Is it legal to own a wolf or a wolf-hybrid as a pet in Virginia? I swear someone walked by with one yesterday?

Question

I have done some research into raising wolves and it seems extremely difficult. If it is not legal in VA, does anyone know which states do allow people to raise wolves as pets?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

http://www.wolfdogalliance.org/legislati… Will provide you with the various state laws.

http://www.municode.com/Resources/online… will provide you with the city ordinances.

I don't have anything on the county ordinances available so far. You would need to search for the county ordinances of that respective county and go to animal ordinances.

Some counties in VA are legal and other are not. It is very spotty to say the least.

There is a rescue for wolfdogs in VA, Ken Collings, Jr - his email is [e-mail] also difficult to train is an OVERstatement on training. Get 2 books by Nicole Wilde - "Living with Wolfdogs" and "Wolfdogs A~Z". Available at Amazon.com and some bookstores.

Source(s):

45 years of wolfdog rescue

Answer 2

http://www.wolfdogalliance.org/index.sht…

They know.

Also know that high-wolf dogs are hard to train and often make lousy pets.

Answer 3

I would not recommend it without a LOT of research, and maybe not even then. Wolves ARE wild animals, and I would only advise getting one if you are a dog expert.

Answer 4

I believe it is illegal to own a wolf however unless you have proof that it is a wolf hybrid by someone with credentials then no one can say you have an illegal pet.

I live in a rural area and there is a neighbor whose dog ( small lab mix) was knocked up by coyotes. The pups had striking ice blue eyes with a brown fur coloring.

Source(s):

works at the humane society

Answer 5

They are not pets.
Counties may also have restrictions even if a state permits "hybrids"
States do not all agree upon what constitutes a wolf dog.Some may go by physical characteristics,permits required,containment etc.
Some may allow for only educators to own wolves,. a wildlife facility or a zoo.
Each state has their own specific laws as do counties

Answer 6

LOL. I doubt it was a real wolf. You've never owned dogs or know much about them do you? It must've been a wolf-looking German Shepherd or breed like that that you saw. It happens all the time with those who don't know much about dogs.

Answer 7

I'm going to say No, at least not without a permit.

Your laws are more vague than my state's laws. (I'm from Pennsylvania). Less strict too. I did find these sites though.

http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/permits/gui…
http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/education/w… (box of page 2 somewhat defines "wild animal")

It could've been a husky or malamute or something like that. I love wolves, but I, too, wouldn't want to raise them. Fun challenge... but no. Let those howling furballs run wild I say.

Answer 8

No one should own one. It is wrong. They make lousy pets.

Answer 9

Pure wolves are banned as pets in Virginia under 4VAC15-30-40. Importation requirements, possession and sale of nonnative (exotic) animals. Ones owned before the law was passed in 1992 were grandfathered in. However, wolf hybrids are declared to be domestic and are legal.

4VAC15-20-50. Definitions; "wild animal," "native animal," "naturalized animal," "nonnative (exotic) animal" and "domestic animal."

The following animals are defined as domestic animals:
Domestic dog (Canis familiaris), including wolf hybrids.

Source(s):

http://leg1.state.va.us/000/reg/TOC04015…

Answer 10

ohio has no regulations at all

Answer 11

You need to have a permit to own such animal.
Some states allow it some don't.


Yes its difficult because Wolfs are VERY competitive. That means that they will respect you as the Alpha but as soon as you show a weakness they will try to be dominate.No matter were you good "friends" with it or not they will.
And they are NOT good with kids. Want it or not but they can be very nice to kids but as soon as a kid makes a sign of a prey (scream,fall,look injured,yelp etc.) they will act and attack.Wolfs don't growl and show their teeth on their target. They look all nice and fluffy just before they attack somewhat thinking "Oh Some nice juicy pray for me :) "
I suggest only people who take it SERIOUS take them as "pets" and have at least some experience with wild animals or the wolf will literally eat him.