Picking a pet for ourselves or our family can prove to be a rather daunting task. Will it be a cat or dog? Maybe a few fish would prove to be a safer bet? Don’t let yourself fall into the rut of picking just an ordinary pet when we live in a world of such amazing diversity.
Your choices for a new potential animal companion are really only limited by your imagination. From amphibians native to the uncharted rainforests to marsupials from the other side of the world, your options are truly limitless.
Read on to see my top exotic animal picks you can bring home today.
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Sugar Glider – The Perfect Addition for an Active Home
These adorable marsupials are sure to delight owners of all ages as they soar through the air in your home. One interesting fact about these adorable creatures is that they thrive in a highly social environment with at least two Gliders. They can prove to be quite affectionate when properly bonded.
The YouTube video featured here provides excellent information on caring for your Sugar Gliders. While the level of care can be somewhat difficult, when properly cared for these adorable animals can prove to be an amazing addition to your family.
Fennec Fox – Why Settle for A Cat or Dog When You Can Have Both
The Fennec Fox will always have a special place in my heart. These beautiful animals are often described as a cross between a dog and a cat. They are inquisitive and caring. When properly socialized, they make an amazing pet. Owners should be prepared to keep pace with the seeming limitless energy of their furry friends.
The site here provides great resources for the prospective Fennec Fox owner. For example, one of your starting items for your new furry friend should always be a good quality kennel for when you are away. This will help keep your little friend from getting into mischief while you are away.
Related Article: 20 Amazing Reasons Why You Should Consider Adopting A Pet
Serval – Not Your Typical House cat
The Serval is not your ordinary house cat by far. They originate from Central and Southern Africa and sport an average lifespan up to 19 years. They grow to be almost two feet tall and can weigh up to 40 pounds.
If you’ve ever dreamed of getting close to a Cheetah, then the Serval may be your next closest thing. One interesting fact featured on Georgina’s site is that the Serval’s running speed is only outmatched by its larger feline counterpart, the Cheetah.
Bearded Dragon Lizard – A Dragon Perfect for Shoulder Rides
While the Bearded Dragon lizard looks intimidating, it is actually one of the most docile reptiles an owner can ask for. They are perfectly at home sitting on your shoulder riding about the house with you. They also love to be hand fed by their owners as well.
This care sheet really references a lot of good material for the aspiring Bearded Dragon owner. I particularly love the fact these lizards are active during daylight hours. If you’ve ever wanted a scaly friend, then the Bearded Dragon is a perfect choice for you.
Pygmy Goats – Not Just a Handbag Accessory
These pint-sized bundles are completely adorable. If you have the land, these bouncing bundles may be a perfect addition as they thrive in groups. They make excellent playmates for children and your neighbors are sure to marvel at their extraordinary small size.
Pygmy goats love climbing and jumping. They are also likely prey to a large variety of predators. It is advisable to keep this in mind when planning their enclosures.
The Pygmy Goat is able to mate all year long. So be sure to keep that in mind when picking out the sexes of your future companions.
Bengal Cat – Your Own Miniature Leopard
The Bengal is known for its famous coat. I find its Leopard-like coat to be beautiful. They come in a variety of patterns such as spotted and marbled. Their coats can be a wide variety of colors such as Brown, Silver, Snow and even a shade of Blue.
It is important to know that these cats can be quite active. Be prepared to spend some time each day playing with your little fur ball. The Bengal also makes a great cat for families with other pets and tends to socialize well. Cattime.com has a great breakdown of the breeds characteristics on their site.
Dwarf Pigs – The Perfect Fit for a Blanket
I personally love these adorable bundles of joy Dwarf pigs are commonly referred to as Teacup Pigs. They make great potential pets for many reasons. For one thing, they are hypoallergenic. So allergy sufferers can rejoice knowing these pets make perfect companions.
One common thing to consider is that Dwarf Pigs function best in pairs. They are highly social animals so be sure to keep that in mind when considering them.
Also, as stated on the American pig Association site, their color can change drastically from piglets to adults. Keep that in mind when deciding on the age of your potential pig.
Turtles – Not Your Pizza Eating Kind
Turtles may seem like an odd pet to consider. However, they can prove to be an excellent choice with proper research. Turtles come in a wide assortment of breeds to consider. One of the most common is the Red-eared Slider. These turtles are easy to identify based on their red colored markings.
I can recall my pet turtle and how it would follow my fingers across the aquarium in preparation of feeding time. They really can be quite intelligent!
One thing to consider with little ones is proper handling. Always wash your hands well to avoid potential illness. Reptile Magazine has a great care sheet.
Hyacinth Macaw – Stunning Plumage with Boundless Energy
The Hyacinth Macaw is one of my personal favorites of its species. It is the largest of the Macaw family native to Southern Brazil and Western Bolivia. These beautiful birds are known to be highly affectionate when raised correctly.
These Macaws have an average lifespan up to 50 years or more. This is one thing any prospective owner must consider when adding one to their family. In addition to this, these birds absolutely love to play. Be sure to have plenty of toys available at all times.
Hedgehog – Blue is Not A Color Option
The hedgehog holds a special place in my heart due to being one of my favorite video game characters. However, these adorable creatures can also make great pets! The African Pygmy Hedgehog is the most common usually sold as pets.
They sport an average lifespan of four to six years in the wild and up to 10 in captivity. These pets are nocturnal animals which make them perfect fits for natural night owls. The HedgeHogCare site has an excellent guide with plenty of information for new prospective owners.
Burmese Python – A Slithering Spectacle
The Burmese Python is definitely not for the faint of heart. However, if you love reptiles consider this candidate. These snakes are among the most docile of our slithering friends. Their disposition coupled with their rather simple care make them a great choice to consider.
There are certain things to bear in mind when considering these slithering wonders. They can grow to be more than 20 feet and weigh over 250 pounds as reported in Reptile Magazine. Their sheer potential for growth is an important thing any prospective owner must consider.
Kinkajou – No Monkeying Around Here
The Kinkajou has a tail it uses to help with climbing that will make you think of monkeys. However, these fur babies are actually more closely related to Raccoons and Coatimundi. They are more commonly known as Honey Bears.
Honey Bears live an average lifespan up to 25 years. When raised correctly they are extremely social and well behaved. They will gladly explore their environments and any new potential visitors in your home.
These beautiful animals are more active at night. This makes them another winner for night owls.
Tarantula – A Hair Raising Good Time
Tarantulas are definitely the type of pet that is love or hate. However, if you are the type that is utterly fascinated by these unique animals they may make the perfect pet for you. Tarantulas have a lifespan ranging 10-25 years when appropriately cared for.
An appropriate setup doesn’t take long to put together. The website Tarantulas.com has great information on all the essentials you need to get your new eight-legged family member all setup.
Emperor Scorpions – Shivers of Fright or Delight
The Emperor Scorpion is one of the most commonly sold as a pet. This is due to the rather mild venom they carry that makes them a relatively safe bet for new potential owners. They can grow up to eight inches and have an average lifespan of six to eight years.
Your new companion will require a bit of planning before you can bring them home. You will need an appropriate humid enclosure to house them. They also are more active at night so keep that in mind if you are an early to bed and early to rise person.
Skunk – No French Accent Here
Skunks may sound like a rather odd option as your next potential pet. However, with their scent glands removed they can prove to be an excellent addition to your home. They are quite playful and extremely inquisitive about their environment.
Skunks live an average lifespan of about 12 years and can weigh anywhere between eight and twelve pounds. They are smart enough to be litter box trained and absolutely love being held.
Wallaby – A Trip to The Outback
A Wallaby is not quite as large as a Kangaroo. They can grow up to 41 inches tall and weight close to 53 pounds. These adorable companions love to jump around and can reach some rather impressive speeds.
Since these animals love to run and jump it is important that you have adequate space. These animals require a large amount of room and need fences at least 5 feet tall to keep them contained.
Squirrel Monkey – Boundless Energy for Days
Squirrel Monkeys are an extremely popular pet choice. They weigh only about two pounds which makes them perfect for a smaller environment. However, don’t let their small size full you. These guys have a practically limitless supply of energy and love to play.
Squirrel Monkeys are generally easy to house train and extremely affectionate when handled appropriately. Be sure that you have the energy to keep up with these clever furry companions.
Which Exotic Pet Will You Get?
Remember, any new pet decision is an important decision that all members of the family should be involved in. Your options are only limited by the scope of your imagination and the home environment you can provide for your prospective new family member.
The animals outlined here are only examples of the diversity that your family has to consider. Take the time necessary to do your research and come to an informed decision. After doing your research, take your family out with you and pick out your newest family member and welcome them home.