From 2011 to 2016, there was a 25% increase in households that own a specialty or exotic pet. As shows like “Tiger King” excite the world, the number is only expected to grow. As glamorous as owning an exotic animal sounds, it is important to note how difficult it is to take care of them.
Read on to learn about the dos and don’ts of owning exotic pets.
Do Obtain Exotic Pets Legally
Owning exotic pets is legal when they are bred in captivity. When these animals are taken from their homes in the wild and traded, it is an illegal action. This is especially dangerous for endangered species because captured exotic animals often die within the first year of being taken.
Another risk of owning these pets is that some people don’t realize the challenges of caring for them. This can cause a negative outcome for the animals and the owners.
Don’t Improperly Cage These Animals
Knowing how to own exotic pets involves getting the right cages for them. Snakes are some of the most popular types of exotic pets that people want to own. However, a lot of them end up being in horrible health because of diets and improper caging.
When exotic animals get too big, owners want to get rid of them. This is the case with turtles, snakes, and other types of exotic pets.
Before owning one of these creatures, it is important to research them to understand how big they can get. For example, if you wanted a sugar glider, you would need proper sugar gliders cages to ensure they are comfortable and healthy in the long-term.
Do Research on Diseases
Primates are another popular type of exotic pet. Yet, caring for exotic pets like these is harder than people believe. Primates require a lot of care, attention, and need to get properly housed.
One of the most expensive legal exotic pets to own is a primate. It is important to research these animals because they can carry diseases like monkeypox and Herpes B virus.
Another risk of owning primates is that they may have psychological problems if they aren’t taken care of the right way. They can get aggressive when they mature if they don’t get enough attention from their owner.
Don’t Own a Big Cat
Owning a big cat is not a good idea because they are natural predators that need certain care. When these animals are held captive, they can get dangerous to humans. This is usually the case because they are not adequately secured.
Owning Exotic Pets Explained
If you want more than a hamster or cat, exotic pets may be the right option for you. However, it is important to do extensive research before owning exotic pets. By reading this guide, you can understand the basics of the dos and don’ts of owning these pets. For more posts about pets, keep coming back to our blog.
