Fur farming is a niche industry in Saskatchewan. Fur farmers raise fur-bearing animals for pelts, fur products and breeding stock for other farms. In Saskatchewan, an annual licence is required from the Ministry of Agriculture to establish or operate a fur farm or trade in fur farm animals or products. Licensed operators are required to follow the provisions of The Fur Farming Regulations, 2017. The trapping of wild fur animals and the purchase/sale of any wild fur animal products is regulated by the Ministry of Environment.
Fur-bearing animals can only be kept with the approval of the Ministry of Environment through The Captive Wildlife Regulations, or with a Fur Farm Animal Licence. All fur farm operators are licensed and regulated according to The Fur Farming Regulations 2017 under The Animal Products Act. Licences must be renewed annually and currently cost $500 a year.
The following species are the only fur-bearing animals allowed to be farmed:
- Bobcat
- Coyote
- Eurasian lynx
- Fisher
- Fox
- Lynx
- Mink
- Timber wolf
- Wolverine
Fur farm animals are not for display or public viewing.
Important: 2021 regulation change
Effective January 1, 2021, new pen size standards will come into effect for all fur farm animals. The standards are found in the following documents:
- Minimum Standards for Wildlife Rehabilitation, 4th edition (2012)
- Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Farmed Fox (Vulpes vulpes) (2013)
- Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Farmed Mink (2013)
To discuss or obtain or obtain more information about fur farming:
- Fur farm licensing – contact the Game Farm and Statistics Clerk at 306-787-4606.
- Import or export permits – contact the Animal Health Program Officer at 306-787-6469.
- General questions on fur farming and regulatory inquiries – contact the Lead Provincial Game Farm Investigator, at 306-961-0762.