How to Recognize the Challenges of Owning a Wolf

Since the majority of wildlife experts are against adopting wolves as pets, it's easy to recognize the challenges that you face when you decide to own one. By having realistic expectations when it comes to the care, feeding, training and even breeding of a wolf, you will be able to address those challenges and make the right choices. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Recognize the Challenges of Owning a Wolf

1. Understand that the laws might not be in your favor when it comes to owning a wolf in your area. Most states have some sort of legal restrictions on the ownership of wild animals, if they don't prohibit it outright. Always take the time to find out what the laws are in your area before you think about owning a wolf.
2. Know that proper veterinarian care may be extremely difficult to find. The majority of vets will not treat a pet wolf, either because their insurance may prohibit it, or because the vet may not be sympathetic to the decision to own a wild animal. A few veterinarians may even try to take advantage of the situation by charging double or triple their normal rates.
3. Be sensitive to your neighbors. Most people may object to having pet wolves living in the area, especially if they have small children, pets or livestock. In most areas, your neighbors can legally prevent you from owning a pet wolf unless you have their written consent first.
4. Realize that a wolf is not a dog, and do not have the same expectations from it. Wolves do not react that well to living in captivity, and can become sullen, depressed and unpredictable in its behavior.
5. Recognize the strong commitment you must make to a pet wolf to care for it for its entire lifespan, which is an average of 15 years. If something happens to you, someone must be able to care for your pet. Wolves do not adapt to new owners well. Many pet wolves who lose their owners are released to the wild, where they are often killed by other wolves.

Tips & Warnings

• Wolves present a unique challenge to owners. Learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of owning a pet wolf at the Wolf Trust website (see Resources below).