The Most Exotic Pets Available in the US

As technology advances, most people nowadays are always thinking of bigger, newer, and futuristic things to make our life more comfortable and fabulous. The same goes for picking our animal companion. Several people now want to take care of fluffy, cute, and radical pets to take care of. In fact, several exotic animals are for sale and legal to be domesticated. That’s why we listed down some of the most unusual pets that are available in the United States.

Take note that state laws vary. So you might want to double-check your state’s guidelines about owning these exotic pets and before you bring then home as your new animal companion.

Sugar Glider

Sugar Glider

Sugar gliders are tiny marsupials that make great pets simply because they bond well with humans. Take note that they can be extremely social; that’s why it’s best if you get them in pairs to keep each of them happy. They can also be quite noisy, especially during night time. But it can be worth it if it means that you get to see and take care of this cute, furry animal every day.

Tamandua or Anteater

Anteater

Tamanduas are medium-sized anteaters who are capable of being domesticated. In fact, they can even help you if you have insect problems, especially termites. If you want to be practical when it comes to choosing your exotic pet, then the tamandua is the right one for you. This is because they can be your pet and your pest control at the same time, just like how cats can safeguard you against mice.

Squirrel Monkey

Squirrel Monkey

If you want to have a monkey as a pet, then we suggest you get a squirrel monkey. They weigh about 2 pounds, and they can be very affectionate, intelligent, and playful. They are even considered to be one of the smartest primates in the world. In fact, you can even potty train them. They are quite energetic, but they require your full attention. If you neglect them, then you should expect to hear several noises because they are known for being callers and chirpers.

Serval

serval

If you are a cat lover, but you think owning Siamese and Persian cats are too mainstream for you, then you should consider having a serval as a pet. They are close relatives with the cheetah, and they are the closest you can legally get if you want to own a jungle cat. But take note that they can be pretty high maintenance and they need a zoo-like environment. They are not very good with children, they tend to pee on everything, and they need special diets. Only a true cat lover can keep up with owning a serval.

Piranha

In some states, owning a piranha is perfectly acceptable as long as you know how to take proper care of them. Piranhas require an aquarium that has at least 25 gallons of water with a temperature of 76 to 83 degrees Fahrenheit. You can keep them with other fish in the tank as long as they are trained to differentiate fish friends from food. They can be raised in schools, but they tend to attack each other. If you want to own a piranha, always remember never to stick your hand in the tank and never forget to feed your piranha.

Fennec Fox

Fennec Fox

The fennec fox is considered to be one of the most popular exotic pets that are for sale in the United States. The fennec fox is a perfect mix of a dog and a cat because they can be quite social and playful. And on the other hand, they can be quite a sleeper during the day and energetic at night. You can also litter-box train them.

Pygmy Goat

Pygmy Goat

To be honest, a pygmy version of any animal can make an excellent pet. Pygmy goats are travel-sized and just like cats and small breeds of dogs, they can be easily contained in an enclosure. A female pygmy goat is considered to be friendlier compared to their big counterparts. Pygmy goats are also low-maintenance, and you can milk and breed them, too.

Wallaby

Wallaby

Is it just the cutest thing to have a wallaby in your backyard? Compared to kangaroos, wallabies are smaller, cuter, and a lot friendlier. However, wallabies are more like livestock than pets. That’s why before owning one, make sure you have a lot of outside room and you live outside city limits. Wallabies are fast and excellent jumpers, so they need more room to roam and play.

Capybara

Capybara

Capybaras are the world’s largest rodent. This is because they can grow as big as 150 pounds and 4 feet long. Capybaras are playful, smart, and perhaps one of the most social creatures on the planet. They can get along with almost every living thing in your house. That’s why we suggest that you let them socialize with other pets to keep them happy. However, take note that capybaras need some area to swim.

Kinkajou or honey bear

honey bear

If you want to be on the wild side when it comes to choosing an exotic animal as a pet, then the kinkajou is the right one for you. Also called honey bears, kinkajou are rain forest animals that are just like raccoons and monkeys. They can be quite cuddly, soft, and affectionate as a pet. But, they might need a little bit more maintenance compared to other pets. For example, they need a large enclosure where they can swing and hang in bars. Aside from that, kinkajous are sociable pets; that’s why they might need a companion to keep them happy.