When wild or exotic animals are kept as pets, the result is usually tragic for the animal and often negative for the owner. Lack of knowledge about behavioral traits, social needs and proper nutrition may lead to inadvertent neglect. For many of the larger wild or exotic species, the cost of feed, veterinary care, handling equipment and confinement facilities may be prohibitive. The release or abandonment of non- native wildlife or exotic animals into the natural environment can create severe or catastrophic impacts to the native ecology. Federal, state and regional laws and regulations may prohibit the ownership of some animals, and some species are at higher risk to transmit diseases to humans. American Humane opposes the deliberate capture, confinement, breeding, or the hybrid breeding, of wild or exotic animals as pets and also opposes their release into non-native environments.
Position Statement
Last Updated: January 1, 2021
Happy #Sunday! Beautiful Mags, one of our service dogs-in-training is enjoying the wonderful weather. Learn more about our #Pups4Patriots program: https://bit.ly/2WSQ0fp #ServiceDog
We are excited to kick off National Pet ID Week! One out of three #pets become lost at some point in their lifetime, so it’s crucial for pet owners to ensure their companions have microchips and secure identification tags. Protect your beloved pet year-round. #PetIDWeek
Reminder to vote daily for the 2021 #HeroDogAwards! All of the dogs are heroes, but only one will be named the 2021 American Hero Dog - the highest honor in all the canine world! Meet the nominees and vote at .