Captive Wildlife Rules and Regulations

The laws to protect exotic animals are governed by the Animal Welfare Act and enforced by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Some states further restrict care and/or ownership of these animals under departments of environment, natural resources, or wildlife management. In Florida, where Vanishing Species is located, the state agency that governs exotic animal care is the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, or FWC.

Generaly speaking, the Animal Welfare Act, and accordingly USDA's jurisdiction, covers the well-being of the animals. USDA enforces rules on what exotic animals are fed, how food is prepared, enclosure cleanliness, and storage of food, cleaning products and other items. Conversly most state agencies, including FWC, govern safety factors for the general public, including minimum cage sizes, cage strength, animal transportation, and how and when the general public can come into contact with different animals.

Both of these agencies require permits and regular, surprise inspections to verify that facilities comply with all regulations. Vanishing Species Wildlife has an excellent reputation and relationship with both of these agencies