The question of whether one can own a prairie dog as a pet in Alberta, Canada, is not straightforward. There is some nuance to explore.

Alberta has a long list of animals known as the Alberta Controlled Animals list. It is a document with animals categorized by type, species, genus etc.

If it’s on the list, it means it’s controlled provincially. Controlled means you can’t own one, or at least you can’t without special licensing and permits.

So what does it say about prairie dogs?

Can You Own a Prairie Dog in Alberta?

The White Tailed Prairie Dog (Cynomys leucurus) is on the Alberta Controlled Animals list, meaning you can not legally own one.

The Black Tailed Prairie Dog (Cynomys ludovicianus), is not currently listed as a controlled animal. This is the more common species that people tend to desire for pet ownership.

Here is where it gets tricky.

Just because an animal is not on the Alberta Controlled Animals list, does not automatically mean you can own one.

Sometimes an animal that does not appear on this list, is regulated by a different section of the law, such as Livestock or the Migratory Birds Act.

Another thing to consider is that these regulations are at the provincial level, and your town or city may have rules and bylaws at the municipal level.

Our recommendation on this one is to contact your local bylaw office to be on the safe side.

Source: View the Alberta Controlled Animals list

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

Prairie Dogs: A Member of the Squirrel Family

Most people think of Prairie dogs as a gopher. It is an interesting fact that they actually belong to the Sciuridae family, which the squirrel family.

While they share certain characteristics with squirrels, such as a diet primarily composed of plant material, their social behavior and burrowing lifestyle set them apart.

White-Tailed vs. Black-Tailed Prairie Dogs

White-tailed and Black-tailed Prairie Dogs differ in both geographic range and behavior. White-tailed Prairie Dogs are typically found in higher elevations and display a less social lifestyle compared to their Black-tailed counterparts, which are found in flatter terrains and form larger, more complex colonies.

Prairie Dogs vs. Gophers and Groundhogs

Prairie dogs are often confused with gophers and groundhogs. While all three are burrowing rodents, they are distinct species.

Gophers are generally solitary animals and have a diet more varied than that of prairie dogs.

Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are larger, have a broader range of habitats, and hibernate during winter—a behaviour not observed in prairie dogs.

In Summary

• White-tailed Prairie Dogs are controlled animals in Alberta, requiring special permissions or licenses for ownership.
• Black-tailed Prairie Dogs are not explicitly listed as controlled animals, suggesting they may be permissible to own.
• Both types of prairie dogs belong to the Sciuridae family but differ in social behavior and habitat preferences.
• Prairie dogs are distinct from gophers and groundhogs in terms of behavior, diet, and burrowing habits.