Non-traditional Species (Exotic Animals) as Companion Animals

SPCA advocates that non-traditional species are not suitable to be kept as companion animals because it is difficult to provide them with a Good Life where they experience positive welfare and their physical, health and behavioural needs are met.

Non-traditional species do not make suitable companion animals because, in most cases, their welfare needs cannot be met in captivity. Non-traditional species routinely suffer from malnutrition, inadequate husbandry, insufficient companionship, poor environmental enrichment, and lack of appropriate veterinary care when they are kept in domestic situations.