The American Veterinary Medical Association's Statement on Wild Animals as Pets
Private Ownership of Wild Animals
(Approved by the AVMA Executive Board November 2006)The AVMA recommends limiting or prohibiting private ownership (as defined below) of indigenous and non-native wild animals that pose a significant risk to public health, domestic animal health, or the ecosystem, as well as those species whose welfare is unacceptably compromised. Except under special circumstances (such as recognized conservation and research programs) , the AVMA especially supports regulatory efforts to prohibit private ownership, and the importation for the purpose of private ownership, of non-native animals that threaten public health, domestic animal health, indigenous wild animal health, agriculture, or the ecosystem, as well as those species whose welfare is unacceptably compromised.
Definitions:
- Private ownership – Ownership by individuals, non-public entities or institutions that are exempt from the Animal Welfare Act.
- Wild – Species that have not yet been subjected to domestication or that may be in the process of being domesticated. These species may be indigenous to North America or non-native (exotic).
- Non-native (Exotic) – Originally imported species; not native to North America; not domesticated.
- Indigenous – Native to North America.