Where Can You Buy A Pet Owl May 2026

The Reality of Owning a Pet Owl: Is It Possible? While the idea of a personal feathered messenger is magical, . Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act , native owls are federally protected species. This means you cannot "own" one like a dog or a cat; rather, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service retains "stewardship" of these birds, allowing only specifically licensed professionals to keep them. Why You Can’t Just Buy One

: Contact a local raptor rehabilitation center to help with care and education. where can you buy a pet owl

: Large owls can live over 30 years in captivity, making them a massive lifelong commitment. Better Alternatives for Owl Lovers The Reality of Owning a Pet Owl: Is It Possible

Technically, some —like the Eurasian Eagle Owl or Spectacled Owl —may be legal to own in a few specific states if they are captive-bred. However, this is a legal gray area. Even if state law allows it, local municipal or county ordinances often ban "dangerous" or "wild" animals. Furthermore, importing these birds is an extremely expensive and time-consuming process. Why Owls Make "Terrible" Pets This means you cannot "own" one like a

: Requires a multi-year apprenticeship and specialized state/federal permits.