Authorized pets

Last updated December 19, 2018
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In Montréal, only certain types of pets are authorized. At-risk or potentially dangerous dogs are also subject to specific regulations. Here is the list of authorized pets.

List of authorized pets

In addition to cats and dogs, the following species are permitted:

The following species:

  • rabbit
  • ferret or other domestic rodent weighing less than 1.5 kg
  • sugar glider born in captivity
  • hedgehog born in captivity, except one from the genus Erinaceus

Birds born in captivity, except the following species:

  • ostrich
  • duck
  • goose
  • cassowary
  • swan
  • turkey
  • emu
  • pheasant
  • screamer and other waterfowl
  • kiwi
  • rhea
  • goose
  • flightless birds and other Struthioniformes
  • Guinea fowl
  • hen
  • grouse and other Galliformes

Reptiles born in captivity, except the following species: 

  • alligators
  • crocodiles, gavials and other crocodilians
  • lizard whose length, at adult age, reaches more than two metres
  • venomous lizards
  • snake whose length, at adult age, reaches more than three metres
  • venomous snakes
  • turtles in the Trionychidae family
  • marine turtles

The following species:

  • American toad
  • wood frog
  • north frog
  • northern leopard frog
  • green frog
  • mudpuppy
  • bullfrog
  • eastern newt
  • all exotic amphibians, except venomous amphibians

Fish permitted to be kept in captivity in accordance with the Act respecting the conservation and development of wildlife (RLRQ, chapter C-61.1)

It is prohibited to keep in captivity an animal that is not on this list.

Prohibited dog breeds

In Montréal, dangerous dogs and dog hybrids are prohibited. It is also prohibited to bring to Montréal a dog that:

  • has already bitten or attacked a person or a pet in another city
  • or has attempted to do so

A dangerous dog is a dog that:

  • has caused the death of a person, an authorized pet or a banned dog;
  • has been deemed dangerous by a competent authority.

A dog hybrid is a dog that has been crossed with another mammal, such as a wolf or a coyote.

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