LIFESTYLE: 7 THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE GETTING AN UNUSUAL PET

Almost every single person thinks about owning a pet at some point or another. The type of pet they choose is usually based on who they are as a person. Those who want a low maintenance pet often pick a fish, or even a cat - who is pretty self-sustaining! Those who want to get out of the house and have a companion who will be interactive with them would normally choose a dog for their playful nature. The thing is, cats, dogs and fish are lovely, but they’re not that unusual. 

There are plenty of other pet options out there that are far more unusual and exotic than the standard household pets, and you could choose to go with one of those if you wanted to! Remember, though, that while you want to have an unusual pet, they may not be ok to own in some parts of the world. You should also consider whether your unusual pet should still be in the wild. So, let’s explore some of the most important things that you should be considering before you choose to get an unusual pet!
Person Holding Red and Black Snake
  • Is It Legal?
There are so many laws surrounding the ownership of exotic pets that you need to know whether you are allowed to own the pet that you are so interested in. Some states may be very specific about the pets that you are allowed to own. Some allow every animal and that makes choosing which pet you have easy. Don’t forget, the legalities don’t just stop with which pet you choose to get. You need to consider whether the way in which you are keeping them is correct. You don't want to own a horse, for example, without the right horse stables as that wouldn't be kind to that horse. Know the laws and rules surrounding the animal that you are hoping to own, and spend time doing your research properly!

  • The Right Vet
Before you decide to go for an animal that is truly exotic, make sure that you do your research on the vets in your area. You are going to need to ensure that yours are able to specialize in the right animal. If they can’t treat your pet, they’ll be able to lead you to someone else who can and that will be a big help for you when you need their help.

  • The Right Food
It’s easy to feed a dog or a cat. The food is already in the grocery store and you can just pick it up with the rest of your grocery shopping. You may not be able to find the right horse grain or live animals for the tarantula you’ve decided to buy. Each animal needs the correct food for the right nutritional balance. There are some animals that can really suffer if they’re not given the right food. Those cute little sugar gliders you’ve seen are lovely to own, but they require a delicately balanced diet, otherwise they’re prone to paralysis. 

  • Their Environment
Exotic pets often require temperature-controlled environments, and you need to meet their specific temperature and sunlight requirements. They need the right enclosures, the right lighting and the right level of heat. Without them, their environment will not allow them to thrive and they can become ill. You need to research their exact needs and that includes the expense and the building difficulty. It can help to talk to other owners of the exotic pet that you want to own and get the lowdown from those who are well-versed in ownership of that pet.

  • Their Mental Health
Animals are highly intelligent and individual creatures, and you need to consider their mental wellbeing as well as their physical health. Some exotic pets can be left to it and live alone, but most other pets need a companion to be at their best health. They can come depressed if they are left alone too much and if you ignore your pet, they can become destructive. This is something that you want to avoid! 

  • How Long Do They Live?
If you choose to own an animal that lives for a longer time than you will (think about giant tortoises!), then you need to think about what your plans are for after you die. Adding the welfare of an animal to your will is not a bad thing to do! Caring for any animal is not something that you should take lightly, which is why you should consider that they will be aging along with you!

  • Their Temperament

Animals are not like humans. Their moods aren't as predictable even when you look out for behaviours. Exotic animals can be temperamental, and the less domesticated you go, the more aggression you may have to deal with.

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