Controlled alien species for pet stores

Pet stores in B.C. may not keep or sell exotic animals, known as controlled alien species.

For the purposes of the Controlled Alien Species Regulation, the B.C. government considers a pet store to be any premises of any nature, including a private dwelling, at which a business of selling live animals as pets is carried on, or at which live animals are kept with the intention of being sold, whether by the keeper of live animals or by any other person.

Rules for possession

Pet stores are not eligible for permits to possess controlled alien species in B.C.

Pet stores are prohibited from:

• Possessing controlled alien species
• Breeding controlled alien species
• Releasing controlled alien species
• Transferring any controlled alien species into B.C.

Pet stores must not obtain controlled alien species to sell from outside the province.

The penalties associated with breeding or releasing for a first time offender are one of the following:

• Fines ranging from $2,500 to a maximum of $250,000
• A term of imprisonment not exceeding two years
• Both a fine and a sentence

The penalties for possession for a first time offender are one of the following:

• Fines up to a maximum of $100,000
• A term of imprisonment of one year
• Both a fine and a sentence