Sometimes Exotic Animals Just Don’t Make Good House Pets
Although wolf-dogs may seem majestic and like a cool conversation starter, it comes at the expense of the safety and well-being of both the animal and the owner.
Exotic pets are one of the most illegally trafficked and abused groups in the world. According to the Peta website, most animals that are captured and transported typically suffer extreme emotional distress. More often than not these animals will die after being sold, the main reason is inadequate care.
Wolf-dogs are just one of the groups that come face to face dealing with abuse and mistreatment. According to W.O.L.F. Sanctuary, an estimated 250,000 to 500,000 thousand wolf dogs reside in the United States alone. A statistic from their website shows that 90% of pet wolves and wolf-dogs by the age of two are euthanized.
“The mistreatment of these animals is extremely high, with the majority of wolf-dogs facing some sort of abuse,” said Jessica Kole, Director of Development for W.O.L.F. Sanctuary.
There are numerous considerations when it comes to owning a wolf-dog including financial, social and behavioral.
The financial strain of owning a wolf can be quite high. The diet of a wolf-dog is quite different from the kibbles and bits you might feed a regular dog. Adult wolves will typically digest up to 25 pounds of meat per meal, mainly consisting of raw meat and bones. Feeding a wolf-dog a healthy and well-balanced diet can easily exceed $5,000 per year according to the W.O.L.F. website. Another financial aspect can be the containment of the animals. Wolves are known to be elusive animals and can easily jump over 6 feet fences. Proper fencing is a must for these wild creatures, and the cost can be anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000. The last aspect that should be considered is companionship, wolves typically travel in packs. The same still applies to wolfdogs, so it is recommended to have at least two wolf-dogs.
Another set of considerations are social issues. Wolves and wolf-dogs typically suffer from Neophobia, fear of new things, after six months from birth. That means introducing them to new people, strangers and new situations can cause an extreme amount of stress on the wolves. One of the most impactful considerations is children. Wolves can become fascinated or possessive by kids which can result in unintentional injuries from the creature.
“It’s around the clock care to meet their unique needs and provide them with the best natural life possible. But the reward to see them happier and healthier than their previous life is what it’s all about,” Jessica said.
The last consideration is the behavioral aspect. One of the most important things to remember about wolves is that they are territorial. Just as they can become possessive of children, they will often become possessive of their homes which can lead to aggressive behaviors. Unfamiliar dogs can also cause defensive and aggressive tendencies. Wolf-dogs are also very vocal creatures, if under-stimulated they can become quite the destructive handful. The last behavioral aspect is called “Winter Wolf Syndrome.” This syndrome, according to the W.O.L.F. Sanctuary website, is a seasonal behavioral change that coincides with the natural breeding cycle. This change can vary in wide ranges from mild agitation to extreme possessiveness and aggression.
However, if all aspects are considered and it seems right to own a wolf-dog, many things can come of the relationship. A wolf-dog is loyal and will form bonds with the parents. They are extremely strong protectors of the house and will watch over you with extreme courage.
“Building individual relationships with the animals is amazing, as each is very unique in personality,” Jessica said.
Another option is buying lower-content wolf-dogs. The more domestic dog DNA content a wolf-dog has, the more it is likely to be adaptable to home living. It will also give better chances of lowering some of the behavioral traits listed above.
In many states, counties, towns and cities, it is illegal to own a wolf-dog or at the very least have restrictions in place on the percentage of wolf DNA that can be owned. Much research is needed to make sure you are following your local laws and regulations.
“It is imperative for anyone interested in owning a wolf-dog to research thoroughly and comply with all laws and permitting requirements at the state and local levels before acquiring a wolf-dog,” Jessica said.
In any instance, the problem still lies with the abandonment of these magnificent creatures. Thankfully places like W.O.L.F. (Wolves Offered Life and Friendship) take in rescue wolf-dogs to give them homes, but they are also limited to 30 wolf-dogs themselves, even though their years of hard work and loving care, networks of communication for rescue and placement and support.
“If we cannot accommodate an animal at our location due to being at capacity, we work diligently to try and locate a proper environment for those that need rescuing,” Jessica said.
Take the time and effort into considering owning exotic pets. Research and special considerations are needed to ensure the safety of the wolfdog and families that pursue this endeavor.
For more questions regarding the ownership of wolf-dogs visit W.O.L.F.’s website.
