You may already be aware of a PDF available from the government of Alberta regards to controlled animals.
If not, we will link it below. It is handy to reference for these types of questions.
This controlled animals list lays out every animal by type, family and genus that is considered “controlled”.
If the animal is on the list, it means you can not own one as a pet. Some of them may be allowed to own with special permits. This is usually reserved for research facilities or zoos.
Follow this link to open up the PDF file in your browser, or download it.
What does the list say about owning Chinchillas in Alberta?
Can you own a pet chinchilla in Alberta?
You can legally own a pet Chinchilla in Alberta, as they are not currently listed on the Fish and Wildlife Alberta controlled animals list.
This is a provincial level regulation. Towns and cities can have additional regulations or bylaws, so check with local authorities to be safe.
Do Chinchillas make good pets?
It should go without saying that a “good pet” has more to do with being a “good pet owner” than anything else.
Always do your full research into what the animal properly needs before making a commitment.
That being said, Chinchillas are generally known for making good pets, as they are a social and docile creature. They are also known for having a lifespan that is relatively long, as compared to other small mammal pets.
See our list of other exotic pets that you can own as a pet in Alberta called What Exotic Pets Can You Legally Own in Alberta?
In Summary
- You can legally own Chinchillas in Alberta, Canada as pets
- They are not currently listed as a controlled species
- Chinchillas make good pets, but they require large caging space. Always research before buying one.
