What types of exotic animals are permitted in Calgary?

Keeping exotic animals in Calgary is one of the most complex aspects of animal legislation, combining federal, provincial, and municipal regulations. For Ukrainian newcomers who may have experience keeping various types of animals or are planning to get something unusual, understanding these rules is critical to avoiding legal problems and ensuring proper care for the animals.

Understanding the regulatory framework for exotic animals

The legal regulation of exotic animals in Calgary operates at several levels of government. At the federal level, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) regulates international trade in endangered species. This means that many exotic animals require special permits to be brought into Canada, even if they are permitted to be kept as pets.

At the provincial level, the Alberta Wildlife Act establishes a category of “controlled animals,” which includes most species known as exotic pets. These animals are listed in Schedule 5 of the Wildlife Regulation and include virtually all primates, big cats, bears, venomous snakes, and many other species. Keeping controlled animals without a special permit is prohibited under Section 55 of the Wildlife Act.

At the municipal level, Calgary's Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw defines which animals are considered permissible to keep as pets. The municipal bylaw operates within the confines of provincial and federal legislation, so it cannot permit animals that are prohibited at higher levels of government.

Categories of permitted exotic animals in Calgary

Calgary's Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw defines an “animal” as “any bird, reptile, amphibian, or mammal, other than humans and wildlife”. This definition creates space for the keeping of some exotic animals that do not fall under the “controlled animal” category of provincial legislation.

The Calgary Housing Company, one of the largest providers of rental housing in the city, allows:

  • Fish with a maximum container size of 10 gallons

  • Small frogs, turtles, and lizards less than 6 inches in length (up to two per household)

  • Hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, chinchillas, ferrets, hedgehogs, and miniature rabbits (up to two per household)

  • Small birds (up to two per household)

  • Large birds (up to one per household)

Prohibited exotic animals in Alberta

The Alberta Wildlife Act contains an extensive list of controlled animals that require special permits or are completely prohibited:

  • Primates: lemurs, lorises, monkeys, marmosets

  • Large carnivorous mammals: lions, tigers, jaguars, leopards, bears, wolves, hyenas

  • Reptiles: all crocodiles, alligators, large snakes (pythons, boas, anacondas), poisonous snakes

  • Bats (Chiroptera) — prohibited due to public health risks

  • Brown rats (Norway rats) — historically prohibited to keep Alberta “rat-free”

Special permits for exotic animals

For animals that are considered controlled, there are different types of permits:

  • Zoo permits — for accredited zoos
  • Research permits — for scientific institutions
  • Private permits — for private individuals, but these are extremely difficult to obtain

The procedure includes demonstrating experience, adequate housing conditions, insurance coverage, and a care plan. The owner must prove that the animal will not pose a threat to the public or the environment.

Aquatic exotic animals and fish

Aquarium animals are regulated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Some fish species require import permits or are subject to personal use exemptions.

The CFIA allows fish to be imported provided that:

  • The animal is accompanied by its owner
  • Proof of ownership is provided
  • The fish has not been exhibited outside Canada
  • It is kept in a home aquarium
  • It has not been in contact with other aquatic species for 1 year after import

Alberta has a system of fish culture licenses. For example, a Recreational Fish Culture License costs $100 CAD for 5 years and allows you to keep rainbow trout, brook trout, brown trout, and tilapia.

Birds as exotic pets

Many exotic birds are allowed to be kept, but there are rules:

  • Up to 2 small birds per household
  • Up to 1 large bird
  • All birds must be kept in cages
  • Birds of prey (falcons, hawks, owls, eagles) are prohibited

Some large parrots require CITES permits for international transport.

Reptiles and amphibians

Allowed:

  • Small frogs, turtles, and lizards up to 6 inches (up to 2 per household)

Prohibited:

  • Any snakes
  • Reptiles over 6 inches
  • Most popular species such as ball pythons, corn snakes

Insects and arachnids

Calgary Housing Company and Red Haus Condominium prohibit:

  • Tarantulas
  • Other exotic spiders
  • Most exotic insects

Exceptions for stick insects and mantises are possible, but condo bylaws often prohibit them as well.

Special considerations for emotional support animals

In 2018, Calgary introduced Livestock Emotional Support Animal (LESA) permits, which allow chickens, mini horses, and pigs to be kept as emotional support animals upon the recommendation of a licensed psychiatrist.

  • Permit cost: 70 CAD
  • Required documents: medical certificate, care plan, veterinarian's contact information
  • Home inspection required
  • LESA are not considered service animals, so landlords may refuse permission to keep them

Condominium restrictions on exotic animals

Many condominiums have strict prohibitions. For example, Red Haus Condominium Corporation prohibits:

  • Livestock
  • Reptiles
  • Arachnids
  • Exotic birds
  • Other unusual animals

Even if municipal regulations allow it, condo bylaws may impose a complete ban.

Practical aspects of keeping exotic animals

  • Veterinary care for exotic animals is limited
  • Special food and equipment are difficult to find
  • Insurance may not cover exotic animals
  • Many landlords require proof of insurance

Because of these factors, keeping exotic animals in Calgary requires careful planning, knowledge of the law, and access to support resources.

International travel with exotic animals

For exotic pet owners who plan to travel, it is important to understand CITES requirements. Many exotic pets, including parrots, many lizards, turtles, hybrid cats, and some snakes, require CITES permits for international travel.

Environment Canada offers pet passports (Certificates of Ownership) for Canadian residents who frequently travel with their CITES-listed exotic pets. These pet passports are valid for three years, allow multiple exports and re-imports, and are recognized by certain countries.

Future changes and trends in regulation

Trends in exotic animal regulation in Canada are moving toward greater restrictions. The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association issued a statement in 2022 that they oppose keeping any wild or exotic animal species as pets due to concerns about animal welfare, health and safety risks, and ecosystem impacts.

Many provinces are tightening their regulations on exotic pets. British Columbia has some of the most restrictive legislation in Canada on private keeping of exotic animals, with over 1,000 types of exotic animals prohibited or restricted.

World Animal Protection Canada released a report in 2019 titled “Risky business: The unregulated exotic pet trade in Canada,” which advocated for stricter controls on the trade of exotic animals. These advocacy efforts may lead to greater restrictions at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels in the future.

Advice for potential exotic animal owners

For Ukrainian newcomers considering keeping exotic animals in Calgary, it is critical to conduct comprehensive research before acquiring any animal. First, determine whether the species is legal at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels. Then check the specific rules for your housing situation, as landlords and condo boards may have more restrictive policies.

Consider the long-term commitment of keeping an exotic animal, including:

  • Specialized veterinary care
  • Appropriate housing requirements
  • Potential complications when moving or traveling

Many exotic animals have specific environmental needs that can be difficult to meet in an urban apartment setting.

If you plan to import an exotic animal

If you already have an exotic animal in Ukraine and plan to bring it to Canada, contact the CFIA and Environment Canada well in advance to understand import requirements and permit processes. Some animals may be prohibited from entry or require quarantine periods.

Conclusion

Keeping exotic animals in Calgary is regulated by a complex web of federal, provincial, and municipal laws, along with private restrictions from landlords and condo corporations.

Although some exotic animals are legal to keep, practical and regulatory challenges make their ownership significantly more complex than traditional pets.

Potential owners should conduct thorough research and understand all applicable restrictions before taking on the responsibility of an exotic animal.

With appropriate planning and compliance with all regulations, it is possible to legally and responsibly keep certain exotic animals in Calgary, but it requires significant commitment and expertise.