Edmonton is experiencing an important moment in the history of pet regulation. After more than two decades, the same municipal animal law was in effect, which no longer corresponded to modern realities. In 2025, the city council approved the updated Animal Care and Control Bylaw, which will come into effect on May 19, 2026. This is the first major update in over 20 years, and it has brought many changes for pet owners, including those who keep exotic animals.
The question of whether exotic animals need to be registered in Edmonton does not have a simple “yes” or “no” answer. The answer depends on several factors: what species your animal is, whether it is classified as a “controlled animal” at the provincial level in Alberta, whether it falls under federal CITES regulations, and whether Edmonton municipal law establishes specific requirements for a particular species. Understanding this multi-layered regulatory system is critical for any Edmonton resident who is planning to acquire or already keeps an exotic animal.
Multi-layered regulatory system for exotic animals
The regulation of exotic animals in Edmonton and the province of Alberta operates on three levels: municipal (Edmonton city law), provincial (Alberta wildlife laws), and federal (Canadian CITES legislation). Each level has its own area of responsibility, and animals must meet the requirements of all three levels simultaneously.
Municipal level: Edmonton Bylaw
At the city level, Edmonton has historically regulated only a limited number of animal species. The old law (Bylaw 13145), which was in effect until May 2026, prohibited the keeping of “large animals” (over 10 kilograms when fully grown, excluding dogs and cats), bees, venomous snakes, reptiles, and insects without special permission from the City Manager. However, most exotic pets, including reptiles, birds, amphibians, and small mammals, were not subject to municipal registration requirements.
The new law, which takes effect in May 2026, maintains this approach. John Wilson, Director of Animal Care and Park Rangers for the City of Edmonton, explained that many exotic animals are already regulated by provincial and federal legislation, so the city does not see the need to duplicate these requirements. A two-year public consultation, conducted from 2023 to 2025, found that Edmonton residents did not have a broad interest in regulating new species of animals other than pigeons.
This means that most exotic animals do not require municipal registration in Edmonton.
However, this does not mean that their keeping is completely unregulated. Provincial and federal laws may impose much stricter requirements.
Provincial level: Alberta's controlled animals
The province of Alberta has a much stricter approach to regulating exotic animals through the Wildlife Act. Central to this regulation is the 19-page list of “Controlled Animals,” which contains over 500 species. These species are identified as posing a threat to public safety or the ecological interests of the province.
Alberta's list of controlled animals is extremely extensive and includes:
- Mammals: primates of all species (lemurs, monkeys, apes), predators (foxes, wolves, bears, mongooses, wild cats), ungulates (various species of deer, rhinos), certain species of rodents (some species of squirrels, beavers, certain species of hamsters), armadillos, opossums.
- Birds: birds of prey (hawks, eagles, owls) — a special falconry permit is required to keep them.
- Reptiles and amphibians: certain species of turtles, crocodiles, many species of snakes (including venomous ones), some species of lizards, salamanders, newts, certain species of frogs.
It is critical to understand that keeping any animal on the controlled list without a special provincial permit is illegal. Such permits are usually only issued to zoos, research institutions, and other specialized organizations. It is extremely difficult for private individuals to obtain a permit to keep a controlled animal.
Rats deserve special attention. According to the Alberta Agricultural Pests Act, keeping live rats is prohibited without a research permit. Alberta is the only province in Canada that maintains its “rat-free” status, and this regulation is strictly enforced.
Alberta's native wildlife species are also strictly protected. The province has seven native snake species, all of which are protected under the Wildlife Act — it is illegal to kill, possess, buy, or sell them. This means that even if you find a native snake in the wild, you cannot take it home as a pet.
Federal level: CITES and international trade
At the federal level, Canada is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This convention regulates international trade in thousands of animal and plant species. If you plan to import an exotic animal into Canada or travel across an international border with your exotic pet that is listed on CITES, you will need a special CITES permit.
It is important to understand that even personal pets that are listed on CITES require a permit to cross the border. This applies to many popular reptiles, birds, and other exotic animals. CITES permits must be obtained prior to transporting, importing, or exporting an animal, and all permits must be approved by the Canada Border Services Agency at the border.
Which exotic animals do not require registration in Edmonton
Understanding the multi-tiered system, it is possible to determine which exotic animals can be legally kept in Edmonton without municipal registration, provided they are not also subject to provincial or federal restrictions.
Reptiles and amphibians
Most popular pet reptiles do not require municipal registration in Edmonton. Bearded dragons, leopard geckos, corn snakes, and other non-venomous reptiles of moderate size are legal to keep. However, it is important to check whether a particular species is on Alberta's list of controlled animals.
During the 2023-2024 public consultations, many exotic pet owners expressed concern about the possible introduction of stricter regulations on reptiles. There were fears that the city might classify all venomous reptiles as prohibited, which could affect even safe pets such as bearded dragons (which technically have very weak venom but pose no danger to humans). However, the city decided not to impose additional restrictions on reptiles, recognizing that they are already regulated by provincial law.
Small mammals
Rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters (non-controlled species), gerbils, chinchillas, and other small rodents do not require municipal registration in Edmonton. The new law sets a limit of four rabbits per household but does not require them to be officially registered. A 2023-2024 study showed that the public supports the introduction of limits on the number of these animals in a household to prevent hoarding situations.
Ferrets, although popular as pets in Canada, require special attention. They are not on Alberta's list of controlled animals and do not require municipal registration in Edmonton, but owners should be aware of their specific care needs.
Birds
Most domestic birds, including parrots, cockatoos, cockatiels, canaries, and finches, do not require municipal registration. However, birds of prey (hawks, eagles, owls) are on Alberta's list of controlled animals and require a special falconry permit. Pigeons are a unique case: the city of Edmonton has a special licensing system for them, allowing up to 75 pigeons per license at a cost of $15.
Insects and arachnids
Most insects and arachnids, including tarantulas, praying mantises, and stick insects, do not require municipal registration. However, poisonous insects may be subject to provincial restrictions as controlled animals. An interesting case occurred in Yukon in 2025, where a tarantula owner discovered that her spider required a permit under new territorial regulations that she was unaware of. While this does not directly apply to Edmonton, it demonstrates the importance of checking regulations before purchasing an exotic animal.
Exotic species that are not regulated
There are some exotic animals that are not on Alberta's list of controlled animals and are therefore technically legal to keep. The most interesting example is the capybara, the world's largest rodent, native to South America. Capybaras are not included on Alberta's list of controlled animals, so keeping them is technically legal, although it is difficult to determine how many Albertans actually keep these large animals. However, legality does not mean appropriateness. The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) issued a statement in March 2022 expressing its strong opposition to the keeping of any species of wildlife (native or exotic) or their hybrids as pets. The association argues that such keeping can compromise animal welfare, create unnecessary risks to human and pet health and safety, and can negatively impact the ecosystem.## Exotic animals that require special permits### Controlled animals at the provincial levelIf an animal is on Alberta's list of controlled animals, keeping it without a special provincial permit is illegal and can lead to serious legal consequences. Permits for controlled animals are usually only issued to:- Zoos and accredited institutions. Zoos, such as the Edmonton Valley Zoo, have the necessary infrastructure, expertise, and permits to keep a wide range of exotic and controlled animals.- Research institutions. Universities, research centers, and other research organizations can obtain a Research Permit and Collection License, which allows them to keep controlled animals for scientific purposes.- Film studios and content producers. Under certain conditions, professional film studios can obtain temporary permits to work with exotic animals.- Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centers. Organizations that rescue and rehabilitate wild animals can obtain a Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit.It is extremely difficult, if not impossible, for private individuals to obtain a permit to keep a controlled animal. The application process requires a detailed care plan, evidence of appropriate infrastructure and expertise, and may include an inspection by the Alberta Wildlife Animal Care Committee.### Municipal licenses for special categoriesAlthough most exotic animals do not require municipal registration, Edmonton has special licensing requirements for certain categories:#### Bees
Keeping bees in Edmonton requires a special license from the city. The licensing process includes completing an educational course on beekeeping, although some participants in public consultations suggested that experienced beekeepers could be exempt from this requirement. The City Manager may impose conditions on the license, including restrictions on the location of hives, their number, and care requirements. Public consultations found that, although the licensing process can be cumbersome, current license holders are generally satisfied with the system.
Hens
Similar to bees, keeping chickens in Edmonton requires a special license. The new law confirms the licensing requirements and adds a separate license category with a corresponding fee. Public consultations supported maintaining the existing requirements with some modifications to allow licensing for non-residential properties. The 2023-2024 study proposed providing potential chicken owners with coop design options and simplifying the licensing process while maintaining clear guidelines for keeping chickens.
Pigeons
Edmonton has a unique pigeon licensing system that allows up to 75 pigeons per $15 license. As of 2025, there were only 86 pigeon licenses in the city. The new law allows the City Manager to impose additional conditions on pigeon licenses, especially when aviaries are located near residential areas, due to complaints about excessive noise and odors from the aviaries. Public consultations revealed that many residents have limited knowledge of the logistics and practices of pigeon keeping, and many question why the law devotes a separate section to pigeons.
Livestock Emotional Support Animals
Although this applies primarily to Calgary, it is worth noting that some municipalities in Alberta allow certain types of livestock (chickens, mini horses, mini pigs) to be kept as emotional support animals with special LESA permits. The process requires a letter from a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist confirming the need for the animal for mental health treatment, as well as evidence of adequate space and veterinary care. Edmonton has not yet implemented a similar program, but this demonstrates the evolution of understanding the role of non-traditional animals in mental health support.
Practical aspects of keeping exotic animals in Edmonton
Veterinary care
One of the most important practical aspects of keeping exotic animals is access to qualified veterinary care. Historically, exotic animals have received less adequate care than dogs and cats because their medicine is very niche and often unknown to most veterinarians. However, the situation is changing.
Harvest Pointe Animal Hospital is one of the few veterinary clinics in Edmonton that specializes in exotic animals. The clinic is equipped to treat a wide range of exotic animals, including birds, reptiles, amphibians, and exotic companion mammals. Dr. Daren Mandrusyak, medical director of Harvest Pointe, practices almost exclusively with exotic animals and is working to become a bird specialist.
Dr. Mandrusyak explains why exotic animals have historically received poorer care:
They are very interesting because they are different and poorly understood. And because they are poorly understood, many veterinarians and registered veterinary technicians are nervous about working with them because their anatomy is different, their physiology is different, and the way they are treated may be different. And so, because most veterinarians and RVTs are nervous about working with them, they have traditionally received less appropriate care.
Pulse Veterinary Specialists and Emergency in Sherwood Park (near Edmonton) also offers services for exotic animals on an emergency basis. The clinic benefits from the expertise of Dr. Erin Hanak, who completed an exotic animal internship at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, which helps her to properly assess, diagnose, and treat non-traditional pets. The clinic performs emergency diagnostic procedures such as blood tests, X-rays, ultrasounds, and CT scans for various species, as well as surgical procedures, including fracture repairs in rabbits and birds, foreign body removal and adrenalectomy in ferrets, sterilization of bearded dragons with pre-operative blood transfusions, and wound repair.
It is important to note that emergency care for exotic animals can be particularly stressful, as many emergency veterinarians have minimal training or experience with species other than dogs and cats, especially when it comes to non-mammalian animals such as birds and reptiles. Therefore, the availability of specialized clinics in Edmonton is critical to the welfare of exotic pets.
Care requirements
The City of Edmonton emphasizes that exotic animals require specialized care that varies depending on the species and breed. Hwanhee Lee, the city's Animal Care and Peace Officers manager, noted in a statement:
It is important to provide appropriately sized housing with constant monitoring of temperature, UV light requirements, and humidity levels. Understanding unique dietary requirements, specialized veterinary care, and the need for vitamin and mineral supplements is essential to the well-being of exotic pets.
These comments were made in the context of an August 2025 case in which the Edmonton Animal Protection Unit rescued 83 snakes, a leopard gecko, and other animals in poor condition from a home in Edmonton. Each reptile received proper housing, feeding, medication, and constant monitoring. The Animal Care and Control Centre is working to restore the animals' health and may work with various rescue organizations and associations to help find them suitable homes.
This case is not an isolated incident. In 2021, John Makaryshyn of Edmonton received 37 federal charges and 89 provincial charges in connection with the deaths of 674 reptiles and amphibians whose remains were discovered after a house fire on November 10, 2021. The animals “appeared to be severely neglected, and many had died prior to any effects of the fire,” according to a statement from the Edmonton Police Service. Among the victims were bearded dragons, skinks, salamanders, frogs, snakes, and dozens of arachnids. Firefighters rescued 10 turtles and a gecko.
These cases highlight the critical importance of understanding the specific needs of exotic animals before acquiring them. Inadequate housing, insufficient nutrition, or ignorance of specific environmental requirements can quickly lead to ill health and death.
Financial considerations
Keeping exotic animals can be significantly more expensive than keeping traditional pets. Specialized veterinary care for exotic animals is typically more expensive due to niche expertise and specialized equipment. The value of pet stores in Calgary, Calgary Avian & Exotic Pet Clinic, emphasizes that it is the only clinic in Alberta that specializes exclusively in exotic animals.
In addition to veterinary costs, exotic pet owners must invest in specialized equipment: appropriately sized terrariums or aquariums, heating and UV lighting systems for reptiles, filtration systems for aquatic animals, specialized foods and supplements, and tools for controlling temperature and humidity.
Some species may require permits and licenses, which also incur costs. For example, in Yukon, a permit to keep restricted species costs $150 and is valid for the life of the animal. Although Edmonton does not have a similar system for most exotic animals, provincial permits (for those who can obtain them) also involve significant costs and administrative burdens.
Legal consequences of violating regulations
Violating provincial regulations regarding controlled animals can lead to serious legal and financial consequences. Alberta actively prosecutes cases of illegal possession of controlled animals, and fines can be substantial.
High-profile cases
In February 2025, Okotoks resident Nikki Holmes was fined $15,000 after pleading guilty to possessing a serval, a large African wild cat. The investigation found that the cats had been purchased in British Columbia and Quebec (where serval ownership is legal) and illegally imported into Alberta with the intent to breed. Servals are listed on the Wildlife Act as a controlled animal, illegal to import or possess except under strict permit requirements that are typically only granted to zoos.
Holmes' lawyer, Greg Dunn, explained that she had been breeding servals in British Columbia and had transported the cat to Alberta to care for it while it underwent treatment for health issues:
It was clearly an error in judgment for which she paid a hefty fine and lost her beloved serval, ‘Vampy,’ who was confiscated by authorities.
The male serval ended up in the care of the Edmonton Valley Zoo, where he thrived, was successfully introduced to the zoo's female serval, and will remain at the zoo.
According to Alberta Fish and Wildlife, penalties under the Wildlife Act for possession of illegal animals can be up to $50,000 or imprisonment for up to one year for an individual and up to $100,000 or imprisonment for up to two years for a corporation for each applicable offense.
This case highlights an important feature of interprovincial differences in regulations. What is legal in one province (e.g., owning servals in British Columbia) may be strictly prohibited in another (Alberta). Owners of exotic animals who move between provinces must carefully check the laws of both jurisdictions.
Confiscation and the fate of animals
An important consequence of violating regulations is the confiscation of animals. In the Holmes case, the servals were confiscated by Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services. One of the cats, a male, was placed in the Edmonton Valley Zoo, where he received appropriate specialized care. The location of the other cat remains unknown and has not been confirmed by the zoo or Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement at the time of publication.
Confiscation can be particularly traumatic for both the owner and the animal. The Edmonton Valley Zoo emphasized in its statement:
Illegal wildlife trade directly threatens the survival of species in the wild. When you are considering adding a pet to your family, please make sure you are making a responsible choice.
Recommendations for Prospective Exotic Pet Owners
If you are considering acquiring an exotic animal in Edmonton, it is important to do thorough preparatory work to ensure the legality and ethics of your decision.
Verifying Legality
The first and most important step is to check all three levels of regulation: municipal (Edmonton bylaw), provincial (Alberta's list of controlled animals), and federal (CITES and other Canadian laws). To do this:
- Contact the Alberta Fish and Wildlife office to confirm that the species you are considering is not on the list of controlled animals. Have the correct scientific name of the animal (genus and species) when contacting the officer. For example, Plains garter snake (Thamnophis radix), Rock Dove/Pigeon (Columba livia), Snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus). Contact the City of Edmonton at 311 (within city limits) or 780-442-5311 (outside city limits) if you are unsure of the animal's status or whether registration is required. The Animal Care and Control Centre can provide up-to-date information on municipal requirements.
- If you plan to import an animal or travel with it across international borders, check CITES requirements through Environment and Climate Change Canada.
Assessing your ability to provide proper care
Before purchasing an exotic animal, honestly assess your ability to provide:
- Appropriate housing. Appropriately sized terrariums, aquariums, or enclosures with proper heating, lighting, ventilation, and humidity control systems.
- A specialized diet. Many exotic animals require specific foods, live insects, and specialized supplements. Ensure these foods are available in Edmonton or can be ordered online.
- Veterinary care. Determine if there are veterinary clinics in Edmonton that specialize in your type of animal. Harvest Pointe Animal Hospital and Pulse Veterinary Specialists are the main options for exotic animals in the region.
- Financial resources. Veterinary care for exotic animals can be expensive. Make sure you have the financial means to pay for emergency medical care if it becomes necessary.
- Time commitment. Some exotic animals live for decades. Parrots can live 50-80 years, and turtles can live over 100 years. Are you prepared for a long-term commitment?
Ethical considerations
The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association strongly opposes the keeping of any species of wildlife (native or exotic) or their hybrids as pets. The association argues that such keeping may:
- Compromise animal welfare. Wild animals have evolved to thrive in specific natural environments, not in domestic settings.
- Create health and safety risks. Exotic animals can carry zoonotic diseases, may be unpredictable in behavior, and may pose physical dangers.
- Negatively impact the ecosystem. Escaped exotic animals can become invasive species that disrupt local ecosystems.
- Support the illegal wildlife trade. The illegal wildlife trade directly threatens the survival of species in the wild.
Animal Justice, the Canadian counterpart to the US Animal Legal Defense Fund, notes:
Canada is known for its extremely weak laws on exotic pet ownership. Most jurisdictions have no restrictions on the ownership of many exotic animals, and citizens can easily obtain these animals without licensing or training.
Alternatives to exotic animals
If you are interested in a unique pet but have concerns about the ethical or practical aspects of exotic animals, consider the following alternatives:
- Pet rescue. The Edmonton Humane Society and other rescue organizations have a wide selection of dogs, cats, and other pets in need of homes. In 2024, the Edmonton Humane Society took in 4,604 animals and completed 3,905 adoptions.
- Rare breeds of domestic animals. Instead of a truly exotic animal, consider rare or unusual breeds of domestic dogs or cats that can satisfy your desire for uniqueness without legal and ethical complications.
- Volunteering. If you are interested in exotic animals, consider volunteering at the Edmonton Valley Zoo or other organizations that work with exotic wildlife. This will allow you to interact with these animals in a context that supports their welfare and conservation.
The Future of Exotic Pet Regulation
Exotic pet regulation continues to evolve in Canada and around the world. The growing trade in exotic pets is prompting conservationists to call for stronger regulations to protect reptiles, birds, and other animals in the wild that are increasingly appearing for sale on online marketplaces and becoming popular on social media.
Trends in legislation
British Columbia is a leader in the regulation of exotic animals in Canada, establishing permits specific to the type of exotic animal ownership to "control the possession, breeding, transportation, and release of alien animals (i.e., those not native to British Columbia) that pose a risk to human health or safety or the environment." The changes in British Columbia came after high-profile incidents of human injury and death.
Yukon recently introduced a permit system for restricted species in 2024-2025, requiring $150 permits to possess certain exotic animals. However, implementation has been problematic, with many owners unaware of the new requirements for the April 2025 deadline.
At the federal level, Animal Justice is promoting a bill that is “currently going through the [Canadian] Senate” that would “ban the keeping of most of the 800+ species of exotic animals in captivity, as well as give some animals limited legal standing in court.” This could significantly change the landscape of exotic animal ownership across Canada, including Alberta and Edmonton.
CITES and international efforts
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) continues to expand its list of species requiring permits. In 2025, proposals were made to add new species, including certain iguanas, sloths, vipers, turtles, and geckos. The United States supports some of these proposals but opposes others, demonstrating the ongoing debate about the balance between conservation and animal trade.
The problem is that the CITES permit system is often abused. Species may be banned from trade in their natural range, but are sold online by traders who abuse the CITES permit process and captive breeding rules, and then take advantage of importing countries that do not check whether the animals come from the wild. Paul Collis of Born Free USA notes:
In theory, under CITES rules, countries issuing these export permits must verify that these animals, and critically, their lineage back to the parent stock, were legally acquired in order for the export permit to be issued. But this is not happening.
Edmonton: Evolution of Approach
The 2023-2024 public consultations that preceded the adoption of the new Animal Care and Control Bylaw revealed a variety of opinions on the regulation of exotic animals. The study recommended that the City of Edmonton:
- Provide additional clarity on which animals require special permits versus licenses, and which animals are completely prohibited (without exceptions).
- Consider implementing restrictions on the maximum number of other types of animals (e.g., maximum number of rabbits, rodents, reptiles/amphibians, etc.).
- Increase cooperation with Border Patrol Services, Canadian Wildlife Services, and other provincial and federal regulatory agencies to clarify oversight responsibilities in areas where roles may overlap, such as licensing, enforcement, complaints, etc.
The city decided not to introduce stricter regulations on exotic animals in the new law, recognizing that most species are already regulated by provincial and federal legislation. This approach reflects a philosophy of avoiding regulatory duplication and relying on specialized expertise at higher levels of government for issues related to wildlife safety and ecology.
However, this does not mean that Edmonton's approach will not change in the future. If the growth in exotic animal ownership leads to animal welfare, public safety, or environmental concerns, the city may reconsider its decision. New categories of animals may be added to municipal licensing requirements, or stricter restrictions may be placed on certain species.
Conclusion
The question of whether exotic animals need to be registered in Edmonton has a nuanced answer that depends on many factors. Most exotic pets—including popular reptiles such as bearded dragons and leopard geckos, small mammals such as rabbits and guinea pigs, and domestic birds—do not require municipal registration in Edmonton. The new Animal Care and Control Bylaw, which comes into effect on May 19, 2026, maintains this approach, recognizing that most exotic animals are already regulated by provincial and federal legislation.
However, the absence of municipal registration does not mean the absence of regulation. The province of Alberta has an extensive list of over 500 species of “controlled animals” that are illegal to possess without a special permit. This list includes primates, large predators, many species of reptiles and amphibians, birds of prey, and other species that may pose a threat to public safety or the environment. Penalties for possessing controlled animals without a permit can reach $50,000 for individuals, and the animals are subject to confiscation.
For owners who comply with all regulations, the key challenges are ensuring proper care for exotic animals. This includes appropriate housing with temperature, humidity, and lighting control, a specialized diet, and access to qualified veterinary care. Edmonton has several specialized clinics, including Harvest Pointe Animal Hospital and Pulse Veterinary Specialists, that can provide professional care for exotic animals.
Ethical considerations also play an important role. The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association opposes the keeping of wild animals as pets, arguing that it can compromise their welfare, create risks to humans and the environment, and support the illegal wildlife trade. Prospective owners should seriously consider whether they can provide a suitable living environment for an exotic animal throughout its lifetime, which for some species can be decades.
The most important recommendation for anyone considering purchasing an exotic animal in Edmonton is to thoroughly check the legality at all three levels of regulation—municipal, provincial, and federal—before purchasing the animal. Contact Alberta Fish and Wildlife to confirm the status of controlled animals, the City of Edmonton via 311 for municipal requirements, and Environment and Climate Change Canada for CITES requirements if you plan to import or travel internationally.
The landscape of exotic animal regulation continues to evolve in Canada and around the world. The growing popularity of exotic pets, combined with increasing awareness of animal welfare and conservation issues, is likely to lead to tighter regulations in the years to come. Responsible prospective owners should stay informed about changes in legislation and be prepared to adapt their animal care practices to meet new standards.
Ultimately, the decision to acquire an exotic animal should be based not only on legality, but also on an honest assessment of your ability to provide a high level of specialized care throughout the animal's lifetime. The City of Edmonton funds the rescue and treatment of neglected and abandoned animals through a portion of its pet licensing revenue—in 2024, the Animal Protection Unit reviewed 1,920 complaints and conducted over 2,500 follow-up inspections to ensure proper animal care. These figures highlight that many animals, including exotic ones, do not receive proper care. Before taking on the responsibility of an exotic animal, make sure you are prepared to provide it with a thriving and healthy life in the long term.