Exotic Pets

Pets are normal parts of peoples lives; it isn't at all unusual for a person to have a dog, a cat, a bird, a fish, or even a frog at home. However, some people aren't content with just having these common domesticated animals as pets.

Some want to have more exciting companions at home, and thus, there are people who choose to have an exotic pet instead. While having an exotic pet can be quite rewarding, choosing the best exotic pet for you can be very confusing.

Exotic pet is an animal kept as a pet which is not commonly thought of as a pet. Another definition of exotic pet is a rare or unusual animal kept as a pet.

The definition includes some rodents, reptile ( such as snakes ), amphibians. Sometimes any unique and wild-looking pet (including common domestic animals such as the ferret) is called as an exotic pet. Many major pet stores, veterinary insurance carriers or online retailers, classify any animal besides cats, dogs or fish as exotic pets. Exotic pets may also be used for a species which is non-indigenous to the owner's locale.

The trade of some exotic pets around the world is moderate by CITES, The Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna, to prevent any threats to their survival and ecological damage. Certain animals are strictly regulated or restricted outright due to their conservation status and the possibility of the animal becomes an invasive species.

Things to consider before deciding to be an exotic pet owner:
- When choosing an exotic pet, it is important to know the reasons for owning one and the responsibilities needed for keeping one.

- Find Out The Laws:
It is illegal to own certain types of pets in some states. You need to do your homework so that you will be completely informed. There's nothing worse than falling in love with an animal and then finding out that it's illegal for you to keep it. You should be able to research the state exotic pet adoption laws online.

- Health Care for your Exotic Pets
Veterinary costs for treatment of exotic animals may be significantly higher than for a more conventional pet due to the increased specialization. Having your exotic pet on a regular check up with a veterinarian is an important part on your exotic pets health as well as your family health some animals are known to carry diseases that can affect humans, such as salmonellosis and rabies. Similarly, some human diseases can be dangerous for certain animals (like strep throat).

- Appropriate environmental conditions, housing and diets for exotic pets
Providing appropriate environmental conditions, housing and diet for an exotic pet may be difficult for several reasons:

insufficient information may be available on caring for exotic pet
adequate housing may be difficult and/or expensive to procure or build
it may be difficult to provide the correct environment for the exotic pets (such as temperature or amount of sunlight)
feeding the correct diet for exotic pets
providing the right social environment for highly social species

However, exotic pets care and husbandry information for many commonly kept amphibians, reptiles, birds, and small exotic mammals are widely available through literature, animal enthusiast groups, and Internet websites and discussion forms.

So, you're ready to become an exotic pet owner. Choose the best exotic pets for you. Common exotic pets include turtles, rabbit, skunks, degus, fox or event an alligator.