Why Having A Pet Otter Might Not Be As Fun As It Sounds

Otters have become an online sensation, with YouTube videos of them shaking hands with visitors at a zoo or interacting with their owners amassing millions of views. The semi-aquatic mammal's highly expressive, intelligent, playful, and adorable nature online has led to interest in them as pets. However, as of 2019, there has been a global push to prohibit the trade of Asian small-clawed and smooth-coated otters. Moreover, the sale of otters is illegal in 34 states and faces restrictions in others.

Legal restrictions aside, there are several reasons why otters are not the best pets. Otters can be highly vocal and express aggressive and destructive behavior when stressed or unhappy; this includes potentially biting their owners. Otters have a naturally unpleasant odor, and they mark their territory with 'spraint' — scents from their anal glands. Potty training a pet otter is possible, but difficult; they won't care if they defecate in a home or their enclosure. Finally, otters are expensive, requiring a diet of live crayfish mixed with low-pH cat food, regular vet check-ups, and an enclosed habitat.

Seeing an animal smile and act happy in photos or videos is one thing; caring for them is another. Purchasing an otter can support the illegal trade of exotic pets, and they can be a long, 10 to 15-year commitment. Otters are very challenging pets, and bringing one into a home is not to be taken lightly.

Even if you are willing to tolerate an otter's costs, mess, and potential aggression, animal enthusiasts should always question whether their adoption supports inhumane practices. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which monitors the trade of pets, implemented global restrictions in 2019. The illegal adoption of an otter can result in fines of up to $10,000 and can support the cruelty behind procuring the pet.

It's important to consider the cruelty behind acquiring otters from Southeast Asian countries, noting that trade caused a 30% decline in otter populations before intervention from CITES. Notably, species and habitats were being threatened as poachers would kill the protective parents of pups to acquire young otters for the pet trade. The trend of otter cafes in Japan, which also helped the animal's online virality, has fed into these cruel practices.

Some may find a pet otter tempting, but it is best to avoid it. Otters are still wild animals, and there are many better alternatives. Any adoption can have difficulties, as every industry has faced issues upholding breeding practices to high standards. However, adopting a cat or adopting a dog allows a pet parent to be prepared for the challenges common pets bring over exotic ones and avoids supporting the illegal and inhumane treatment of animals.