10 Most Unusual Pets You Can Have

Oct 20, 2022

If you are thinking about getting a pet, but want something more unique, there are a few unusual pets you can own these days. While cats and dogs, hamsters and parrots are cute, exotic pets can bring more joy and better companionship to you. However, you should know that exotic pets are a huge responsibility. You need to think twice before getting one of the most unusual pets to keep you company.

1 Fennec Fox

Although most foxes usually make bad pets, the Fennec fox is an excellent pet to own. This cute desert animal tends to be small (they are smaller than cats) and smart. You can even housetrain your Fennec fox to use a litter box. The Fennec fox is playful, requires a lot of exercise, and poses no threat to public safety. When fully grown, your Fennec fox will be about the weight and size of a Chihuahua.

2 Capybara

While the capybara is a rodent, it is nothing like a guinea pig or hamster. The capybara grows up to 4 feet long and weighs more than a hundred pounds. In some areas, capybaras are illegal to keep as pets, so make sure that there’s no exotic pet legislation where you live. Capybaras are the high maintenance animals and they need plenty of room and a pond or pool.

Read also – 7 Secret Languages of Pets

3 Miniature Donkey

The miniature donkey is cute and fuzzy, but if you decide to own this unusual pet, be ready to buy at least two miniature donkeys. The thing is, mini donkeys like company and they can’t stand loneliness. Although miniature donkeys are small, they still need plenty of room. They are usually at least 3 feet tall and weigh over 300 lbs. Miniature donkeys are great with children and they pose no threat.

Read also – 9 Tips on Introducing Your Pet to Your Newborn

4 Hedgehog

Despite their spines, hedgehogs are incredibly friendly and they can become extremely affectionate with their owners. Hedgehogs make perfect pets since they’re calm and low maintenance, though they require lots of attention, especially when they’re small. Before you buy a hedgehog, make sure you check the legislation in your area. Hedgehogs are nocturnal, so if you are not a night owl, it’s better to choose another unusual pet.

Read also – 9 Signs Your Kids Are Ready for a Pet

5 Skunk

Have you ever thought about keeping a skunk as a pet? In fact, a skunk makes an excellent pet, of course, if you have their scent glands removed. However, you should be dedicated to the skunk, because they can’t be released into the wild when their scent glands are removed. A pet skunk is easy to look after and this adorable animal requires little care. Skunks are playful and they can entertain themselves with different toys.

Read also – 9 Ways to Know That You Are Ready for a Pet

6 Spotted Genet

Spotted genets are originally from Africa, and they are great pets for those who love independent animals. Genets are very active and strung. They look like a cross between a ferret, a cat and a raccoon. Since the spotted genet is considered to be an exotic pet, you might not be able to have one as a pet in your area. Spotted genets are very skittish and they do best in a home where they’re the only pet.

Read also – 10 Reasons Your Children Should Own a Pet

7 Pygmy Goat

If you don’t want to own a miniature donkey, maybe you’ll want to have a pygmy goat. Although pygmy goats are high maintenance pets, they are extremely fun and active. Despite their small size, they can be very noisy at times. Like miniature donkeys, pygmy goats can’t stand loneliness. Before buying these animals, make sure you have plenty of space, grass hay and leaves. Also, make sure your structure for your goats are sturdy because they can easily escape.

Read also – 10 Important Things Pets Can Teach Us

8 Sugar Gliders

Known as pocket pets, sugar gliders are cuddly, tiny creatures that will bring plenty of joy to your life. They are incredibly playful, loyal and they can be taught numerous tricks. The sugar glider is one of the best exotic pets for both families with older children and singles. Keep in mind that sugar gliders are nocturnal by nature and they like to stay up at night.

9 Tarantula

Giant spiders are certainly unique and they can make good pets. However, it’s important to find out which species must be kept in tanks. The Mexican red knee and curly hair tarantulas make great pets. Tarantulas feed on live insects and they are not a good pet for the squeamish. Many people find tarantulas terrifying, but if you find them absolutely fascinating, why not own one?

10 Boa Constrictors

Photo: Nick J Webb

Snakes are not the perfect pets, but boa constrictors are much friendlier than any other snake. Boa constrictors are amazing and quite safe animals to have as pets. The huge problem is their size – boa constrictors grow very large. Before buying one, make sure you have plenty of space.

Not every state allows exotic pets, but there are many wonderful non-exotic animals that you can own these days. If your state allows exotic pets, consider having one of these ten most unique pets. Do you want to own an exotic pet?