Port Coquitlam limits residents to four rats maximum

The Short Answer

ACTIVE! Residents may keep a maximum of four domesticated rats. Additionally, snakes over 3 meters (approximately 10 feet) in length are prohibited.

The Full Story

Pet rats have become increasingly popular, but municipalities must balance pet ownership rights with public health concerns. Port Coquitlam addressed this by setting a specific numerical limit rather than banning pet rats outright.

The four-rat limit prevents hoarding situations while allowing responsible pet ownership. Fancy rats (domesticated Norway rats) are social animals that do better in pairs or small groups, so the limit of four accommodates this while preventing uncontrolled breeding.

The snake restriction (no snakes over 3 meters) addresses safety concerns with large constrictors like Burmese pythons or reticulated pythons, which can pose genuine risks to children and pets.

Interestingly, Alberta has taken the opposite approach—as a rat-free province, pet rats are completely illegal under the Agricultural Pests Act, with fines up to $5,000.

Common Misconceptions

This is not an anti-rat public health measure — it applies specifically to pet rats kept as domestic animals, not wild rat infestations. The bylaw also caps pet snakes at four. The limit exists as part of broader animal control regulations intended to prevent nuisance conditions in residential neighborhoods, not because of any special concern about rats as pets.

Actual Legal Text

The City of Port Coquitlam Animal Control Bylaw No. 3990 limits the number of pet rats a resident may keep to a maximum of four. Similar numerical limits apply to other pet species including snakes.