Position Statements

Partial Digital Amputation (Onychectomy, Declawing) of Non-Domestic Felids and Other Carnivores Kept in Human Care

February 25, 2026

While veterinarians are urged to strongly discourage the ownership of wild (native or exotic) animals as pets, this Position Statement will not focus on that issue. For more information on the personal ownership of wild or exotic animals and the obligations of veterinarians regarding education of the public on this topic, the reader is directed to the Position Statement on the Keeping of Wild (Native or Exotic) Animals as Pets.

Position

The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) opposes the surgical removal of claws (onychectomy) of non-domestic felids and other non-domestic carnivores kept in human care, except where medically necessary for the animal’s health. In addition, the CVMA advocates for veterinarians to exert their influence to discourage the keeping of non-domestic felids and other non-domestic carnivores as pets.

Summary

Onychectomy (declawing) of non-domestic carnivores constitutes a partial digital amputation and is a painful procedure with a lengthy healing period. Post-surgical consequences may adversely affect the animal’s health, natural behaviour, and welfare resulting in lifelong weakness and discomfort.

Background

  1. Despite efforts by veterinarians and other animal health professionals to educate the public regarding the risks to animals and people of private ownership of wild (native or exotic) species (1), non-domestic feline species and other carnivores (such as bears, wolves, raccoons, and coatis) are occasionally kept as pets, or in non-accredited zoos or wildlife parks (2-4). Some of these animals have been subjected to declawing to prevent injury to the owner, or to other humans and animals (1,4,5).
  2. Onychectomy (declawing) of these animals constitutes a partial digital amputation and is a painful procedure involving a lengthy healing period. Post-surgical consequences may adversely affect the animal’s health and welfare.
    • Post-operative complications, including infection, hemorrhage, bone spurs, and claw re-growth, may occur (6,7).
    • Declawing may lead to functionally devastating consequence resulting in lifelong weakness and/or discomfort for the animal. Corrective surgery may be necessary to address post-operative complications (6-9).
  3. Accredited zoological institutions have codes of professional ethics that prohibit the mutilation of animals for cosmetic purposes, or the alteration of physical appearances without valid husbandry or medical reasons (4). Private practitioners who are requested to engage in any surgical procedures, including onychectomy, for non-medical reasons on wild (native or exotic) species are strongly urged to adopt that ethical standard.

References

  1. Canadian Veterinary Medical Association. Keeping of Native or Exotic Wild Animals as Pets. Position Statement 2022. Available from: https://www.canadianveterinarians.net/policy-and-outreach/position-statements/statements/keeping-wild-native-or-exotic-animals-as-pets/ Last accessed July 16, 2025.
  2. Canadian Veterinary Medical Association. Unaccredited Zoological Facilities: Risks and Recommendations. 2026. Available from: https://www.canadianveterinarians.net/policy-and-outreach/position-statements/statements/unaccredited-zoological-facilities-risks-and-recommendations/ Last accessed November 27, 2025.
  3. Anagnostou M, Doberstein B. Exotic pet trade in Canada: The influence of social media on public sentiment and behaviour. Journal for Nature Conservation. 2024 Jan 1;77:126522. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnc.2023.126522
  4. Nasser CA. Welcome (Back) to the Jungle: The Status of America's Tiger Crisis. Animal & Nat. Resource L. Rev.. 2022;18:1-55.
  5. Nyhus PJ, Tilson RL, Tomlinson JL. Dangerous animals in captivity: ex situ tiger conflict and implications for private ownership of exotic animals. Zoo Biol. 2003; 22(6):573-86. https://doi.org/10.1002/zoo.10117
  6. Conrad J, Wendelburg K, Santinelli S, Park A. Deleterious effects of onychectomy (declawing) in exotic felids and a reparative surgical technique: A preliminary report. Proc Am Assoc Zoo Vet 2002:16-20.
  7. Fowler ME, McDonald SE. Untoward effects of onychectomy in wild felids and ursids. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1982; 181:1242-1245.
  8. Martens LL, Brown RA, Faillace AC, Berger A, Smith RL, Bertok K, Humphries L, Lassiter A, Hartstone-Rose A. The Effects of Onychectomy (Declawing) on Forearm and Leg Myology in a Kinkajou (Potos flavus). Animals. 2024. 14(19):2774. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14192774
  9. Martens LL, Piersanti SJ, Berger A, Kida NA, Deutsch AR, Bertok K, Humphries L, Lassiter A, Hartstone-Rose A. The effects of onychectomy (declawing) on antebrachial myology across the full body size range of exotic species of Felidae. Animals. 2023. 13(15):2462. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13152462