Owls are increasingly kept as pets in some countries, but their highly specialized needs make them among the most inappropriate species for captive keeping by general pet owners.
Owls are wild animals whose behavioral, dietary, and spatial needs cannot be met in domestic settings. Unlike dogs and cats, they have not been selectively bred for companionship and do not seek or benefit from human social contact. Captive owls commonly develop repetitive behaviors, feather damage, and fear responses. The increasing popularity of owl cafes and pet owls represents a significant welfare problem driven by aesthetic appeal without regard for animal needs.