy, I wouldn't recommend them as pets to most people. Toys are expensive. Avoid rigid structure in order to prevent stereotypic behavior. The latter option may be ethically questionable given the species vulnerable status in the wild, and brokers are unlikely to tell you where the animals are obtained (which is standard in the industry). Answer: Sea otters are not legal anywhere under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Their temperaments are unpredictable they are wild animals at heart and can be dangerous, especially if not under supervision near children. Dont get a pet to show off get a pet because you have heart ! I bet thats bigger than you expected! 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. 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. If I live in Australia can I own a pet otter? - Quora This breed was thriving in the 12th Century and was used to hunt otters. Living in captivity is simply not a good life for an otter. Complex care requirements: Otters are not domesticated animals and require specialized care. Owning a pet otter is considered illegal in several countries including the US, Japan, and the UK. 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. And if they do, it could get messy. For enrichment, otters will need walkways, natural shrubbery, nesting boxes and lots of options for safe digging and foraging. However, they will probably warn you against going down the route of otter husbandry, for the reasons I have outlined in this guide. It is illegal to keep almost all otters as pets in North America, with one exception. Here is we collected all that you wanted about Can You Have An Otter As A Pet In Australia Watch free videos. Shes advising you not, To. Your email address will not be published. Who knew? They can cause damage to your home and hurt other animals in your family. They are so delightful, you could see why people might want to have an otter as a pet. 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. Zoological parks Some zoos have captive breeding programs for otters and may offer the opportunity to adopt one. 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. Marvel at the patience that the author must have had. About. These animals include bears, primates, big cats, canids, venomous and large reptiles (crocodilians, large constrictor snakes, and large monitor lizards). This does not even take into consideration the amount of capital needed to install the appropriate enclosure and keep the otters well fed. OTTERS as PETS Why It's a BAD IDEA - YouTube Theyre destructive and will hurt you or your kids and they will get depressed ! Answer: Since pet otters are rare, a dealer has a lot of leeway when naming their price. Other members of this family include weasels, skunks, and ferrets. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. Giant otter: Native to South America, these otters are very large, quite noisy, and actually very social. Can You Have an Otter as a Pet? 2023 Bestie Paws Hospital 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. Are otters legal pets? Maybe they are for you, maybe not! 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? Parasites and general hygiene issues created by otters are also significant factors in why you shouldn't keep an otter as a pet. Otters play an important role in their ecosystems. Cats and dogs were bred to be companions and we couldn't even handle that. They need attention all the time. 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. The best enclosure for an otter is outside. Can you pet otters? 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. Aggression in otters is also something important to consider. In this AnimalWised video, we talk about the lifestyle of these mammals, what types of otter exist and why you should never have them in a. 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. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. Its so sad everyone just dont care about an species wellbeing just for the fact you as a human want to be cool having a otter pet. If not..why? 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.". Question: How much does a pet otter cost? Several countries have legislation protecting otters from being kept as pets. Fortunately, many governments and jurisdictions have created contingencies to try to protect these animals. Food is expensive. 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. I spearfish the invasive fish in the eel river and have had wild otters swimming feet away from me eating the fish I kill. I know a lady who owns an otter , she displays her on insta with her other exotic pets that rescued and even doing so much for her baby she still sees signs of distress! They need a much larger enclosure than a typical dog. If you are bit by an otter, you'll need to treat the wound immediately. Such illegal trafficking is detrimental to wild populations of animals worldwide. 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. Animals and mostly exotic ones are not our toys or our means to make money. Other otter species, like the ocean otter and giant otter, can reach lengths of 6 ft (1.8m), as long as a tall human. Interestingly, however, otters can be legally obtained for private ownership. Mrs Smith, inform yourself, go back to University to learn the BASIC ethics of your job. You may not think it, just to look at them, although even when stock-still they are adorable. Can you have a pet otter in australia. Guests must be fit and healthy, have full motor skill and intellectual capabilities.