Owning a pet can be a rewarding experience that brings joy and companionship into a home. While dogs and cats are the most popular choices for pets, some people opt for more unusual creatures to serve as animal companions. From exotic reptiles to farm animals, the range of unconventional pet options continues to expand. When considering a unique pet, it is important to research proper care guidelines and ensure local regulations allow ownership. With the right setup, even the strangest pets can become beloved family members.
What are some examples of weird pets?
Here are some of the more unusual pets people choose to own:
- Exotic reptiles – Snakes, lizards, frogs, turtles, and even alligators/crocodiles are kept as pets by herpetology enthusiasts. Popular unique reptile picks include bearded dragons, chameleons, and ball pythons.
- Uncommon birds – While parrots are a relatively mainstream bird pet, owners also favor other species like chickens, peacocks, emus, and even ostriches.
- Unusual rodents – Certain rodents like chinchillas, degus, jerboas, and sugar gliders have gained traction as atypical small pets.
- Spiders and insects – Tarantulas, scorpions, hissing cockroaches, walking sticks, and ants comprise the arthropod segment of the exotic pet population.
- Aquatic creatures – Freshwater shrimp, snails, frogs, newts, and certain fish appeal to advanced aquarists seeking unique tank inhabitants.
- Farm animals – Some opt to house miniature versions of traditional farm residents, including mini horses, pigs, donkeys, and even miniature cows as pets.
Of course, within each species exists a spectrum of more or less unusual types, with rarer color morphs, breeds, or sizes adding to the novelty factor for some owners. Even common animals like cats and dogs have their outliers, from hairless Sphynx to massive English Mastiffs.
What are the pros of owning an unusual pet?
Here are some potential benefits that come with choosing an unconventional animal companion:
- Novelty – Rarer and more complex pets Feel more exotic and can offer excitement not provided by average cats and dogs.
- Conversation starter – Unique pets like hedgehogs or bearded dragons often draw interested questions and comments.
- Learning opportunity – Caring for an unfamiliar animal encourages research and expands the owner’s knowledge base.
- Customizable habits – Reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates have less ingrained pet mannerisms than mammals.
- Lower maintenance – Many exotic pets do not require the same time commitment as traditional companions.
- Hypoallergenic options – Reptiles, birds, and some insects won’t bother owners with allergies to fur and dander.
For the right individual, an unusual pet can be an interactive, eye-catching hobby. Of course, specialized animal husbandry comes with its own set of challenges as well.
What are the cons of owning an unusual pet?
Here are some potential downsides of owning an unconventional companion animal:
- Higher upfront costs – Rarer pets often have pricier purchase and setup fees for enclosures, supplies, etc.
- Trickier care needs – Exotic pets have specific dietary, habitat, and handling requirements.
- Select veterinary options – Only specialized vets can treat unconventional critters.
- Shorter lifespans – Reptiles, rodents, and invertebrates frequently live under 10 years.
- Less affectionate – Many exotic pets do not enjoy snuggling and interaction like cats and dogs.
- Legal restrictions – Certain states and cities ban ownership of animals like snakes, monkeys, or scorpions.
- Public perception – Odd pets sometimes face misunderstanding and criticism from outsiders.
Before committing to an unusual companion, prospective owners should carefully weigh cost, time investments, temperament, and care difficulties.
What are some things to research before getting an exotic pet?
Those considering a unique pet should thoroughly investigate these factors beforehand:
- Space needs – Make sure adequate housing is possible for the full-grown pet’s size.
- Husbandry needs – Diet, temperature, lighting, humidity, enrichment, etc. requirements.
- Vet availability – Confirm qualified exotic vets practice nearby.
- Temperament – Expectations for interaction, handling ability, and pet manners.
- Noise level – Some pets like guinea pigs are surprisingly loud.
- Allergies – Dander, venom, or waste may still trigger allergic responses.
- Lifespan – How long is the commitment for – 2 years, 10, 20+?
- Legal status – Make sure the pet is allowed in your geographic area.
- Costs – Research purchase price, supplies, veterinary fees, food, etc.
Doing thorough homework beforehand helps ensure proper care and compatibility. Never make an impulse buy when it comes to uncommon companion animals.
What are some examples of legal exotic pets?
Here are some unusual pets typically approved in most areas:
- Chinchillas
- Hedgehogs
- Degu
- Sugar Gliders
- Tarantulas
- Praying Mantis
- Geckos
- Anoles
- Chameleons
- Snakes (non-venomous – ball pythons, etc.)
- Rats
- Potbellied Pigs
- Miniature Horses
- Miniature Donkeys
- Chickens
- Peacocks
Always check municipal statutes before acquiring any exotic animal. Some cities ban critters even if they are legal at a state level. Permit and licensing requirements may also apply in some areas.
What are some examples of illegal exotic pets?
Here are some unusual pets banned as pets in most regions:
- Monkeys
- Big Cats (lions, tigers, etc.)
- Bears
- Wolves
- Venomous reptiles
- Alligators/Crocodiles
- Kangaroos
- Raccoons
- Skunks
- Bats
- Scorpions
- Hedgehogs (banned in some states like California, Georgia)
- Ferrets (illegal in Hawaii and California)
- Sugar gliders (not allowed as pets in Alaska, California, Hawaii)
These animals pose greater risks to public safety and welfare, so most jurisdictions prohibit private ownership. Penalties for possessing illegal exotic creatures can include heavy fines and even criminal charges in some cases. Never attempt to capture or purchase an animal if ownership is prohibited in your area.
What are the strangest pets that can be owned legally in some areas?
While clearly not options for everyone, here are some of the most bizarre exotic pets sometimes kept legally by specialist owners:
- Coatis
- Kinkajous
- Watusi Cattle
- Zebras
- Camels
- Reindeer
- Wallabies
- Octopuses
- Giant African Land Snails
- Sugar Gliders
- Hissing Cockroaches
- Tarantulas
- Piranhas
- Ostriches
- Emus
- Koi Fish
- African Bullfrogs
- Savannah Cats
While seemingly bizarre choices, each of these animals has a dedicated following among specific exotic pet enthusiasts. Remember laws and opinions on “strangest” pets vary greatly between different areas and individuals.
What are some key considerations when choosing an exotic pet?
To determine if an unconventional companion animal is suited for you, carefully evaluate:
- Your ability to properly care for the pet’s needs
- Veterinary access for the species
- Legal status and local laws or permits required
- Costs of purchase, enclosures, food, handling equipment, etc.
- Expected lifespan to anticipate commitment required
- Desired temperament and interaction traits
- Space available to humanely house the pet
- Allergies or sensitivities family members may have
- Time investment needed for daily, weekly, and monthly care
- Realistic risks associated with the species
Never acquire an exotic pet on impulse. Make sure thorough research demonstrates your ability to responsibly meet its complex needs.
What exotic pets pose the highest difficulty in care and ownership?
Some examples of unconventional pets only suited for the most dedicated and experienced owners include:
- Monkeys – Require tremendous time investment and carefully controlled environments.
- Big cats – Enormous space needs, risks to people, and challenging nutritional needs.
- Wolves and wolf hybrids – Have intense exercise, social, and enrichment requirements.
- Venomous reptiles – Need secure enclosures and extreme caution when cleaning or feeding.
- Large constrictor snakes – Can ultimately reach sizes unmanageable for most keepers.
- Crocodilians – Require massive habitats with strict temperature and humidity control.
- Raccoons – Highly destructive behaviors make coexisting in homes difficult.
- Kinkajous – Nocturnal and require extensive space with non-stop enrichment.
These species entail major commitments best-suited for professional animal experts like zookeepers. More beginner-friendly exotic pets include rodents, small reptiles, aquarium fish, and certain bird species.
Conclusion
When responsibly acquired and cared for, unusual pets can be rewarding companions for the properly prepared owner. Still, exotic species require much more research and specialized husbandry than traditional pets like dogs and cats. To avoid overwhelmed owners and neglected animals, prospective buyers should realistically assess needs, costs, risks, and required commitment before bringing home an uncommon critter. With proper expectations and diligent care, even the strangest pets can flourish in captivity and build bonds with their human caretakers.
