What to Know Before Getting an Exotic Pet

Pets play a big role in our lives.  They are our companions, and best friends, so it’s our job to make sure they get the proper care to keep them happy and healthy.

The meaning of exotic pet is basically “non-traditional” pets.  Owning and caring for these types of animals require a great deal of research and time.  Without it, you could end up spending a fortune in vet bills.  Not to mention finding an exotic vet can be challenging.  Not a lot of vets cater to exotics, and those who do may be costly.

If you have decided to purchase any exotic critter, here are some tips that you should know.

• Exotic animals need special daily care, including bonding and enrichment.

• Each exotic animal, have their own unique set of needs to keep them healthy.

• A Chinchilla, for example, will need a dust bath on a weekly basis, and if they happen to get wet, they can become very ill.

• Sugar gliders need a very specific diet, and without the proper nutrients they can end up getting hind leg paralysis.

• Guinea pigs need vitamin C on a daily bases, to keep them healthy.

• Ferrets need to be bathed often.

• In certain states, it is illegal to own certain pets.  It is important for you to find out the laws of your state before purchasing any exotic pet.  You can find websites that will tell you what animals are allowed in your state.

• Exotic critters have individual personalities, and if given the proper feeding and care, they can make wonderful and fun pets to have.

Once you have done your homework on the pet of your choosing, you will have the task of finding a breeder or pet shop that carries the critter you are interested in.  It may be easier to find a Dumbo Rat, or Hedgehog at your local pet store, but finding a Skunk or Coatimundi may be a different story.  Owning these types of pets is expensive, and requires a lot more time than your more traditional pets.

Owning an exotic pet will be tons of fun for you and your family, if you put in the time to pick the right one for you.  Do your research and find out which exotic pet is the right fit for your lifestyle.  Having a not so normal pet can be a rewarding experience, but to keep the pet happy and healthy, you have to follow the diet requirements, and all the needs of that specific pet.  Once you find the perfect match, your household will feel complete.

This entry was posted on Thursday, December 17th, 2009 at 12:07 am and is filed under Blog. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.