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Are exotic pets illegal in Canada?
Partly. Exotic pets are restricted in Canada. Rules vary by province; Ontario leaves it to town bylaws.
No federal exotic-pet law; provinces differ - some license or list species, Ontario has no provincial rule and leaves it to municipal bylaws (Zoocheck analysis, Nov 2025).
Source: Provincial wildlife acts
Banned (11)Restricted (48)Allowed
- Canada is one of 11 countries where exotic pets are banned, and 48 more restrict them.
- Its neighbours: banned in 0 of 1.
- In North America: banned in 1 of 17 countries.
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Other countries that ban exotic pets
Singapore
Costa Rica
Bolivia
Cyprus
Lithuania
Luxembourg
South Korea
Norway
Australia
Belgium
NetherlandsAll 11 on the map ›What else is banned in Canada
Dolphin showsPlastic bagsPotassium bromateBaby walkersAnti-personnel landminesRaw milkPepper sprayAnimal testing for makeupToy gunsAsbestosCorporal punishment in schoolsSex selectionTrans fatCluster munitionsEverything for Canada ›
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