Whenever you are researching an animal you wish to own in Alberta, you can reference the controlled animals list.

If an animal is on the list, it means you either need special permits and licensing (zoos, researchers, etc), or you just can’t have one at all.

Of course, just because an animal is not on the list, doesn’t mean it’s an automatic “go for it” either. There are other regulations at okay in some cases.

All that being said, what do we know about owning an Otter in Alberta?

Can I have a pet otter in Alberta?

You can not own an Otter in Alberta, they are on the Alberta Controlled Animals List.

The most common type of Otter found in Alberta is the “New World River Otter”, or just “River Otter” for short (genus Lontra).

The river otter and other otter species are listed under 32. ALL WEASEL-LIKE (Family Mustelidae) section:

• Spotted-necked Otter (Genus Hydrictis)
• Giant Otter (Genus Pteronura)
• Clawless Otters (Genus Aonyx)
• Sea Otter (Geniss Enhydra)
• Eurasian and Hairy-nosed Otters (Genus Lutra)
• New World River Otters (Genus Lontra)

Here is a screenshot of the relevant section of the Alberta Controlled Animals list:

Source: See the full Alberta Controlled Species list here

In Summary

• You can not legally own an Otter as a pet in Alberta, Canada.
• The most common Otter in Alberta (River Otter) is listed as a controlled animal, along with other Otter species.
• Otters are listed under the “Weasel-Like” section.