Adopting an exotic pet is no walk in the park. And why will it be? They aren’t like cats and dogs; they’re unique and have special requirements. If you can’t meet their purpose, the pet might even die in your hand.
And what’s worse about seeing a member of your family die? We understand how attached one gets to the pet.
You see, this is a big commitment. Thus, take your time to think about it. What are the things you must consider before getting an exotic pet?
Well, we have made a list of things you should consider. So, if you’re ready, let’s have a look at it together.
Why Should You Do Your Homework Before Getting an Exotic Pet?
We understand that owning pets such as dogs can help improve your life but so can exotic pets. No matter what animal you bring into your house, it’s bound to lighten up the spirit in your house.
However, before you fully commit to a “special pet,” you should consider doing some solid research. This is because these exotic pets have special requirements that people aren’t fully aware of.
For instance, some pets demand special temperatures, so you’ll have to customise your house according to that, while others want special food on their menu.
Now, you can find food like mice and Dubia Roaches for sale, but that’s not all. There are many more things to consider. If you want to know, carry onto the next segment.
What to Keep in Mind Before Getting Exotic Pets?
Your heart might be set on buying an exotic pet and keeping it to yourself. However, you have to think about it practically and follow standard procedures before buying an exotic pet.
If you’re confused about what to consider, you have come to the right place. Here are a few key points to go through before committing to a special pet.
Food Habits
Pay attention to your pet’s food intake. Humans aren’t the only ones who need superfoods in our lives. Animals need their share of a nutritious diet. Different animals require different food. So, take your time to figure out what your pet wants to eat.
For instance, reptiles like snakes, lizards, and turtles have specific food habits. They eat live prey or pre-killed rodents. Some reptiles also eat insects like roaches and crickets. It is important to know their eating habits in order to provide them with proper nutrition and keep them healthy. You may even consider investing in a dubia roach colony starter kit or a cricket keeper to ensure your pet has a steady supply of food. This may seem like a small detail, but it is crucial for the well-being of your exotic pet.
Just like humans, exotic pets also require a balanced diet to thrive. Check with your local pet store or vet for advice on what food is best for your chosen exotic pet.
Maximum Size of the Pet
After you have done checking the pet’s legal status, get ready to dig down deeper about your preferred pet. You have to know the maximum size of the pet you want for your house.
Animals like pythons and crocodiles can grow larger than 7 feet. That’s bigger than an actual human being. When you buy them, they don’t have such an enormous size.
They grow as time passes by. A fun fact is that some animals never even stop growing. All these drastic increases in size can create a problem in the future.
So take your time to think about it and decide if you want to keep such a large animal in your place or not.
Your Housing Space
When your pet grows up, you’ll need more space in your house. Think about it. A baby turtle can range from 3.5 to 4 inches. However, as they grow up, they might even reach 3 to 4 feet.
See? That’s a drastic change. For such a dramatic difference, you need to have enough room in your house.
If your house crawls with furniture and humans, you won’t have room for your pet. In the worst-case scenario, you might even have to let go of your beloved pet.
We know how it can be to say goodbye to your best friend. So, before you get your heartbroken, do think about the living condition of your future pet.
Diseases and Viruses
Another thing to think about is the possibility of disease from exotic pets. The exotic pets have shared their fair share of life in the jungle. So they might carry diseases like Herpes B, Monkeypox, and Salmonellosis.
The worst thing is they can be transferred to humans. Thus, you have to be very careful. In the worst-case scenario, your entire family might get infected.
So, the best thing to do here is to contact a vet. They will vaccinate the animals, and then they’ll be safe to interact with your family.
Vet Options in Your Location
Speaking of vets, you should also check up on them and see if they are trained to treat your pet. Not every vet can take care of all the pets.
Thus, you need to double-check if they are up for the job or not.
Legality in Your Region
Firstly, you have to consider whether the pet is legal in your region or not. There are some places where you cannot keep certain animals in your house as pets.
So, the question of whether a pet is legal or not arises in some scenarios. However, don’t get too offended; all this is done for your protection.
How? You may ask.
Well, exotic animals can range from teacup pigs to vicious snakes. While the pigs may seem harmless, the snakes are definitely venomous. You or your family might get injured by the pet. Thus, these laws exist to protect you.
If you don’t want to break the rules, do some research on this matter and see if the pet you want is legal in your region or not.
Final Verdict
Pets are a big commitment. So ask yourself whether you’re ready or not. If your heart gives you the green signal, go for it. If you do buy one, we hope you love them with all your heart. Have fun, and stay safe!
This is so interesting! I’ve never considered an exotic pet before, but it is fascinating to find out more about the aspects to consider if you are buying one 🙂
We have toyed with a Bearded Dragon so many times, I love them but I put my sensible head on and decided now wasn’t the right time x
Wow there are so many things to consider! I hadn’t even thought about the legalities or disease aspect. This is a really useful guide.
This is really valuable advice. I am not keen on the idea of exotic pets for us but I know some people are really passionate about them.
It is a huge commitment and there is a lot to consider as you’ve said. Well worth sharing x
It’s so important for people to understand the implications before adopting one x
What a fascinating insight into exotic pets. I had no idea that some vets don’t treat all animals. You can tell I’m not a pet owner!!
I would love a bearded dragon, but the sensible in me decided it isn’t the right time x
I must confess I have no desire to adopt exotic pets but you have raised some good points to consider for those thinking about adopting these pets.
It definitely isn’t something that should be entered into without full consideration.
I have to confess, I’m not a pet person. My kids would really like a pet, but it’s such a big commitment and I just know that I would end up having to shoulder the responsibility.
Yes you’re so right, my children always have grand ideas about how they will take care of our pets but ultimately it’s always left to me x
We have a bearded dragon and yes they need lots of research and learning what they need. Which can be quite complicated. But every pet needs lots of needs met don’t they
Oh wow, I am so jealous!! I would LOVE a Bearded Dragon but I just don’t feel the time is right for us. We have enough on our plate with our two dogs and tropical fish, you’re right all pets have needs x