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. With that said, most or all states will likely ban possession of native otters, and the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act strongly protects marine species (sea otters). Background on Otter Otters eat 15 to 25% of their body weight daily. you, an, otter, as, a, pet, unit, australia, s, can, have, in. You can discover many popular videos of them interacting with their caretakers in ways other than direct contact. Lontra canadensis. American Toad. However, like all mustelids that arent domesticated ferrets, they are also challenging to keep, and will require large enclosures and extensive enrichment. Smitten. Otters are smelly, loud and extremely active; they have sharp teeth and jaws strong enough to crack open shellfish. As such, captive otters need ample space to move around, including a deep enough freshwater source in which to swim, bathe, and socialize. 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. This permit requires that you have a secure and adequate enclosure for your otter, and that you provide proper care and nutrition for your pet. They are expensive to buy and house. It is illegal to keep almost all otters as pets in North America, with one exception. Some might make an argument that an animal like the cat was not originally domesticated, but now fares well under human co-existence. Maximum of two people per encounter. A certified veterinarian giving advise on how to get an exotic animal to own as a pet? But would only ever do it if I had the money #1, a lot of money. Otters are protected under the law, and it is illegal to keep them as pets or attempt to care for them yourself. I was looking into purchasing a friend but after all this I think its not the best for either of us. Complex care requirements: Otters are not domesticated animals and require specialized care. Hundreds of thousands of newborn kittens are euthanized at shelters because no one can take care of them. Many zoos and aquariums offer adoption programs, which allow you to support the care of an otter without owning one. Native birds are also federally protected. What is a good pet? There are 13 types of otter in total, but some are more common than others. Remember when 101 Dalmations came out and everyone ran and got a Dalmation and thousands got dumped at animal shelters? 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. How much do scorpions costs? Otters are generally well loved in Singapore. Toys are expensive. 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. States where Otters may be legal, New York. Funny Otter Sweatshirt, Teacher Gift Sweatshirt, Cute Otter Sweatshirt, Punctuation Saves Otters, Punctuation Saves Sweatshirt, Teacher Gift . Only two species of native mammal can be kept . As a vet you shouldnt explain people what to do if they still wanna keep a wild pet! (Diet and Feeding Frequency). 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. In some cases, it is possible to obtain a permit to own an otter. One thing that I think it's important to note is that ASC otters vocalize constantly in captivity for attention. Customer reviews and photos may be available to help you make the right purchase decision! Some animals are illegal to keep in Queensland. Average Lifespan, What Do Parakeets Like to Eat? Their fast metabolism and evolutionarily hard-wired habit of smearing their spraint in order to mark their territory mean that they poop a lot like, every litter box will need cleaning twice a day. If you do not live in a warm climate, supplementary heat is necessary for land. 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? You should include fish. Gonna go out on a limb and say that's where the otter encounters take place. Otters are restless and do not like to be restrained or restricted. Sometimes people can't handle the truth. These include many species of native birds (mostly parrots), some captive-bred reptiles and frogs from a licensed breeder or society. Otters are usually kept outdoors because they emit an odor. 1. Their appearance may be similar to a friendly dog's, but their temperament is quite the opposite. Otters are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), and their trade is heavily regulated. If the otter is not able to be released, it may be possible to adopt it as a pet. You can usually visit the otter you have adopted, and some programs offer other perks, like behind-the-scenes tours. Using food dispensing devices available for dogs and cats that must be manipulated to dispense treats. What exotic pets can you own in Australia? In most countries, otters are considered wild animals, and it is illegal to buy or sell them. Remember to always treat otters with respect and caution, and support conservation efforts to protect these important animals. 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. 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. Keeping an otter in a home is a surefire way to destroy anything valuable you own. Even if you could get an otter certified as a therapy animal, it would still be illegal to buy or sell one. They are hard to potty train, and their fast metabolism means they poop a lot, and often. It is also something which could see a rise in other countries if the wrong information is spread. If you want to interact with otters, consider visiting a zoo or aquarium or volunteering with a wildlife rehabilitation center. Members of the Mustelidae family, otters are related to weasels, badgers, honey badgers, martens, minks, polecats and wolverines. Who knew? After reading your expose, I realize that it would not be fair or practical. Otters and most exotic pets may not like to be restrained, especially with strangers. 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. No matter how much you fantasize about them, you must accept the fact that they are not house pets. In the majority of the US, it is completely illegal to keep an otter as a pet. 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). 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. 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. 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. 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. hairs per square inch. Thanks. They can have up to 1 million (thats 1 with six zeros!) But. In conclusion, it is not advisable to keep otters as pets. Yeah I know but some people already own them and they couldnt put them in the wild because they wouldnt survive. Summary of Husbandry Guidelines for Asian Small-clawed Otters in Captivity. I want a Asian small clawed otter In Arizona ,mesa. 3. In most countries, only dogs and miniature horses are recognized as therapy animals. They do not fall under the same laws because they are not technically marine mammals. Its time to wake up and change, seriously. As a result, these pets are often abandoned. Depending on the size, the cage should provide at least 30% water. The otter is not a domesticated animal species. Question: Are otters legal to keep as pets in Georgia? 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? If you have a dog in your home, they can get into fights with your otter., Dogs and otters can transmit diseases to each other as well. Expect to pay at least $3000; it could also be a lot higher. Most products include Include a 90 day warranty for your convenience and to ensure you're completely satisfied! 4. Not only will we let you know if you can have an otter as a pet, we'll look into the different reasons why this might not be the best idea for both legal and practical reasons. These animals include bears, primates, big cats, canids, venomous and large reptiles (crocodilians, large constrictor snakes, and large monitor lizards). Thank you for taking the time to look at our personalised otter ceramic money box. When it appears that an otter is legal under one statute but not another, the animal may be regulated by several laws. 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. They like attention but do not like to play with humans, in the way humans like to interact with pets. Can you have a pet penguin in Canada? I couldn't agree more. Asian otters require a tropical climate and room to explore and play. (Complete Budgie Diet Guide). It is important to work with trained professionals and follow guidelines for releasing otters back into the wild. Theyre very intelligent and need so much stimulation , just like an African parrot but maybe 10 times more. Can you touch an otter? I am currently an ecological project officer at Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. Pet Collars & Leashes Pet Furniture Pet Clothing & Shoes . 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. Can Dogs Have Whipped Cream? 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. It is illegal in all US States to keep this indigenous otter as a pets. Half the houses in my neighborhood can't even take care of their own dogs right. Are otters legal in New York? I bet thats bigger than you expected! They will need to be kept in an enclosure that is at least 10' x 8' x 6'. Before considering obtaining a permit to keep an otter, it is important to thoroughly research the requirements and responsibilities involved. Mrs Smith, inform yourself, go back to University to learn the BASIC ethics of your job. Even cats and dogs require a team of people to help you. They need a much larger enclosure than a typical dog. They are considered to be very high-maintenance, as you would imagine. And then you need to give all your time. Theyre not for us to put them in cute hats ! Can you own an otter in BC? Or in a zoo? There are many different laws and regulations regarding "exotic" animals as pets and they vary from state to state, so the answer depends on where you live. As a pet, otter ownership can be difficult for a variety of reasons, but owning one is not an easy choice. They have varying sizes across all species, weighing between 2.2 to 99.2 lb and having lengths between 2.0 to 5.9 feet. Otters can also dig, so the enclosure will need to have deep walls underground. But if you do decide to own an otter telling you how to properly care for your new family member. Point is people that invest this kind of money on pets love them. If they are constantly wet, they can develop health conditions.. If you have adopted one, youll need to have the proper habitat for it. Asian small-clawed otters are one of 13 species of otters in the carnivore family Mustelidae. They have sharp teeth, powerful prey drives, and they're little bundles of furious energy in motion whenever they are awake. (8 Best Scorpions Types as Pets), How Often Do Scorpions Eat? 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! Product details: Item Number: 001000265731 Brand: Otter Box Model Number: iPhone 7 Plus Colour: Pink We ship nationwide! 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. You will need to provide a heated area for them when temperatures drop below 50F. (Lifespan Guide). Check out Otter Bingo and Otter Kotaro on U-Tube. It is extremely important that you provide diverse enrichment for ottersand all animals for that matter. Fencing needs to extend in-ground because they can also dig out. Put up you have it off otters every bit pets uk How To Get A Pet Otter (Realistically) All you say and recommend is ethically against your Vet degree! In such a case, the average dog run won't cut it. They are not commonly available, and you would likely need to get on a waiting list. You'll also need access to plenty of fish. Supplement their diet with vegetables, soft-boiled eggs, and insects. Some species of otter exist discontinuously in patches unconnected by land because of over-poaching. Retrieved from. Guess what, they are picked off by predators within 3 days. Otters are accustomed to preying on live animals; hunting is an integral part of an otters life. So why don't you see more otters playing in the park on a Sunday afternoon? Don't even get us started on baby otter pups. An otters diet can vary in captivity. More on each of these later. The level of protection and types of otters present vary across different parts of the world. Yes, in some cases, you can volunteer with otters. Eastern Newt. Japan Times. Have you ever seen an otter in the wild? 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. Where can you shake hands with an otter? Of course, this depends on whether or not you can find someone willing to sell you one in the first place. 25 million cats and dogs are euthanized in the US each year. They have high exercise and socialization needs and require a large living space with access to water. Smell may seem a minor consideration, but should not be overlooked. 5 Step Pacman Frog Care: Are they good pets? Live animals and animal products from overseas could introduce some of the world's most damaging pests and diseases into Australia. In the United States, it is legal to own an otter with a license, although regulations vary from state to state. They are wild animals and do not like to be restrained., Owning an otter is a big commitment. 12:34. Otters are much happier (and quieter) in their natural habitat. Otters mostly eat fish and planktons, but they also feed on the ground with small birds, snails, frogs, or other amphibians. That cute, fluffy sea otter you have in your photo? If you find a wild otter, it is best to leave it alone and contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center. Question: Are otters illegal in western Australia? But above all, enjoy this unique and intimate insight into one of our wildest, shyest animals. Even many experienced pet owners would not try to take on an otter. Otters like to climb and dig, so your enclosure will need a top and to be dug into the ground. Do otters like to cuddle? 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! Aggression when stressed. Arkansas: Arkansas is one of the few states in the U.S. that allows otter ownership as a pet. No, and you don't want one. Otters are notoriously difficult to potty train, and even when they are, they may decide to go against their training. You may not think it, just to look at them, although even when stock-still they are adorable. If left untrained, they can leave many droppings around the house. many native mammals have large home-ranges and need to kept in large outdoor enclosures. Additionally, otters are considered indicator species, which means that their presence or absence can indicate the health of the surrounding ecosystem. Otters can carry and transmit dangerous bacteria like Salmonella and Streptococcus phocae to you and your other animals. Below is a basic care guide. You are wrong. 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. Dogs and otters do not get along. This craze of having exotic pets like fennec and foxes (in Russia its popular ), beautiful exotic reptiles and so much more is so wrong ! Yes, I said scream. If you keep a pet otter, be very careful when you have visitors. They do not like intruders in their space or near their family and will defend accordingly. That way, youll get advice direct from the source! 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. Otters are carnivores and primarily eat fish, shellfish, and other aquatic creatures. Dont get a pet to show off get a pet because you have heart ! WOW!! 2. Some ideas include: Domesticated minks are actually semi-aquatic and far more readily available, if legal. Online classified ads Sites such as Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace sometimes have individuals who breed or sell otters. I think otters are fun to watch, have exciting personalities and overall give out positive vibes. Answer: You'd have to check with your local authorities, Asian clawed otters should be legal in NC and are the only type I know of that are obtainable. If you don't provide sufficient environmental enrichment, they will likely find it for themselves, probably among your things. The short answer is yes, but it comes with many caveats or catches. 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/. It is important to exercise caution and practice good hygiene when interacting with otters or their environment. It is illegal in all US States to keep this indigenous otter as a pets. They have specific dietary and environmental needs, and not everyone is equipped to meet them. Aggression in otters is also something important to consider. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2015: e.T12302A21936349. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. Pet owners must provide a secure and appropriate habitat, as well as proper nutrition and veterinary care. However, even if you could buy an otter, the cost of owning one would be significant. If you are bit by an otter, you'll need to treat the wound immediately. You can give them a complete cat food as the base, but make sure that over half of their diet is meat-based. The name otter derives from the Old English word otor which, alongside other Indo-European cognates, ultimately stems from the root word *wdr, which, you guessed it, gives us the modern word water. 7080% of the diet can be meat-based and can consist of day-old chicks, chicken, venison, rabbit, etc. EXOTIC ANIMALS ARE NOT PETS. Not all countries have strict protection laws and many otter populations are already in decline. Answer: Yes, but you would have to be granted a permit, which isn't easy. No. Plus I would never just have one. Hence the name. They tend to attack when they are intimidated. This is usually at the behest of a larger authority, often governmental. 12:16. You cannot keep one as a pet in the US. Heres what you need to know to provide adequate nutrition to a captive otter: Otters emit an odor, and smear their spraint (a fancy word for otter dung) at latrine sites, using their hind feet and tails, in order to mark their territory. It is illegal to keep almost all otters as pets in North America, with one exception. She did nothing wrong shes a vet giving you advice on a animal that people love and right now have are popular. Otters are delightfully cute. In some cases, it may be possible to keep an otter with the proper permits and licenses. Can you have a pet sea otter? Because Dalmations are high energy dogs that were bred to run 25 miles a day under carriages, and the families couldn't handle them. Question: Are pet otters legal in Canada? 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. They are easier to care for, cheaper to buy, require zero, or at least fewer, licenses and permits to keep as pets, and are significantly easier to find willing veterinarians for. I'm leaving school and need to know where to move to own one okay kids you really need to go move to where you can own a bear and just let it live with you in your house just do us all a favor and go get mauled people are really dumb holy shit lmfao. Living inside comes with many challenges, like cleaning up otter feces and keeping your furniture intact. Otters can also be loud and destructive. "Oh honey~~~ you shouldn't have! Question: are otters legal to own in New York? 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. NO. All goods sold at cash converters are cleaned and tested to ensure you're completely satisfied with your purchase. Put a ring on it! That being said, exotic animals from overseas could introduce some of the world's most damaging pests and diseases into Australia. They prefer flat stones that are as wide as a large orange. Non-Domesticated Since these animals aren't domesticated, they're not 100% safe to be around humans full-time without proper training. And I really want to pet or hold hands with an otter. Not only do these animals make terrible pets, but they're also nearly impossible to domesticate. The woman in the video DOES SAY she would 100% NOT recommend an otter as a pet Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on May 27, 2019: Shame on you! But theyre probably more likely to bite unfamiliar people, like visitors! 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. But they are legal in some states. Otters need space to roam. Are otters legal pets? Dont take this as an endorsement of keeping them, but in purely legal terms, you may be able to own an otter in the following states: In the majority of the US, it is completely illegal to keep an otter as a pet. Question: Specifically what is required to own an otter in North Carolina and what type of otter(s) can you have? They also mark their territory by smearing their feces around, which contributes to the odor.. 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. 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. This classification means that only native otters are legal which includes the river otter. Question: Are sea otters legal in Kentucky? The cage should have a decent size that allows the animal adequate room to exercise and forge. Otters are very playful creatures. Many Asian countries have taken measures to protect them through bans and regulation.. Are otters friendly with humans? What zoos and aquariums have sea otters? Otters can also be loud and destructive. Otters can be destructive and are difficult to housetrain. All 13 species of otters are wild animals, extremely sensitive to environmental changes, and are a marking, latrine species. Money Box, Personalised Otter Money Box, Coin Bank, Otter Money Box, Otter Gifts, Piggy Bank, Savings Jar, Otter Presents. As mentioned earlier, they have specific needs that are challenging to meet in a domestic setting. Nevertheless, otters are personable, entertaining little creatures, as you would expect from their reputation. Not to mention the sad ways in which they are breed, in cages, only to then be separated from their significant others. Then there are, of course, ferrets. . Retrieved from, Smith, C. (2017). They are carnivores with a high metabolic rate, requiring them to consume 20% of their body weight per day. I have seen so many animals killed because of ignorance. 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, this is a complex process that requires specialized care and rehabilitation to ensure the otter can survive in its natural environment. 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. Uncovering the Price: How Much Does a Canadian Marble Fox Cost? 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. It is the most common type trapped and sold as pets. Only one species of otters is not considered federally illegal in the US, which is the Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus). I can only make educated guesses as to where they might be legal due to researching what isn't legal. Different provinces have different laws. While it's common to keep dogs and cats as pets, other unique and interesting animals including reptiles, insects, amphibians and terrestrial . They love to swim and dive in shallow waters although there are records of sea otters diving as deep as 100 meters. I spearfish the invasive fish in the eel river and have had wild otters swimming feet away from me eating the fish I kill. South Carolina: In South Carolina, otter ownership is allowed with a permit from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. But what do you think? Are there any health risks associated with otters? How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at PetSmart? Under provincial and federal law, it is illegal to keep a wild animal, as designated under the BC Wildlife Act, as a pet. Dv Kaufman's Adventures 44.5K subscribers OTTERS AS PETS?!? Valentina z not all exotic pets are ripped away from their habitat some are rescued. Can i legaly own a short clawed otter here in Ontario Canada? Well address some of the most frequently asked questions about buying an otter. That is a great way to help, thank you for your comment! Unfortunately we humans have too often put our own desires in front of what is best for nature. Also do you own any dogs or cats? 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. Can you have a pet otter in australia. The lifespan of otters varies depending on the species and their environment. 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. 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! parasitism relationships in the rainforest, how old is greg kelly's wife judith gray,