If you’re looking for an exotic and intriguing pet, you may have considered owning a capybara. Capybaras are semi-aquatic rodents that are native to South America and are the largest living rodents in the world.
With their gentle nature and unusual appearance, capybaras can make for interesting companion animals. But is it legal to own a capybara as a pet in North Carolina? Here’s a quick answer: Yes, it is legal to own a capybara as a pet in North Carolina, but there are some restrictions and permit requirements you must follow.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore all the details around capybara ownership in North Carolina. We will look at the specific laws and regulations, permit requirements, best practices for care and housing, costs, and more.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about whether you can own a capybara in North Carolina!
Laws and Regulations on Owning Capybaras in North Carolina
Capybaras are Legal to Own with a Permit
Capybaras, the world’s largest rodents, are legal to own as pets in North Carolina but with some restrictions. The state wildlife agency allows people to keep capybaras if they apply for a license or permit.
You must have a pet dealer license to buy and sell capybaras in the state. To possess a capybara as a personal pet, you need to apply for a captivity license from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. The captivity license has annual renewal fees.
North Carolina treats capybaras as non-native wildlife. So you need to ensure proper enclosures and prove that you can care for these semi-aquatic animals which need access to water. The state authorities inspect the facilities before issuing a license.
Restrictions on Owning Capybaras
While possession of pet capybaras is legal with a permit in North Carolina, there are some restrictions imposed by the state’s regulations.
Housing rules require owners to give their pet capybaras an escape-proof enclosure with access to a pool or pond. Applicants for captivity license must specify if the capybara is for personal use or commercial exhibition.
Local Laws May Differ
Some cities and counties in North Carolina have their own rules regarding exotic pets like capybaras. Local laws may be more restrictive than the state regulations.
For example, Buncombe County does not allow ownership of wild animals like capybaras. However, Mecklenburg County issues exotic pet permits to own unusual animals like capybaras.
So before acquiring a capybara, check your city, town or county’s regulations regarding possessing exotic mammals as pets. Also ensure your homeowners association allows such animals.
Permit Requirements for Owning a Capybara
Obtaining a Captivity License
To legally own a capybara in North Carolina, you must first obtain a captivity license from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC). This involves submitting an application that includes your contact information, details on the capybara you want to own, housing plans, veterinary care plans, and emergency contingency plans.
The NCWRC reviews each application carefully – they want to ensure anyone keeping exotic animals can properly care for them. Part of the review may involve an inspection of your property to ensure suitable enclosures. Approval times vary, but often take 2-3 months. Licenses must be renewed annually.
Housing Inspections
Before issuing a captivity license, the NCWRC will inspect your property to ensure you have prepared proper enclosures. Some requirements include:
- Adequate space – adult capybaras require at least a 60 sq ft enclosure
- Proper fencing – enclosures must be surrounded by chain link or cattle fencing at least 5 ft high to prevent escapes
- Water features – a pool or small pond of at least 18 inches deep must be provided
- Shelter – a sheltered area must be provided to get out of rain/cold weather
Minor changes to meet requirements may be allowed before final approval. However, if inspectors find unsuitable housing, they may deny the license application altogether.
It’s important to line up housing plans before obtaining your capybara – it will help streamline the licensing process and prevent housing-related rejections.
Renewing the License Annually
Captivity licenses must be renewed each year you own your capybara. Renewals typically include:
- Updated contact information & details on your capybara
- A short housing inspection
- Proof of continuing veterinary care
- Payment of renewal fee (currently $50 per year)
As long as you have properly cared for your capybara and maintained its housing, license renewals are usually routine. However, if inspectors find issues upon renewal inspection, your license may not be renewed that year.
To ensure license renewal goes smoothly, it’s wise to maintain thorough veterinary records each year and keep enclosures properly maintained year-round.
While the licensing process can seem tedious, the goal is making sure captive exotic animals stay happy and healthy. For capybara owners willing to take on the responsibility, owning these unique pets can be very rewarding!
Caring for a Pet Capybara
Dietary Needs
Capybaras are herbivores that need a diet high in fiber and low in starch and sugar. They should be fed lots of fresh grasses, vegetables like leafy greens, carrots, yams, and squash, as well as some fruit. Their main diet can be supplemented with rodent pellets and hay.
Clean, fresh water must be available at all times. An adult capybara will eat 2-4 pounds of food per day.
Housing Requirements
Capybaras need a large, enclosed space since they are incredibly social animals that live in family groups in the wild. The enclosure should have both land and water components. A child’s plastic swimming pool works well for the water area.
The land space should be at least 200 square feet with deep bedding for digging and burrowing activities. The enclosure must be sturdy since capybaras can weigh over 100 pounds. An outdoor enclosure is ideal as long as shade and shelter are provided.
Health Concerns
Common health issues seen in captive capybaras include overgrown teeth, diarrhea from too many sugars or starches in diet, arthritis from lack of exercise or hard surfaces, and foot problems. Overgrown teeth need regular trimming by a vet. A proper diet and soft bedding reduces other risks.
Wellness vet exams every 6-12 months are recommended. With good care, capybaras live 8-10 years.
Grooming and Hygiene
Capybaras should have access to water sources large enough to submerge themselves for swimming and bathing activities. This helps keep their coat healthy and free of loose hair and skin irritations. Owners can brush their capybara weekly to help remove loose hair using a soft bristle brush.
Overgrown teeth and nails also need occasional trimming by a vet or experienced groomer. The enclosure needs daily cleaning to prevent disease and foot issues.
Enrichment and Training
As highly intelligent and social animals, capybaras need lots of mental stimulation and interaction. Puzzle toys containing treats, “hunting” for scattered food, objects to manipulate, and toys to play with prevent boredom and stress. A large enclosure provides space to run and play.
Interacting with owners through petting, brushing, or clicker training provides needed enrichment. They can even be leash trained for supervised outdoor time. Life with another capybara companion is ideal.
Costs of Owning a Capybara
Purchase Price
Capybaras are quite expensive to purchase, with prices typically ranging from $500 to $2000. Since they are exotic animals, reputable breeders can charge more. You’ll also need to factor in transport costs if you buy from an out-of-state breeder.
Vet Bills and Medical Care
As relatively unusual pets, capybara vet care can be pricey. Annual checkups range from $100-$250. If your capybara gets sick or injured, bills can quickly escalate depending on treatment needed. Some owners buy exotic pet insurance to defray costs.Without coverage, you may spend thousands on surgeries or complex medical issues.
Food
Capybaras are herbivores, eating plant-based diets. You’ll need to supply fresh grasses, hay, vegetables, fruits, and pelleted feed. The recommended amount for an adult is around 2-4 pounds of food daily, costing over $100 monthly.
Housing
Outdoor housing is required given their size. Prices vary drastically depending on materials and size. But most owners spend $500-$2,000 building custom enclosures. Be sure to factor ongoing maintenance costs as well over the years.
Other Supplies
You’ll need a large water container or pond so they can swim. Other supplies include chew toys, a heating lamp, hiding spots, and substrates for enclosed spaces in winter. Owners also recommend getting quadruple strength dog fences as capybaras are skilled escape artists!
Conclusion
Owning an exotic pet like a capybara can be rewarding but also comes with real responsibilities. In North Carolina, it is legal to own a capybara with the proper permitting. However, you must follow all state and local laws, invest in appropriate housing, and commit to providing excellent lifelong care.
If you are up for the unique challenges of owning a capybara, North Carolina can be a suitable state just be sure to do plenty of research ahead of time.
We hope this guide gave you a comprehensive overview of what’s involved in owning a capybara in North Carolina. Be sure to check all state and local laws thoroughly and prepare for the housing, feeding, and medical needs of this unusual pet.
When done properly, owning a capybara in North Carolina can result in a wonderfully enriching experience for both you and this amazing animal.
