Guest post by Mary Jean

Which Pets are Legal in Canada?

The list of pets one can own goes beyond cats, dogs, or exotic birds. People have very distinguished and interesting choices for getting furry friends. You might be getting amazed by seeing an Arab walking on roads with his lion in pet zone Dubai; save some of your astonishment for the Canadians! There is a list of exotic animals that are legally allowed to be kept as pets in Canada, and many people actually own some of them. However, if you are one of those people who are passionate about petting animals, you must also consider feeding them quality pet food like that of Royal Canin and should also be aware of your habit eating habit.  The legality of some of the pets vary from province to province, but the following are the ones that you can own as pets for sure:

Potbellied Pigs

These adorable little guys have become household pets these days. They are intelligent and can learn to perform various tasks just as dogs can do. However, beware of the fact that they can become destructive at times if they get bored. Moreover, they need a lot of food and exercise to be their happy and healthy selves. As sweet and cute as they are, you will need to take ample care of them. Their average lifespan is 12 to 18 years.

Capybara

Imagine a hamster grown up to the size of a dog? They are as adorable as this sounds. Capybara basically stems from South America; they can grow up and weigh up to 170 pounds, which is quite larger than the mid-sized dog. Although they are excellent pets, they do need a lot of your attention. They require a swimming pool and nontoxic grass for their health to be maintained.

Moreover, they can get aggressive at times and have sharp teeth. Their lifespan is 8-10 years. If you have little ones in your house, you might not want to have capybara as your pets.

Mini Donkey

It is an unpopular opinion, but the mini donkey is an absolutely adorable creature. Mini donkey requires an open backyard and a field for grazing, walking, exercising, and salt lick that altogether contribute towards their wellbeing. Their average lifespan is 25-30 years; bringing them to your family can be a lifelong commitment. They are affectionate and selfless creatures but can, at times, be stubborn. Choose wisely!

Sugar Glider

They are as sweet as they look! These tiny loving creatures are from a marsupial family. They have got their name from a membrane that allows them to stretch from their wrists and ankles, which let them glide in the air. They are smart and capable of performing tasks as dogs do. They can even remember their name. However, the downside is they are colony animals, which means you will have to adopt two of them, and failing to do so makes them prone to depression and can affect their health. They need a lot of attention; if you can take care of two of them, you should indeed consider petting them.

Fennec Fox

Who would have thought that a fox can be a pet? Well, Canadians think so! They really friendly creatures and are as energetic as dogs. They can be litter trained as cats usually are. They spend most of their time sleeping but need a lot of your attention. You are more likely to spend a lot of time feeding them, taking care of their playtime and socialization. Moreover, they also tend to bark at times and can be troublesome for your neighbors.

Hedgehog

If you are looking for an alternate of hamster, capybara, or guinea pig, hedgehogs should be your pick! They do not require any extra care; you just need to feed them regularly and cage cleaning. They are nocturnal and spend their entire day sleeping. They are shy and will need some time to adjust to the new environment.

Muntjac Deer

These Southeast Asia creatures are the smallest breed of deer. Their average height is 20 inches, and they weigh only 10-20 pounds. They can be trained to respond to their names, use the litter box, and can live indoors and outdoors. You will need to put a safety fence outside to ensure their safety.

Final Thoughts

Pets can bring real joy to our lives and are capable of making us happier and feeling loved. Canada is a country that allows you to have a wide range of pets, and you have a lot of them to pick from!