How to care for a prairie dog?

[NatashaRodriguez]

I saw a picture of a prairie dog and now I want one but before I get one I need to now how to take care of them. Any info will help.

 

[Ruralhideaway]

I had one. Very sweet. Needed lots of space and was a bit odiferous. Rather messy. I don't remember much about specifics as it was long ago but hopefully someone will. He was extremely good natured though and remained tame always.

 

[PirateGirl]

Are you legally allowed to have one as a pet? Here they are considered nuisance animals along the lines of rats and actually can actually carry and spread bubonic plague. Please do your research before bringing one into your home.

 

[NatashaRodriguez]

Are you legally allowed to have one as a pet? Here they are considered nuisance animals along the lines of rats and actually can actually carry and spread bubonic plague. Please do your research before bringing one into your home.

I don't know that's why I ask for information, thank you I'll look that up!

 

[Zoomie]

Well, where I live, prairie dogs are an invasive pest and carry Hanta virus, leptospirosis and bubonic plague, as well as many other very contagious diseases, and it is common to have people admitted to the ER due to the family dog bringing home a dead prairie dog. Maybe domestic lines exist? I have no idea. However when I read your thread title, and considering the situation here, I can not recommend them as a pet. If you do get one be VERY careful about where it comes from. You sure don't want to infect your entire family with Hanta virus for the sake of a prairie dog.

 

[Percheron chick]

Nothing cute about prairie dogs. They are wild animals and illegal to own.

 

[Ruralhideaway]

They were legal, sold in pet shops here. Long time ago though.

 

[Percheron chick]

I stand corrected. They are legal in some states. Half of the states where they are legal require special permits. What's not lost on me is the states that are their natural habitat and where they are responsible for millions of dollars in lost agricultural income, they are illegal. Miserable pests in my book.

 

[balloonflower]

Prairie dogs are also extremely social animals. They need their large colonies that can't be provided in a domestic setting. Some wild animals should remain wild regardless of how cute.

 

[PirateGirl]

People have pet rats and mice too however, so if there are prairie dogs that are bred in captivity to be kept as pets, maybe it would be safer, but I have never heard of this in the places I have lived.