Can You Have a Porcupine As a Pet?

Porcupines are considered to be exotic pets as they are wild animals not conventionally owned as pets. In Canada it is perfectly fine to own a porcupine as a pet. However, it is illegal to own a porcupine in California and some other states in America. In Utah, New York and many other American states, a porcupine is classified under the ‘uncontrolled’ category of animals. Thus, you may own a porcupine as a pet. In the occasion where you wish to breed your porcupines, you should obtain a license from The Department of Wildlife or Fish and Game.

Porcupines make interesting pets if your state allows it. The famous Teddy Bear the talking porcupine won over 7,700 Facebook fans! Teddy Bear responds to his owner in cute ewok sounds while nibbling on food. Pokey the porcupine is with an Animal rental company. This company brings the animals on show, teaching the audiences how to pet a porcupine without getting hurt. Porcupines are known to show affection to humans when they are fed and tamed. There are many accounts of porcupines acting like a cat or dog would—asking for snuggle time, certain favorite foods and lots of attention.

It is not advisable to introduce an older, untamed porcupine to your household cats or dogs. The porcupine could get defensive. There are stories of porcupines being great friends with cats and dogs but that’s when the porcupine is introduced to the family when it’s very young.

Porcupines are large nocturnal rodents with a small head and a body covered with quills. The quills are sharp, thick needle-like hairs that porcupines use as a defense mechanism against advancing predators. These quills also have air ducts in between that help the porcupine to stay afloat and swim. A total of 30,000 quills are on the porcupine’s back, sides, and tail. The quills are barbed and remain stuck on the predator which can be both painful and deadly. Porcupines are benevolent creatures and not known to readily attack people or animals; they attack only when they deem as a life threatening situation. Do not wait to seek medical attention as soon as possible if someone or pet you know is ever attacked by a porcupine. Not only will it be painful, the quills have to be taken out correctly to minimize further damage to the skin and organs.