Many of these facilities have otters on display, and some even have interactive exhibits where you can watch them play and swim. If I live in Australia can I own a pet otter? - Quora 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. 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. Point is people that invest this kind of money on pets love them. 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. NO. Even cats and dogs require a team of people to help you. From Otters To Capybaras, 6 Weird Pets That You Could Actually Own It is illegal in all US States to keep this indigenous otter as a pets. Expenses such as those mentioned above are not the only detrimental factors in keeping an otter as a pet. This species is not for beginners. But. And if they do, it could get messy. However, it is important to remember that even trained otters are still wild animals and should be treated with respect and caution. If you were able to find one, the cost of their expertise would be prohibitively expensive to most households. 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! However, they will probably warn you against going down the route of otter husbandry, for the reasons I have outlined in this guide. The base can consist of nutritionally-complete cat food. Otters can be dangerous around children, full grown adults as well as pets. All goods sold at cash converters are cleaned and tested to ensure you're completely satisfied with your purchase. For enrichment, otters will need walkways, natural shrubbery, nesting boxes and lots of options for safe digging and foraging. Eastern Newt. Most people do not know what they are doing. In what states is it legal to own an otter? The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists several otter species as either endangered or vulnerable due to habitat loss, pollution, and hunting. As always, wed be delighted to read your comments. It could benefit the scientific community as well since little is known about their behaviors. They deserve to be out in the world in environments which we do't interfere with. Some species of otter exist discontinuously in patches unconnected by land because of over-poaching. I can only make educated guesses as to where they might be legal due to researching what isn't legal. Your bathtub or pool cant substitute for the large bodies of water otters are naturally found in. This may not seem very big, but their high metabolism and intelligence mean they can take up a lot of space when they need to, or want to. Answer: No, animals grouped in Carnivora, except wolfdogs, are illegal. Keeping an otter as a pet would be unfair to the animal and potentially dangerous for you. 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. They also mark their territory by smearing their scent; which is known as sprinting. If the water is not sufficiently well cleaned, it can lead to the quick death of the otter. However, like all mustelids that arent domesticated ferrets, they are also challenging to keep, and will require large enclosures and extensive enrichment. Other otters have fully webbed feet and strong, well-developed claws. Can You Own An Otter As A Pet In Australia? - CelestialPets Asian small-clawed otter: This is the only otter to have entered the pet trade. And then you need to give all your time. Not having enough entertainment or putting stress on your pet otter can also lead to destructive, aggressive behavior. you, have, a, pet, otter, in, australia, can. About. Keeping an otter as a solitary pet can make them very sad. She did nothing wrong shes a vet giving you advice on a animal that people love and right now have are popular. Some introduced animals, have become serious pests in Queensland that attack pets and damage crops, the environment and the economy. Much more fun fact: Otter poop has an aroma that has been compared to jasmine tea. Can You Have A Pet Otter In Australia Watch HD Videos. If you don't provide sufficient environmental enrichment, they will likely find it for themselves, probably among your things. States where Otters may be legal, New York. Can You Have An Otter As A Pet In Australia. This article is accurate and true to the best of the authors knowledge. They arent easily housetrained and theyre very active, social animals. The humble, or not so humble, otter is one of the most widespread mammals on Earth. Also, according to mink expert Joseph Carter, their bites can cause severe injury, although this is likely not worse than anything an otter bite can inflict. One of the few ways to keep an armadillo as a pet is to be someone who holds an Animal Breeding License, but obtaining one is difficult. Otters are social creatures. Despite being the state small mammal of Texas, they are illegal as pets there because they are one of the few animals which can transmit Hansen's disease, also known as leprosy. That way, youll get advice direct from the source! Question: Where do you go to adopt an otter? Retrieved from. Below is a basic care guide. 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. Are otters legal pets? 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. The best enclosure for an otter is outside. many native mammals have large home-ranges and need to kept in large outdoor enclosures. Non-Domesticated Since these animals aren't domesticated, they're not 100% safe to be around humans full-time without proper training. Otters can give dogs Salmonella, just like humans. Dv Kaufman's Adventures 44.5K subscribers OTTERS AS PETS?!? Likely, your otter will spend most of its life in the enclosure. Please be better than that and get a pet that we breed for generations. Many zoos and aquariums train their otters to participate in educational programs or to exhibit natural behaviors for visitors to see. Answer: I would guess no, but it might depend on the animal and your particular talent in animal training. Owning native otters is illegal in many countries including the UK, Japan, and the U.S. 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. 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. The lifespan of otters varies depending on the species and their environment. Mrs Smith, inform yourself, go back to University to learn the BASIC ethics of your job. The Answer May Surprise You! Animals and mostly exotic ones are not our toys or our means to make money. The only reason is if they cannot survive in the wild and need to be protected. Additionally, otters are considered indicator species, which means that their presence or absence can indicate the health of the surrounding ecosystem. Parasites and general hygiene issues created by otters are also significant factors in why you shouldn't keep an otter as a pet. Otter licences - GOV.UK Abigailramirez434@yahoo.com on January 01, 2018: Can I buy a baby otter. You just made that up and got angry for no reason. You may not realize that the otter is likely there only as a stop gap in a larger conservation effort. Answer: Australia is extremely strict with entry and exportation of exotics, so no. 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. It is illegal to own most otter species as pets. Hundreds of thousands of newborn kittens are euthanized at shelters because no one can take care of them. These toys are excellent for species that hunt and forge. 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 . It is the most common type trapped and sold as pets. Asian Small-Clawed Otter Husbandry Manual. Just saying because you want an exotic pet doesnt make you a bad person. They can have up to 1 million (thats 1 with six zeros!) What zoos and aquariums have sea otters? If you still want to own this aquatic creature, the biggest obstacle you will face is this: Where can you find one? Can you have a pet sea otter? If an otter does attack, they have sharp teeth which can be very dangerous, especially to children. 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. In some states, it is not illegal to keep an Asian small-clawed otter as a pet. The Asian small-clawed otter is the smallest species of otter. How To Care for A Pet Otter? Question: Are otters legal to have as pets in North Carolina? Heap, C. J., Wright, L., and Andrews, L. (2008). Not needing to be walked or taken out for exercise is a big plus for many people. Smell may seem a minor consideration, but should not be overlooked. But theyre probably more likely to bite unfamiliar people, like visitors! 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. However, mascotism damages biodiversity, since it does not focus on . These are wild animals who suffer greatly being kept in our houses. Thank you for this VERY enlightening article. Can You Have An Otter As A Pet In Australia Watch HD Videos. In the wild, they mostly eat fish, while sea-dwelling otters use stones to break open mollusks. Asian otters require a tropical climate and room to explore and play. 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. HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. Even many experienced pet owners would not try to take on an otter. Nutritionally complete cat food can serve as a base subsistence food. 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. What exotic pets can you own in Australia? Thanks. OTTERS as PETS Why It's a BAD IDEA - YouTube Using food dispensing devices available for dogs and cats that must be manipulated to dispense treats. Otters attack again lol Serangoon Gardens | HardwareZone Forums The otter is not a domesticated animal species. I think otters are fun to watch, have exciting personalities and overall give out positive vibes. hairs per square inch. 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. However, they also mark territory with scent glands at the base of their tail. Additionally, if you live near a river, lake, or other natural body of water, you may be able to spot otters in the wild. They require about 2-2, 5 pounds of meat every day. Slightly less fun, but much more gruesome, fact: Male otters have been known to forcibly penetrate baby seals while holding their heads underwater until they drown. Only one species of otters is not considered federally illegal in the US, which is the Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus). Therefore, purchasing an otter can do more harm than good and is not advised. They thrive in social settings within their natural habitat. Otters can carry and transmit dangerous bacteria like Salmonella and Streptococcus phocae to you and your other animals. 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. Is it illegal to have an otter as a pet in every country? 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. 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. WOW!! I spearfish the invasive fish in the eel river and have had wild otters swimming feet away from me eating the fish I kill. You may not think it, just to look at them, although even when stock-still they are adorable. However, owning an otter as a pet is illegal in many states, so be sure to check local laws before purchasing. How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at PetSmart? In most countries, otters are considered wild animals, and it is illegal to buy or sell them. It is the smallest otter species in the world, reaching a length of just 3 ft, or 90cm. However, these permits are usually only granted to licensed wildlife rehabilitators, educators, or researchers. Call state wildlife officials to confirm. Do otters cuddle? Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. They are hard to potty train, and their fast metabolism means they poop a lot, and often. That being said there are no breeders , otters are poached 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. All 13 species of otters are wild animals, extremely sensitive to environmental changes, and are a marking, latrine species. (2018). Laura Tindle - Ecological Project Officer - Middlemarch Environmental So why don't you see more otters playing in the park on a Sunday afternoon? As a result, these pets are often abandoned. West Virginia: Otter ownership is legal in West Virginia with a permit from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Enjoy an otter stuffed animal Not to mention the sad ways in which they are breed, in cages, only to then be separated from their significant others. Eric Farmer from Rockford Illinois on February 18, 2018: On one hand, this sounded somewhat cute but some of the things you listed as negatives really turn me off owning an Otter as a pet. The food they eat will also need to be considered with an appropriate diet and at least 350 g of food per day for each animal. That is a great way to help, thank you for your comment! Hi I'm looking to buy a otter I want to know how much they go for. Eastern Racer. 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! Fencing needs to extend in-ground because they can also dig out. The recommended space for a pair of otters is 60 m, roughly the size of an average apartment. 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. 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? Are there any research programs to help repopulate endangered species of otters such as the Congo clawless otter which so little is known about. How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at Petco? As the otters like to make a burrow in the land, you will need to have the right sort of soil ans terrain. Objects, such as hollowed-out lots, well-placed shrubs and trees, and items of cage furniture. Trained professionals can provide the care and rehabilitation necessary to ensure the otter can be released back into the wild. Where can I hold hands with otters? These include: 7080% of the diet can be meat-based and can consist of day-old chicks, chicken, venison, rabbit, etc. Unique or exotic pets. After reading your expose, I realize that it would not be fair or practical. I will stick with my donations and wish them love. Because they are cute is not a valid reason for keeping captive otters, even if it is an enjoyable bonus. Dont get a pet to show off get a pet because you have heart ! What is the Difference Between a Donkey, a Mule and an Ass? Question: Specifically what is required to own an otter in North Carolina and what type of otter(s) can you have? They are expensive to buy and house. Its amazing and I have always dreamed of having one as a pet. Here are some pros and cons to consider: Pros: -Otters are very playful and active, which can make them fun pets. 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. Unless you are an expert or biologist or zoologist, you should not own an exotic pet. There are several strict guidelines concerning their care and upkeep, but, in theory, you can keep an Asian small-clawed otter as a pet in some states of the USA. But they are legal in some states. Otters are accustomed to preying on live animals; hunting is an integral part of an otters life. It is important to work with trained professionals and follow guidelines for releasing otters back into the wild. Pets You Can Have In Australia - UniAcco AnimalWised takes a look at the different aspects of domestic otters. Unfortunately, we would not be able to list every country where keeping otter as a pet is legal or illegal. Those nails are perfectly manicured, oh yes they are! They love to swim and dive in shallow waters although there are records of sea otters diving as deep as 100 meters. Also watch for signs of bacterial infection to the wound. 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2015: e.T12302A21936349. Here is a list of states in which owning an otter is legal, along with some important information to keep in mind if you are considering acquiring an otter as a pet. 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. Cole West from Birmingham, West Midlands on March 03, 2020: Anya Ali from Rabwah, Pakistan on February 01, 2020: This certainly put me off the idea of ever getting one. Living inside comes with many challenges, like cleaning up otter feces and keeping your furniture intact. Even with the best intentions we cant give them enough , enough playtimes, enough nutrition.l enough everything. Nevertheless, otters are personable, entertaining little creatures, as you would expect from their reputation. But even if this is the case, keeping them as a pet will be discouraged by animal control and the Department of Health. For example, in Nevada, lions and elephants are actually legal to own, but fennec foxes (which weigh 3 lbs) are not. Guests must be fit and healthy, have full motor skill and intellectual capabilities. Their appearance may be similar to a friendly dog's, but their temperament is quite the opposite. All states have bans on at least some exotic pets, even states that are notorious for having lax pet laws. 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. 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. (Diet and Feeding Frequency). Live animals and animal products from overseas could introduce some of the world's most damaging pests and diseases into Australia. Avoid rigid structure in order to prevent stereotypic behavior. While otters can form bonds with humans, they still retain their natural instincts and behaviors. A otter is a species protected by both state and federal wildlife laws, and it is illegal to take them from the wild. This could devastate our unique environment. Dont take my word for it read this! Why you shouldn't share that cute pet otter video I want a Asian small clawed otter In Arizona ,mesa. 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. As such, captive otters need ample space to move around, including a deep enough freshwater source in which to swim, bathe, and socialize. Being A Pet Is Not Good For an Otter If you love animals, then please do not keep otters as pets! Aquarium where you can touch otters? - aquariums - 2023 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. There is a high chance of one of them getting bitten. It is illegal to keep this indigenous otter as a pet in the United States, and not advised to take it out of North America. 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? 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. If you are bit by an otter, you'll need to treat the wound immediately. All you say and recommend is ethically against your Vet degree! Otter as a pet [Facts & Guides] | Pet Comments I am currently an ecological project officer at Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. There should be hollowed-out logs, aptly placed shrubs and trees, and various cage furniture that will make the space more interesting. Here are a few to get you started, plus some basic information about how they fit into the otter pet trade: 1. Placing food out of reach so the animal needs to work out how to get it down. They're actually very aggressive animals. Under provincial and federal law, it is illegal to keep a wild animal, as designated under the BC Wildlife Act, as a pet. I though a pair of otters would love to have me as their human (based on youtube videos). Everything You Need to Know About Owning a Pet Otter - PetPress This requires a fence which is not climbable and has a horizontal ledge at the top. 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. Before considering obtaining a permit to keep an otter, it is important to thoroughly research the requirements and responsibilities involved. Yet otters are still being illegally smuggled into these countries to be sold as pets., Loud noises. Japan Times. iPhone 13 Pro Otter-box case | Phone Accessories | Gumtree Australia Hence the name. There are 13 types of otter in total, but some are more common than others. Can You Have A Pet Otter In Australia. No, you cannot keep an otter as a therapy animal. No matter how much you fantasize about them, you must accept the fact that they are not house pets. Can You Have Otters as Pets - Petsnetic This time around, the slippery creatures sneaked into a home at Serangoon Gardens near Brockhampton Berwick and killed a whole pond full of koi. Vets are expensive. The only way to know for sure would be to contact your state's Department of Agriculture/Fish and Game, and even they sometimes don't know. 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. Because I love otters. 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. Aggression in otters is also something important to consider. Buy iPhone 11 Otter + Pop Symmetry Series Case at Amazon. You may be asked to demonstrate this. A certified veterinarian giving advise on how to get an exotic animal to own as a pet? They have exotic pet stores with meerkats in rabbit cages. Do Otters Make Good Pets & Where Is It Legal to Own One 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. In fact with a fast google search youll find that its 100% illegal but it seems theres a twist depending where you live. It's scary to think of what it'll be like in just 5-10 more years. Are otters dangerous? Unfortunately we humans have too often put our own desires in front of what is best for nature. 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. No. Their bite is sharp and piercing. They have sharp teeth, powerful prey drives, and they're little bundles of furious energy in motion whenever they are awake. In the majority of the US, it is completely illegal to keep 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. Maybe they are for you, maybe not! The ideal temperature for their pool is 7585F, but they also need a dry area because if they are wet all the time, they can develop health issues. Asian small clawed otters may be kept with a permit. Their relatives include wolverines, badgers, and, of course, weasels (stoats). They bite and they have glands to produce a vile smell , people get those removed , its cruel. Question: How much does a pet otter cost? Can otters be released into the wild after being in captivity? 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. South Carolina: In South Carolina, otter ownership is allowed with a permit from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Conservationists may need to keep an otter in captivity for protection, post-rescue or for research purposes. Half the houses in my neighborhood can't even take care of their own dogs right. Otters can carry and transmit dangerous bacteria like Salmonella and Streptococcus phocae to you and your other animals. Asian small-clawed otters - the only otter sometimes allowed as pets - need a mixture of land and water in their enclosure. Plumbing fixture you fuck an otter as a pet linear unit australia OTTERS as PETS Reason It's a BAD Thought. They are all semiaquatic, aquatic or marine mammals, and subsist on diets mainly based on fish and invertebrates, such as mollusks. Are otters legal in New York? Otters are wild animals and can be unpredictable, especially if they feel threatened or uncomfortable.