Ever wondered if you can keep opossums as pets in the UK? The answer’s mostly yes, though it’s not quite as simple as just bringing one home. Opossums are generally legal to own as pets in the UK, but you might need a licence depending on the animal and your location. You’ll want to check your local rules and grab the right permissions before you get too attached.
Since opossums aren’t native to the UK, you’ll have to give them some extra care and attention to keep them healthy and happy. Understanding their needs—and the legal hoops you might have to jump through—can save you a lot of headaches down the line.
Let’s dig into what you should know before you decide to get an opossum.
Legal Status of Keeping Opossums as Pets in the UK
So, you’re thinking about having an opossum as a pet in the UK? The rules can get a bit tricky, and there are a few challenges you’ll want to think about. Laws cover which animals you can keep, what paperwork you’ll need, and how to protect native wildlife.
UK Pet Laws and Exotic Animal Regulations
In the UK, you can usually keep most animals as pets unless a law specifically bans them. Opossums aren’t banned outright, but since they count as exotic and wild, you’ll probably need permission.
The Dangerous Wild Animals Act lists certain species, and opossums often fall under exotic or wild animal categories. Councils want to know you can care for them properly and meet their needs.
Check with your local council because rules can change depending on where you live. If you skip the paperwork, you could get fined or even lose your pet.
Permits, Licences, and Import Restrictions
To legally own an opossum, you’ll often need a licence from your local council. These permits exist to make sure you know how to care for the animal and that your opossum won’t be a risk to the public or environment.
Importing opossums isn’t easy. The UK has some pretty strict rules to stop diseases and protect native species. You’ll need the right paperwork for importing any exotic pet.
Some marsupials need even more permits under wildlife laws. Since opossums are marsupials, it’s smart to ask your local authorities before you bring one home.
Difference Between Opossums and Possums
In the UK, when people say “possums,” they usually mean animals from Australia or New Zealand. “Opossums” are from the Americas.
They look alike, but they’re not the same, and their care needs are different. Opossums are usually wild and not great for casual pet owners.
Knowing the difference matters because UK pet laws often focus on possums as native animals. Opossums, being exotic, usually face stricter rules.
Risks of Non-Native Species Introduction
If you keep opossums as pets, you might risk harming UK wildlife. If an opossum escapes or gets released, it could mess with local ecosystems.
Opossums might compete with native species or spread diseases. That’s why the government controls ownership with licences.
Think carefully about these risks before you decide to keep an exotic animal. If you provide proper care and keep your opossum secure, you’ll help protect both your pet and the environment.
You can get more details at Apply for a licence to keep a wild animal – GOV.UK.
Considerations and Challenges of Opossums as Pets
Opossums have some quirky traits and needs that make them tricky pets. Their habits, health issues, and diet all need special attention.
You’ll want to consider how they stack up against other exotic pets, too.
Natural Behavior and Marsupial Traits
Opossums are marsupials, so females carry their babies in a pouch. That’s pretty different from most pets.
They’re nocturnal, so expect them to be active and maybe noisy at night. Opossums act wild by nature, so they’ll want to climb and explore, which means you need to give them space.
They aren’t usually aggressive like raccoons, but they can be shy and might not bond the same way as a dog or cat. If you like pets that come alive at night, like chinchillas, an opossum could fit your lifestyle.
Still, don’t expect them to act much like your typical house pets.
Lifespan, Health, and Disease Concerns
Opossums live about 2 to 7 years, which is shorter than most common pets. You might have to say goodbye sooner than you’d like.
They’re prone to health problems, including parasites and infections. Rabies is rare in opossums, mostly because their body temperature is too low for the virus.
You’ll need to watch for illness and find a vet who knows exotic animals. Opossum health care isn’t simple, and you might spend more time and money than you would on a ball python or a cat.
Dietary and Environmental Requirements
Opossums need a high-protein, low-fat diet. You’ll have to feed them fresh insects, fruits, and sometimes small animals.
It’s important to balance their calcium and phosphorus, just like you would for a python. Their habitat needs to let them climb and hide, since they love exploring.
Keep temperatures moderate, since opossums don’t handle extremes well. Setting up their home isn’t as simple as a chinchilla cage, and processed pet foods just won’t cut it for their needs.
Comparisons With Other Exotic Pets
People in the UK hardly ever keep opossums as pets, especially when you compare them to chinchillas or ball pythons. Opossums seem more fragile, and their care requirements can really catch you off guard.
Raccoons, on the other hand, tend to interact more with people, but honestly, they can get aggressive. Plus, dealing with the legal side of owning one is a headache.
Ball pythons don’t need much attention every day, but you’ll have to make sure their enclosures stay locked up tight.
Are you after a pet that’s a bit different, maybe something with quirky, nocturnal habits? If so, opossums could be interesting. Just be ready—they need a lot more attention to their diet, health, and living space than most exotic pets you’ll find in homes.
