Some pet owners want something more unique than a regular cat or dog. These animal lovers are interested in exotic, unusual and foreign pets. Although exotic pets are not a good fit for every pet owner, these ten unusual but legal pets can be the perfect companion for the pet owner who wants to take a walk on the wild side:
- Capybara
The Capybara is the largest rodent species in the world. Often the size of a pig and weighing in at up to 140 lbs., this strange pet is sure to shock the neighbors. Originally from South America, the Capybara is intelligent and quirky, but not for the faint-hearted. In addition to being huge, Capybaras are group animals, so they require a companion animal to be content and healthy. - Serval
With the unique color of a leopard and the size of a bobcat, the Serval is an exotic feline that is every bit as unique as it is beautiful. Originally hailing from Central and Southern Africa, the Serval acts much like a pet house cat, but can weigh up to 26 pounds! - Chinchilla
Known across the globe for their dense, ultra-soft fur, the Chinchilla is a small rodent that hails from the Andes Mountains of South America. Inquisitive, intelligent and one of a kind, the Chinchilla is often purchased as a pet for children and is ideal for small homes and apartments. - Wallaroo
A quizzical mix between a Kangaroo and a Wallaby, a Wallaroo looks like a Kangaroo but is slightly smaller, thanks to its Wallaby genetics. Originally hailing from Australia, these unique pets require a great deal of exercise and a specific diet. For the knowledgeable pet owner, however, a Wallaroo can be a loyal companion that lives anywhere from fifteen to twenty years. - Axolotl
Although they resemble a creature from the depths of the sea, an Axolotl (accent on first syllable) is actually a salamander that never completed the metamorphosis into a land animal. Hailing from remote Lake Xochimilco and Lake Chalco in central Mexico, the Axolotl is an amazingly distinctive amphibian that makes a great small-space pet. - Kinkajou
Originally from central and south America, the Kinkajou is a wide-eyed rainforest mammal that enjoys scurrying around in canopy forests. Curious, quirky and alert, these animals are often purchased as pets for children and live an average of 23 years. - Pacman Frog (Argentine Horned Frog)
Called “Pacman Frogs” due to their large mouths, this frog species is native to South America. These hungry little guys will try to swallow anything that gets near their mouth, such as crickets, fish and snakes, and can live from six to ten years. - Degu
A more exotic version of a hamster or gerbil, the Degu is a hamster-sized mammal that is native to Chile and will often bond with a single person, even going so far as to “Groom” them with gentle nibbles during cuddling time. - Hedgehog
A favorite among middle school classrooms, Hedgehogs are approachable, friendly and perfect for kids. Native to Europe, Asia and Africa, Hedgehogs can live from three to eight years and are ideal for small houses and apartments. - Genet
Related to the mongoose, the Genet (pronounced “JEN-it”) is the size of a large house cat and hails from Africa. These partially nocturnal creatures are intelligent, alert and agile due to their long, monkey-like tails.
An exotic pet may not be suitable for every pet owner, but these ten unique creatures can bring a great deal of joy and excitement to the well-prepared and knowledgeable household.
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