Is Owning an Exotic Small Pet Right For Me?

One of the biggest problems with owning an Exotic Small Pet is that pet owners aren't prepared for the special challenges involved. Exotic pets have special needs and require special care and attention, and many pet owners aren't aware of the challenges. Sadly, it's common for Exotic Small Pets to be taken to vets to be euthanized or even worse, left to die on their own. It's very important that potential pet owners fully understand the level of maintenance and expense required in caring for any exotic pet they are considering owning.

In addition to learning about special care needs and the expense involved, pet owners should fully research the characteristics of the exotic animal they are interested in. This is particularly true of behavior characteristics. It's important to know how a particular animal can be expected to behave with people and with other animals if other pets are present in the home. Potential owners should always make sure they're choosing a pet that has a "personality" that fits their expectations. Important things to know include whether or not the animal is normally friendly and affectionate or skittish and reclusive.

Types of Exotic Small Pets

There are many varieties of Exotic Small Pets. Common choices for owners looking for social animals are hedgehogs, sugar gliders, prairie dogs, Patagonian cavies, and chinchillas. Somewhat less social species include brushtail phalangers (brushtail possums) and short-tailed opossums.