When you decide to get an exotic pet it should be a thought out, and researched process. Each exotic pet is very unique in their behavior and needs, sometimes throwing the most seasoned pet owners for a loop! A friend commented to me that a local fair she was at, had a stand set up to sell chinchillas and other "pocket pets". She was troubled by it. Troubled by the selling environment for these unique pets.
Pocket pets often refer to a variety for pets from Chinchillas, degus, hedgehogs, ferrets, hamsters, mice, rats, and anything else that is a "pocket pet."
All of the pets mentioned are unique and vary from high matience to low matience but if a person buying one at a fair has not researched this, they may not know which is which. Can you imagine bringing home a ferret and expecting a mouse?! Oh my. Or buying a hedgehog and expecting it to act like a dog? This is not to say people that purchase animals at fair are uneducated on the animals they purchase but I am sure a stand with cute "pocket pets" causes quite a few impulse purchases...
So how do you determine which exotic pet is for you?
First how much time do you have to devote to a pet? Everyday for many years?
Second, what are the laws in your state and county with certain exotic pets?
Third, what is your lifestyle? If you travel do you have someone that could care suitably for your exotic? Do you travel alot?
Fourth, is there a vet in or near your area that can care for the type of exotic you are thinking of getting?
Fifth, find out about the pets needs and temperament. Would you have enough space for the pet. Would it get along with your pets or children if you already have them?
This is just a guideline, there are many more factors to take into account with purchasing a exotic, especially into a family that already has exotic's. A few other guidelines include, do you want a exotic pet that you can cuddle and hold or are you looking for an exotic that stays primarily in a cage (snake, tarantula). Cost can also be a factor as the rarer an animal is the more it usually goes up in price.
(Above: Nico shows off a common ferret characteristic, getting into everything.! )
Comments
This is a very good article - Thank you, Ashley! "Pocket pets," need despite their size, a lot of attention to be happy and to stay healthy, and often also need quite some funds for proper veterinary care. Owners of these species certainly need to sit down and learn as much as they can as much less information is available through general media than for dogs and cats. By the way, I believe, we have developed the best (certified organic) pet treats for 'pocket pets' (particularly rodents). You can check out our treats at www.onestaorganics.com
Our Links page lists one of the 2 best (also exotic) vets we know in the S-CA area, the second one, which is not yet listed on our links page, is Dr. Cote in San Diego.
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