Anonymous Answer

At my current place of work, we see a vast array of exotics and wildlife. I believe that people should be allowed to own exotics to an extent. From my knowledge, exotics require very specific husbandry, diets, and enrichment. If one is capable of owning an exotic and giving the animal the proper care it needs, I believe that a human-animal bond can still exist. However, there are many wildlife species that I have had experiences with that I think are best suited for the wild. I have seen many raccoons come into the clinic, and after handling these animals, I understand why more people do not own them.

Anonymous Answer

I feel that unlike common pets, dogs, and cats, exotic animals are not designed to be companion animals. They aren't meant to live in a human habitat the way dogs and cats can, so they should be allowed to live in the wild. Their natural habitat cant be simulated easily, usually resulting in them residing in small cages.

Anonymous Answer

In my opinion, the people that most often own exotic animals are not qualified to do so. They do not have the proper education to house the animal with the best welfare conditions. I imagine these housings would most likely be a chain-link fence in an unnatural environment. To protect the welfare of the exotic animals, I would suggest only qualified institutions such as zoos and wildlife rescues should be allowed to own exotic species.

Anonymous Answer

In my opinion, people should not be allowed to own exotic species. I feel this way because most exotic species are not able to be taken care of properly because of their biological needs. For example, nutritional, proper exercise, or they may need to be with individuals of the same species and environment. These animals would live more of a thriving, healthy, and happy life in the habitat they belong to.

Anonymous Answer

I disagree with keeping exotic species as pets because they are not meant to be companion animals like cats and dogs are. They require specific conditions in order to survive that some owners are unable to provide, such as UV light. Exotic animals are often traded and purchased illegally. They are snatched from their natural environment for our benefit or to show off and flaunt our wealth.

Anonymous Answer

As the RCVS code of conduct states, the veterinarian's first consideration should always be animal welfare. Therefore, people should only be allowed to own exotic species if animal welfare is respected. On one hand, people only own exotic animals to express their wealth and status. This is not okay because the focus is not on the animal. On the other hand, some people own exotic animals since they have a genuine passion and this can create a beautiful human-animal bond that increases both their and the animal's quality of life. Therefore, I think it should be allowed but people should be educated on the specific and demanding conditions needed for an exotic species and it should be emphasized that they are bought for the correct reasons. As a vet, it is important to look out for any animal mistreatment or jeopardized welfare that you should report to the RSPCA. The best way to assess an animal's welfare is with the five domains.

Anonymous Answer

Exotic animals are used to a very different environment, therefore the owner needs to make sure that these environmental needs are met so that the animal can express its normal behavior and not be under stress as these are part of the five freedoms to make sure the animal is treated correctly. This means that I believe people should only be able to own exotic species if they are able to look after the animal and meet their demanding needs. I believe people need to be educated on their treatment so that the animals have a good quality of life.