Exotic and wild animals do not belong in cages or tanks in people’s homes, as it can deprive them of their ability to engage in natural behaviours. Often, they suffer from poor housing, nutrition and care.
Buying exotic pets can feed the international trade in wildlife, which harms ecosystems and can put species at risk of extinction.
VHS opposes the sale and keeping of exotic pets and has successfully campaigned for a number of municipal bylaws that ban or restrict the ownership and sale of these animals.
Latest news
Beneath the surface: The hidden welfare crisis of pet fish
Bright aquariums filled with colourful fishes are often seen as calming, decorative additions to a home. But behind the glass is a reality that is far less visible. Ornamental fishes are among the most widely kept exotic animals in the world, and often considered a ‘starter pet’, yet their welfare is frequently overlooked. Read more…
B.C. bans exotic cats as pets. Thank you for speaking up for animals!
The VHS is celebrating an important step forward for animals in British Columbia. The provincial government has announced a ban on the breeding, sale, public display, and future private ownership of exotic cat species such as servals, caracals, leopard cats, ocelots and others. This progress would not have been possible without compassionate people like you. Over the past year, the VHS and supporters spoke up…