What Exotic Pets Are Legal In UK?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,
  • African Pygmy Hedgehog. Hedgehogs are mega cute, and it turns out you can actually own your very own prickly hedgehog friend!
  • Pygmy Goat.
  • Micro Pig.
  • Capybara.
  • Tarantula.
  • Axolotl.
  • Marmoset Monkey.
  • Octopus.

What pets are illegal in UK?

  • Pit Bull Terrier.
  • Japanese Tosa.
  • Dogo Argentino.
  • Fila Brasileiro.

What exotic pets can you have in the UK?

  1. Capybara. This large rodent is infact the largest rodent in the world and weighs about 35-65kg. …
  2. Marmoset Monkey. …
  3. Octopus. …
  4. Sugar Glider. …
  5. Giant African Land Snail. …
  6. African Pygmy Hedgehogs. …
  7. Mexican Walking Fish – Axolotl. …
  8. Tarantula.

Can I own a tiger in the UK?

The Dangerous Wild Act 1976 allows Brits to legally keep wild animals in their homes. This is as long as they

obtain a licence from their local authority

and to do so, they need to demonstrate that their animals are properly contained to protect the public.

What wild animals can be pets in the UK?

Other species on the DWA list that are being kept as pets or in private collections in the UK include

zebras

, camels, fossa (a kind of civet), hyena, sun bears, wolves, and otters.

Can I own a wolf in the UK?

In the UK,

hybrid wolves are legal as pets as long as they are three generations away from the wolf

. They fall under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976, which means wolf-dogs require a licence if you want to keep them at home.

Can you own a giraffe in the UK?

Giraffes aren't ideal as pets.

Giraffes also need licencing for keeping in the UK

. This is considerably more expensive than your TV licence as extremely high and robust fencing is required to keep them from straying. Another condition of a licence would be that a suitable building is needed.

Can I own a Fox UK?

“Legally,

there is no restriction on keeping foxes as pets in England

and Wales, but foxes have not been domesticated and a fox in captivity would have the same needs as in the wild. “If a fox is taken into captivity, then it will be protected under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Can I own a penguin in the UK?

Penguins are considered exotic animals. Now, that

doesn't necessarily make them illegal to own

. … Bearded dragons and hedgehogs are even considered to be exotic animals, but you can keep them without any permits or special paperwork. However, penguins are not one of these species.

Can I own a capybara UK?

Capybara. … Although native to the South American savannahs,

you can actually keep a Capybara in the UK

, however you will need a licence provided by your local council to certify your accommodation and land is sufficient for a Capybara to live in. The capybara is actually a semi-aquatic animal, having webbed feet.

Can you own a lion in UK?


Lions should never be kept as pets

, but sadly many big cats are kept as pets by private individuals across the world. … In the UK, private owners can keep dangerous wild animals as pets under licence.

What monkeys are legal in UK?

Nonetheless, subject to certain restrictions in some circumstances, the sale and keeping of primates as pets in the UK and many other countries is currently legal. An estimated 5,000 primates are being kept as pets in the UK, including

marmosets, capuchins, squirrel monkeys and lemurs

.

Can you own a gorilla in the UK?

Most licences to keep wild animals in England and Wales are issued by

Defra

. … You would need to register animals such as gorillas, wolves, bears, walruses and elephants – and find enough space in your back garden.

What pets can you have in the UK?

  • 1)African Pygmy Hedgehog. Hedgehogs are mega cute, and it turns out you can actually own your very own prickly hedgehog friend! …
  • 2) Pygmy Goat. …
  • 3) Micro Pig. …
  • 4) Capybara. …
  • 5) Tarantula. …
  • 6) Axolotl. …
  • 7) Marmoset Monkey. …
  • 8) Octopus.

Can I own a raccoon in the UK?

The animals have been kept in Britain as exotic pets but

since 2019 it has been illegal to buy or sell one

. Last year, a wild raccoon dog was captured and killed in Wales.

Can I own a sugar glider in the UK?

The Sugar Glider is usually found in the warmer climes of Australia or New Guinea, but it is increasingly seen in

UK homes of exotic pet owners

. … But despite its increasing popularity, the animal charity RSPCA does not recommend them as pets.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.