The fascination with exotic pets continues to grow in the country, but owning a wild animal comes with significant legal and ethical concerns.
In the Philippines, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) plays a crucial role in identifying which species can be legally kept as pets and which are protected.
To shed light on these regulations, the Manila Bulletin spoke with DENR’s Litigation and Prosecution Division chief, Atty. Karren Cecil “KC” Panopio-Lofranco.
“Generally, wildlife species belong in the wild,” Lofranco said.
According to her, the Philippines follows international guidelines, specifically the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), to classify species as critically endangered, endangered, or vulnerable.
She added that DENR Administrative Order No. 2019-09 updates the national list of threatened Philippine fauna to reflect the conservation status of native species.
If a species is listed under these categories, ownership is generally prohibited to protect its survival in the wild, Lofranco noted.
Which species can be kept as pets?
The DENR official explained that the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act (RA 9147) allows certain species, such as iguanas, to be kept as pets under strict conditions.
However, Lofranco noted that these animals must be sourced legally and covered by a Certificate of Wildlife Registration (CWR) issued by the DENR.
“The main consideration for allowing the possession of wild animals in general is the capacity of an individual/owner to comply with animal welfare requirements,” she said.
According to the DENR, some endemic exotic animals in the Philippines that can be kept as pets with a CWR include the king cobra, monitor lizard, beetles, Philippine hawk-eagle, and scops owl.
Lofranco emphasized that responsible wildlife ownership means meeting essential animal welfare standards.
This includes providing adequate shelter for natural behaviors, ensuring proper nutrition, and preventing discomfort, disease, and distress.
Regulating wildlife ownership
To ensure responsible pet ownership, the DENR, through its regional offices, issues CWRs for individuals keeping wildlife as pets.
Lofranco explained that apart from the CWR, additional permits are required for specific activities.
A Wildlife Farm Permit, she said, is issued by the DENR for individuals or entities who wish to propagate wildlife species, ensuring that breeding and trade comply with legal and conservation standards.
Meanwhile, she noted that a Transport Permit is required to transfer pets within the Philippines.
Such permits ensure wildlife ownership and movement comply with environmental laws and conservation efforts.
To combat wildlife trafficking, the DENR said it has Wildlife Traffic Monitoring Units (WTMUs) stationed at airports and seaports.
Lofranco said these personnel inspect cargo shipments to prevent illegal trade, ensuring that wildlife is not unlawfully transported within the country’s borders.
While one may own a wildlife species, there are regulations that must be strictly followed to ensure the well-being of the animals under their care. The DENR’s regulations seek to ensure that species are not exploited or driven to extinction.
Owning a wildlife species comes with a great responsibility to protect and nurture it—not just as a matter of compliance, but as a responsibility that impacts the country’s biodiversity.