Zoos and aquariums in B.C. are required to have permits for possessing, breeding, shipping or transporting prohibited controlled alien species.
Exotic animals are known as controlled alien species in B.C. For the purposes of the Controlled Alien Species Regulation, a zoo or aquarium must be either accredited by Canada's Accredited Zoos & Aquariums (CAZA), or able to provide proof to the satisfaction of the director of meeting or exceeding the accreditation standards set by CAZA in order to receive a permit.
Fill out an application to request a Non-Personal Possession Permit for possession of a prohibited controlled alien species by a zoo or aquarium:
Please read the permit application and conditions carefully for a full outline of annual requirements for permitted accredited zoos and aquariums.
Applicants have three options for submitting their permit applications:
ATTN: Controlled Alien Species Permit
Wildlife Branch
PO Box 9391 STN PROV GOVT
Victoria, BC
V8W 9M8
There are currently no fees for controlled alien species permits in B.C.
Please allow a minimum of 60 business days for your application to be reviewed and processed.
Once a Non-Personal Possession Permit has been granted, accredited zoos and aquariums will be able to:
Accredited zoos and aquariums will be prohibited from:
Canada’s Accredited Zoos & Aquariums (CAZA) is a private charitable organization representing the country’s leading zoological parks and aquariums.
Contact us if you have questions about controlled alien species.