Is it possible to raise a barn owl with an exotic animal handlers license?
It depends on the country you live in. It is illegal to keep an owl as a pet in the US and in Canada; but several types of owls may be owned and kept as pets in the UK. In the US, all native migratory birds are protected under federal law (Migratory Bird Treaty Act), and owls are further protected by various state and federal laws. It is illegal to keep a protected bird unless you have the required permits, and these permits are never given for the purpose of keeping an owl as a pet. Some people who may be licensed to keep owls (but NOT as pets) are licensed wildlife rehabilitators, certain ornithologists and wildlife biologists who demonstrate a need to have an owl for research or educational purposes, certain zoos, and some falconers. The penalty for violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act includes fines of up to $500 and jail time of up to 6 months; for hawks, eagles and owls, the penalties can be much higher. In Canada: “According to the Owl Foundation: “Can I buy an owl? No. It is
