While it may be uncommon to stray away from having a dog or cat, there are other domestic pets like rabbits and reptiles that may be the perfect fit for your family, especially if a family member has allergies. However, there are some aspects to consider before adopting a more exotic pet such as their required level of care and other needs.

Types of Exotic Pets

Don’t know where to look? If you are in the market for an exotic pet, here are some species that can be considered:

• Amphibians (frogs, newts, toads, and salamanders)
• Birds (budgies, parrots, and birds)
• Crabs (hermit and fiddler crabs)
• Farm animals (goats, llamas, sheep, and pigs)
• Ferrets
• Insects and millipedes (cockroaches, stick insects, praying mantis, and ants)
• Rabbits
• Reptiles (lizards snakes, tortoises, and turtles)
• Rodents (chinchillas, hamsters, rats, gerbils, and guinea pigs)
• Scorpions (in particular the emperor scorpion)
• Spiders (the tarantula is the most kept pet spider in the world)

How Can I Care for My Exotic Pet?

Exotic pets require a different kind of veterinary care because their anatomy is completely different from traditional pets. Therefore, prior to adopting an exotic pet, it is imperative to find an experienced local vet that can provide exotic pet care. When caring for an exotic pet it may be more difficult to notice symptoms or behaviors of illness or injury. For instance, if your pet lizard is lackadaisical and has a lack of appetite, not every veterinarian may have the experience to care for your pet and recognize the behaviors as a red flag.

Exotic animals also have specific nutritional and environmental needs. To ensure a healthy, happy lifestyle, owners will need to closely replicate the habitat that they would live in if they were living in the wild. For example, lizards and snakes prefer hot, humid weather, and are best kept in terrariums that can be sufficiently heated. An exotic veterinarian will have the knowledge and experience to be able to make recommendations relating to these aspects of your pet’s care. If you are unsure about what living environment is best for your pet, you can always consult your exotic pet vet.

If you need more support with finding helpful facts and recommendations for caring for your exotic pet, please contact Parker Way Veterinary Clinic in Mount Vernon, WA at (360) 424-7387 so we can properly care for your exotic pet!