For some people, a traditional dog, cat or bird is not for them. If you have decided you would like to open your home and life to an exotic pet , it is important to fully understand how to properly care for it before making a commitment.
The idea of showing off your new snake to mates or surprising your children with a pet turtle may seem appealing but once the novelty wears off, you still have a living creature depending on you for survival. Read these top tips for looking after exotic pets before making your decision.
Points to Consider When Choosing Exotic Pets:
Is Your New Pet Legal? Many species of exotic pet are illegal in the UK due to the danger they could pose to people or because of their conservation status in the wild. Be sure to carefully research the laws to see if your pet would be considered illegal or if you'll need a permit.
What Type of Care Does Your Pet Need? Before taking home that cute little degu or furry tarantula, it is important to do your homework on your exotic pet of choice. Learning proper exotic pet care will save you (and the creature) a lot of grief in the long run. Learn what type of environment it thrives in, what it needs to eat, how much room it will need when it grows to full size and if it should live alone or needs a partner.
How Long Will Your Pet Live? While some exotic pets will only live a couple of years, some, such as certain reptiles, can outlive you. Are you prepared to spend the rest of your life giving it the pet care it needs? If not, you may want to reconsider your choice.
Can You Handle Your Pet? Will you be able to touch your pet? Some tarantulas will bite if they feel threatened and there are certain species of lizard that are so sensitive, you will need to wash your hands both before and after handling them. Certain exotic pets are highly susceptible to human germs and can get sick and even die from a germ passed to them by you. Alternatively, reptiles can pass on salmonella to you.
What if Your Pet Gets Sick? Unlike domestic animals, it may be hard to find a vet that can perform the special pet care and services your exotic animal needs. Before you bring home that fat-tailed gecko or fire-bellied newt, be sure there is a vet in your area that is familiar with exotic pets.
Who is Going to Watch it When You're on Holiday? Let's face it, it is so much easier to get a pet-sitter for a cat or dog than it is, say, for an emperor scorpion. It's important to know at least one person who is familiar with the care of your special addition to the family and will not be afraid to watch it while you're away. Exotic pets are fun, exciting and interesting. They also require a lot of special care and attention. Before heading to your local pet store or searching the classifieds, visit an animal welfare website and search for adoptable pets in your area. Your new pet will appreciate its forever home and the cost is usually much lower than what you'd pay elsewhere.
The idea of showing off your new snake to mates or surprising your children with a pet turtle may seem appealing but once the novelty wears off, you still have a living creature depending on you for survival. Read these top tips for looking after exotic pets before making your decision.
Points to Consider When Choosing Exotic Pets:
Is Your New Pet Legal? Many species of exotic pet are illegal in the UK due to the danger they could pose to people or because of their conservation status in the wild. Be sure to carefully research the laws to see if your pet would be considered illegal or if you'll need a permit.
What Type of Care Does Your Pet Need? Before taking home that cute little degu or furry tarantula, it is important to do your homework on your exotic pet of choice. Learning proper exotic pet care will save you (and the creature) a lot of grief in the long run. Learn what type of environment it thrives in, what it needs to eat, how much room it will need when it grows to full size and if it should live alone or needs a partner.
How Long Will Your Pet Live? While some exotic pets will only live a couple of years, some, such as certain reptiles, can outlive you. Are you prepared to spend the rest of your life giving it the pet care it needs? If not, you may want to reconsider your choice.
Can You Handle Your Pet? Will you be able to touch your pet? Some tarantulas will bite if they feel threatened and there are certain species of lizard that are so sensitive, you will need to wash your hands both before and after handling them. Certain exotic pets are highly susceptible to human germs and can get sick and even die from a germ passed to them by you. Alternatively, reptiles can pass on salmonella to you.
What if Your Pet Gets Sick? Unlike domestic animals, it may be hard to find a vet that can perform the special pet care and services your exotic animal needs. Before you bring home that fat-tailed gecko or fire-bellied newt, be sure there is a vet in your area that is familiar with exotic pets.
Who is Going to Watch it When You're on Holiday? Let's face it, it is so much easier to get a pet-sitter for a cat or dog than it is, say, for an emperor scorpion. It's important to know at least one person who is familiar with the care of your special addition to the family and will not be afraid to watch it while you're away. Exotic pets are fun, exciting and interesting. They also require a lot of special care and attention. Before heading to your local pet store or searching the classifieds, visit an animal welfare website and search for adoptable pets in your area. Your new pet will appreciate its forever home and the cost is usually much lower than what you'd pay elsewhere.
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