Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations

Personal Possession Permit

• Individual Possession

Non-Personal Possession Permit

• Zoos
  An institution accredited by the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA), or equivalent, that keeps animals in captivity (while promoting the welfare of animals) for the purpose of maintaining genetic diversity, or encouraging the advancement of conservation, education or science.
• Educational Institutions
  A registered BC College or University that holds a valid Certificate of GAP – Good Animal Practice® from the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) and that intentionally facilitates learning toward identified goals to the extent that the Education Institution provides predictable and organized learning opportunities.
• Research Institutions
  An institution that (i) uses CAS specifically for research purposes, (ii) when conducting research or animal testing meets or exceeds the standards for animal care and use as outlined in the Canadian Council on Animal Cares Guide to Care and Use of Experimental Animals, (iii) holds a valid Certificate of GAP – Good Animal Practice® from the Canadian Council on Animal Care and (iv) when appropriate, disseminates its results in scientific journals.

Commercial Filming Possession Permit

• Organizations that possess, for the purpose of commercial filming, CAS that normally reside in B.C. Commercial filming means capturing images on film, videotape, disk or by other means undertaken with the intent of monetary return or for use as public educational, entertainment, promotional, or advertising material.

Transitory Possession Permit

• For use by the film industry or circuses or in other special circumstance for the possession and transportation of species individuals of Controlled Alien Species (“CAS”) that will be brought into British Columbia and remain only for a short time before leaving. 

Rescue Centre Possession Permit

• Rescue Centres
  For use by rescue centres* who wish to temporarily possess species individuals of Controlled Alien Species (CAS). Permits are only required for live specimens (at any developmental stage (e.g. egg, embryo). This application is also for use by rescue centres who wish to transport CAS within B.C.

* Rescue centre is defined as an organization recognized by the Ministry of Environment and whose mandate is to take in unwanted CAS and find appropriate homes for them.