7 Legal Exotic Pets That Have Easy Care

Exotic Pets With Easy Care Requirements

Which exotic animals make the best pets? Do low-maintenance, unique animals exist? These are all common questions that don't really have objectively 'true' answers. All pets require the owner to provide some degree of care, and there are no pets that are for everyone.

Effectively addressing this question strictly depends on what the owner is willing to provide for the animal, what the owner expects of the animal, and what they are willing to spend. The more uncommon your pet is, the more you will likely spend on vet care from a veterinarian that specializes in exotics and 'wildlife.'

7 Legal Exotic Pets

I will go into greater detail about each of these animals below.

1. Hedgehog
2. Rodents: chipmunks, degu, spiny mice, and prairie dogs
3. Short-tailed opossum
4. Non-domestic canines: fennec fox and domesticated fox
5. Skunks
6. Arthropods: hissing roach, tarantula, scorpion, millipede, and land crab
7. Hybrid cats: Savannahs and Bengals

What Is an Exotic Pet?

• Most animals that are not domesticated or are uncommon are considered exotic.
• Some animals that are technically exotic (not domesticated or little-changed from their wild ancestors) are not viewed as such, like many birds and fish.
• Ferrets, pygmy hedgehogs, and chinchillas are sometimes considered exotic pets, but they are domesticated, which differentiates them physically and mentally from their wild ancestors.

For the sake of avoiding recommending less 'exciting' animal species, 'semi-domesticated' animals (different from wild ancestors but not to the extent of dogs), parrots, and reptiles won't be listed here; however, many common pet species are popular yet demand higher care than they are typically given, such as parrots.

Considerations for This List

Exotic pets listed here will be considered easier due to:

• Lower house destruction potential (or lack of need to free roam in the house)
• Non-excessive social needs (most birds and mammals will need some)
• Reasonable housing needs
• Easy to meet nutritional needs
• Small size
• Many other qualities that make it simpler to provide them sufficient well-being

Commonly Desired Pet Qualities

• Reasonable caging requirements (no outdoor or large cage requirements)
• Little or no smell
• Little or no destructive tendencies (house manners)
• Low aggression
• Enrichment needs are easier to provide

1. Hedgehog

A hedgehog is not a rodent, nor are they related to porcupines. They are in a subfamily known as Erinaceinae (originally known as insectivores). Hedgehogs deserve the number one spot on this list for being the easiest to care for while being 'exotic' (although the forms you'll find in pet stores are somewhat changed from the wild forms, making them domesticated).

• Hedgehogs are not social, so only one should be housed per enclosure. This makes them pets that are not subject to separation anxiety, and they are fitting for people who travel.
• They are suitable for those who do not want a long-lived pet since their lifespan is an accommodating 5–7 years.
• Hedgehogs have a simplistic diet that can be composed of high-grade prepared food and/or fruits and insects. They are common enough that many pet stores sell food for them.
• Hedgehogs can be somewhat temperamental, but they tame down with the right handling and habituation.
• The proper quarters for a 'hedgie' need only consist of a properly-sized terrestrial enclosure.

Hedgehogs can even be the pets of children because of their ease of care. Just be sure to be prepared for the cleaning involved with their frequent defecation.

Degu eating dried grass

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2. Rodents: Chipmunks, Degu, Spiny Mice, and Prairie Dogs

There are many rodents that are also exotic pets—some more interesting and unusual than others. These include:

• Degus. These look like large gerbils but are actually more closely related to chinchillas and guinea pigs. Degus are highly social, and it is recommended that they be housed with more than one individual. They should have sufficient space to meet their exercise needs.
• Flying squirrels. They are easier than sugar gliders, have reasonable caging requirements, and are highly affectionate with their owners.
• Prairie dogs. Prairie dogs are typically only born in the spring. They are affectionate pets that can be harness-trained. They are social, so the owner must spend some time with them. The cage should be adequately-sized. The prairie dog's diet is simple and includes fresh hay, grasses, pellets, fruits, and vegetables. The Oxbow brand of prairie dog food is good. In terms of aggressive tendencies, this species may have the most problems in that area when it comes to strangers (people the animal hasn't been raised with). Be aware of their strong territorial instincts.
• Chipmunks. As an active squirrel species, chipmunks will require the most space relative to their size. A taller bird flight cage is recommended, and they must have many opportunities for enrichment that encourages foraging. They aren't the best pets for handling, but they are more interesting than the typical hamster. Some breeders have produced white Siberian chipmunks.
• Spiny mice. These small little pets are not the domesticated mice commonly sold in stores, but they demand similar care. An omnivorous diet, spacious glass aquarium, and an exercise wheel are essentials.
• Patagonian cavies. Patagonian cavies also deserve a mention here. They are best suited as outdoor pets, which is doable if you have a farm-type home or a large backyard. These rodents are very large.

There are a few different species of exotic rodent species, but some are hard to acquire in the United States due to a recently imposed embargo on species from Africa. Such species include bushy-tailed jirds, jerboas, and Gambian pouched rats.

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3. Short-Tailed Opossum

It may look like a rodent, but the short-tailed opossum is actually a marsupial like sugar gliders, koalas, and wallabies. Unlike sugar gliders, which have more involved care, opossums are solitary and must be housed alone. Their housing requirements are very similar to that of a nice, spacious gerbil enclosure (with levels), with exercise wheels, hamster water bottles, and typical rodent bedding that meet their physical requirements.

They need an omnivorous diet that is higher in animal protein. This can be a mix of prepared diets for hedgehogs, ferrets, and dogs with the addition of insects, vegetables, and fruits.

4. Non-Domestic Canines: Fennec Fox and Domesticated Fox

Both the fennec fox along with specifically Russian domesticated silver foxes appear on this list, but with a note of caution. Their non-domesticated traits might make them a challenge for a person expecting tame dog and cat behavior.

The fennec and silver fox are canids, meaning they are active predators. So they will need space just like a domesticated dog. If caged, it should be sizable, and they should be allowed out of the cage frequently. The smallest recommended cage for fennecs is a multi-level ferret nation cage. Their behavior is more 'cat-like,' in that they are more independent. They can also be noisy and play rambunctiously.

• 6 Exotic Wild Dogs (Non-domesticated) That Are Kept as Pets | PetHelpful
  All about pet exotic canines, wolves, coyotes, foxes, and more.

One of the biggest issues with domesticated foxes is finding one—they are rarely offered now. If you do find one, be prepared to spend upward of $2,000–$7,000. Foxes that are not silver, such as the white arctic fox or the red fox, are not domesticated and are much cheaper ($200–$400), but they have undergone little or no selective breeding. Some silver foxes that are referred to as domesticated have actually been domesticated for the fur trade, and not for companionship.

Many owners report that non-domesticated foxes have an extremely strong smell, thus only making them suitable for the outdoors. True domesticated foxes do not have an offensive smell, have a tamer personality, and more easily accept humans as companions (reportedly).

5. Skunks

Skunks surprisingly make good pets—when de-scented of course. Skunks should have a proper omnivorous diet (typically dog food, fruits, and vegetables) and exercise time outside of their cage. Like ferrets, they are playful and should not be cooped up all the time. Provide toys and make sure they don't mistake your property as such! Unfortunately, male skunks may be prone to aggression upon maturity, so be sure to have them neutered.

Being an exotic mammal, the skunk as a pet is not legal in every state because they are rabies vectors. However, they do not inherently carry rabies and can only contract the virus from another rabid animal.

Hissing cockroach on my hand

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6. Arthropods: Hissing Roach, Tarantula, Scorpion, Millipede, and Land Crab

They are not cuddly, but pet bugs will often fascinate the young and old.

• Cockroaches. Even animals like cockroaches can require more demanding care, but Madagascar hissing cockroaches, which are often the species you see utilized in movies, are very simple to care for and will live around 3–5 years.
• Tarantulas. Not all tarantula species are suitable for beginners—the best species for the novice include the Mexican red knee, Chilean rose, and curly hair tarantulas. These are not aggressive, have living requirements that are easier to accommodate, and have simple diets (supplemented insects.) Small aquariums around 3–5 gallons work well for these species. These pets are also wonderful for scaring conventional people.

• African millipedes. These are easy to keep, requiring around a 5-gallon aquarium, forest substrate, and vegetables to eat. Since they prefer to eat decayed vegetation, it is even OK to leave it alone for a while. The substrate must be kept moist by spraying occasionally.
• Scorpions. These may appear intimidating, but the emperor scorpion is a non-aggressive species that can be held and enjoyed, unlike other scorpions. They should be housed in a 10-gallon aquarium that is heated properly. They feed on supplemented insects.
• Giant land crabs. Giant land crabs, such as the beautiful Halloween crab (also called moon crabs), are interesting and uncommon. They are scavengers, cleaning up vegetable and animal matter. They are a great pet to discard your kitchen scraps with and feed old pet food to.

7. Hybrid Cats: Savannahs and Bengals

Savannah cats are a hybrid of the serval and the domesticated cat. The generations of these animals vary from F1 (53–75% servals) to F6:

• F1 will be a challenging animal, perhaps a little easier than a full-blooded serval; however, they are just as tall. They are also horrendously expensive. The lower generations of these animals provide a great substitute for the cheetah look in the package of a mostly domesticated but interesting cat.
• F3 (12.5 % serval) and down may make good pets. They are mostly domesticated cats but with a more dog-like, exciting personality. They can be trained to walk on harnesses and do not need to be housed outside.
• Note: The higher the serval percentage, the more likely potential challenges may arise.

Bengal cats are basically domesticated cats, but with a more interesting personality as well. They have been produced with the genes of the Asian leopard cat. However, they are more commonly sold with lower wild gene heritage, which makes them domesticated as pets. They are perfect for people who want the look of an exotic animal but not the destructive tendencies of one. They will, however, have higher energy needs that should be met.

Difficult Exotic Pets

In contrast, there are plenty of exotic pets that are difficult to care for. By the standards of most, there are a few animals that can be declared not easy to care for:

• Non-domesticated felines (with the exception of some hybrids) often spray indoors and destroy furniture, requiring an escape-proof enclosure.
• Large non-domesticated canines and other large carnivores require experience, outdoor enclosures, and other special accommodations.
• Non-human primates are extremely high-maintenance socially and psychologically.
• Other smaller exotics like porcupines, genets, sloths, wallabies, kinkajous, tamanduas, and coatimundis require large caging relative to their sizes and may be harder to promote the well-being of under traditional animal care standards.

These animals often stress more easily and are difficult to re-home. One should steer clear of these more difficult but undeniably interesting animals if they are not willing to put up with the undesirable instincts of wild species.

A Closing Note About Exotic Pets

Exotic pets aren't for everyone. Before any animal is obtained, the potential owners should extensively research the care of the species from multiple sources.

• Some zoos publish detailed care manuals on some of the 'more exotic' species.
• Exotic pet forums are an excellent resource for reading the experiences of seasoned pet owners and you may even be able to converse with them and ask questions.

These are imperative steps to take to ensure that you know what you're getting into so you can care for your animal for the duration of its life.

Related Links

• Exotic Pet Care: The Spotted Genet
  
• Exotic Pet Care: Bobcats as Pets
  
• How to Care for a Pet Tiger
  
• Everything You Need To Know About Pet Cheetahs
  

This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.

© 2013 Melissa A Smith

Comments

Amelia on April 14, 2020:

I really want a Hedgehog (never gonna happen) (T_T)

blash i ca on January 13, 2020:

I am confuzzled cause I don't have a wild pet.

biscut on December 29, 2019:

Can u do somthing on reptiles? thx!

Animal Lover Hiiiii! on September 12, 2019:

Are monkeys good pets and are they North Carolina? =) ? =/ =o Answer? Thanks ! :))))

Bamboo smoker on July 28, 2019:

I wish aquariums had more insects. There are infinite possibilities because they mutate so fast, and so many new domesticated forms could be made. Like, dragonfly larvae, or water scorpio. I simply haven't seen any other insects you can use in aquariums.

Umesh Chandra Bhatt from Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, India on February 16, 2019:

Very informative. Thanks.

Gabby on January 22, 2019:

Yah i want a skunk but it is not legal in Cali

Drizzy on August 15, 2018:

i wish exotic animals were legal in California :-(

Madison Gariepy on July 22, 2018:

I have always wanted to get a caracal but they aren't allowed wear I live, when my sister and I am older we will move somewhere with a reserve or somewhere you can own one, it's my dream to own hundreds of exotic felines and canines. I might even start my own reserve or sanctuary

Lauren Eaton on July 15, 2018:

I really want a hedgehog. I recently learned that hedgehogs are illegal in some states. One of which is California, where I live. I don't understand why it is illegal, for it is legal in other states. There isn’t really a reason for hedgehogs to be illegal in California. Hamsters, guinea pigs, chinchillas, and rats are acceptable pets, so why aren’t hedgehogs? California’s warm climate is the perfect environment for a hedgehog to live. Hedgehogs are quiet, friendly, low-maintenance animals that would make great pets. Unlike the other small animals that are legal here, hedgehogs do not have dander and are actually hypoallergenic and would make great pets for people that want a small animal but suffer from allergies. Hedgehogs are already legal in numerous states and should be legal pets in California too. Overall, there are no downsides to letting Californians own hedgehogs.

Aleesia on February 04, 2018:

Foxes do NOT make easy pets at all. They need a lot of attention. A hyper kitten and a teething puppy make up an adult domesticated fox. I'm sure if you asked a fox owner, they would say that they are a lot of work.

Anonymous on January 16, 2018:

Actually, felicity, vulpes is the genus of foxes, which branches off of the family canidae, or canines.

X on December 19, 2017:

Some are dangerous ,some are good but they all have their good and bad.

Sky on October 15, 2017:

Are wallabies good pets?

anonomous on September 29, 2017:

would the price be decent though

ve90ra on July 13, 2017:

I love cats

Amy Morgan on July 11, 2017:

A fennec fox or a wild cat

This One on June 01, 2017:

Awright! One of my favorites made it onto the list! Flying squirrels for the win!

Chelsea on February 19, 2017:

Where can I buy one of these pets?

Felicity on January 31, 2017:

Actually, Fennec foxes are not canine (related to dogs/wolves), they are vulpine, which refers to foxes.

Panela on November 12, 2016:

I have and have had many of the species listed here. My skunks are one of my most favorite pets ever. I actually do domestic skunk rescue now. They are NOT for everyone! They CAN destroy things in your home. Those of us that can see past the nuances of skunks become lifetime owners and love them deeply! If anyone is interested in pet skunks, I have a Facebook group for skunk owners and those interested in them called U.S.A. Pet Skunks. PLEASE do a lot of research before getting one.

Elehanna on April 10, 2016:

I wanted to say that I really liked this list. I once thought that I would have been one of those people who wanted an 'exotic' pet. For years I really wanted a pet that I could play with, but wouldn't need a ton of care, that likes to snuggle and play and make me laugh, attempt to take care of me, and be able to play or take care of themselves as well.

Since I live in an apartment with a secure entrance door, and have a knee that is prone to dislocation, a pet that I had to bring outside all the time was not a good idea. (for the record, I love both dogs and cats, have had many growing up.) So I looked and looked and looked, trying to find something that would give me companionship, and a relationship that would be amazing for both me and the animal I didn't have at that point.

It wasn't until I had my daughter that I saw an animal that I had thought initially would not be the greatest pet, since at the time I was living alone. I saw a lovebird playing, and had such a strong, joyful bond/relationship with her owner. I loved the relationship I saw between the two. I began researching, and checking things, and cross-comparing the facts between sites, and 'what you need to know about lovebirds' from alleged 'professionals'.

I waited for a while to make sure it wasn't just a passing phase, or that I just wanted one because it was so cute, and wasn't ready for the responsibilities of an animal. Four years later, I still wanted a lovebird companion, purchased all it would need, and got one. But I had never had a bird before. I knew it's basic needs, and was easily filling them.

I then talked to people who I knew had birds before for a very very long time, and were very successful with them. They showed me how to handle a bird properly, and how to speak to my Lovie, and the body language a bird displays, and how subtle it was, and what to watch for. This improved mine and my Lovebird Sky's relationship immensely, and it is now the relationship I had wanted, and I don't think I could ever go back to a common pet.

Sky is sweet, funny, and very snuggly and cuddly. She loves to give affection, and has on occasion tried to preen the inside of my nose and ears. I have a beautiful bird, who loves me as I love her. I have not looked for another pet since.

Turns out I didn't need an exotic pet to make me happy, or to be cute. For those reading this, and thinking it's boring, I think you should look at other types of common pets before you try a exotic pet, you might find something amazing.

Also for other bird owners out there, or people thinking about getting a bird, do lots of research on not only cage requirements, but also on the kinds of cages available. I highly recommend Hagen's Vision Hybrid cages. They are amazing, and make the upkeep of the birds SOOOOO much simpler.

Seriously, instead of impulse buying, wait for a little while, see if you still want the animal, I would say give it about three month's thought. If you still want the pet after that, then you can get it. This way, the animals arn't abused, or thrown away, as though their lives depended on how amused their owner is with them, which is much more fair to the animals.

abby on March 29, 2016:

cool but weird

Sally Smith1 on February 26, 2016:

NON-Domestic Foxes look gorgeous here, but I love hybrid cats the most since I'm a cat love. Thanks for sharing this.

Lexi on January 10, 2016:

I own a hedgehog her named is Pepper.

Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on May 28, 2015:

"NON-Domestic Foxes DO NOT MAKE EASY pets. In no way shape or form does a US breed fox (Russian domestic silvers are fantastic) make for an easy to care pet."

I'm interested in this. I cannot find any breeders of Russian foxes and I'm wondering where you got yours and what other animals you've had. In order to verify your information I need more info, otherwise you are just a random person. My article specifically mentions Russian foxes so I don't know what you're going on about.

Do you feel that people can 'handle' hermit crabs, beta fish, and small rodents? Guess what, they just die fast, or prematurely. How many people have you known who've had hermits for at least 10 years? Or betas for 5? Those are 'throw away' pets. So just because these animals do not wreck homes does not technically make them 'easy' either. What makes a prairie dog any different? They are not home-roaming pets and big cage does not equal difficult care. What is so 'hard' about buying or making a cage?

Do you think 'easy' pets don't end up in rescues? ALL popular species have a presence in rescues. It doesn't matter how 'easy' they are. Most people eventually reproduce, and if they can handle a baby nearly all exotic pets should be a breeze. It's not my fault that people view pets as breathing playthings, only to be paid attention to on occasion. If one doesn't want to a buy a cage they might want to look into sessile creatures.

Like I said, many of them don't even make it that far because they die. So perhaps I can accuse you of promoting the death cycle with your recommendations.

Ellie H on May 28, 2015:

Just to set things straight! I have owned almost all of these animals at one time or another, so this is coming with personal experience.

NON-Domestic Foxes DO NOT MAKE EASY pets. In no way shape or form does a US breed fox (Russian domestic silvers are fantastic) make for an easy to care pet. They can climb anything/everything making it necessary to have special outdoor enclosures. They do smell (the article mentioned that) like an unbathed/scented ferret. They are mouthy which can be a put off to people. If reared from a pup they can have separation anxiety, and they tend to not be very social with strangers. They do get along with most dogs (especially when raised with them), but are not nearly as easy to train. Potty training is nearly impossible, but I heard it can be done. They are super spunky and sweet (to those they like). They are good fun pets if you have the time/space/energy/patience. Be wary they have a chewy phase just like puppies... except their teeth are a lot sharper!

Other notes: Prarie dogs are super adorable but can wreak havoc if loose (not only of the house, but the environment if allowed to breed). They are happy with LARGE spaces (so again.... not that 'easy') the ones I have owned required much attention.

Honestly.... I would not classify most of these pets as "EASY" to care for. They take time/space/understanding/clean-up. Articles like this is why I ran rescues, people think they can handle exotics, but guess what?! They are not as easy as a hamster (except for most of the smaller mammals listed here).

Easy = Beta fish.... Hermit crab..... Hamster.... Guinea pig (although they are more social and do need more space than a hamster).... Small lizards (albeit start up can be expensive).... Arthropods are excellent 'easy' pets, however they are more decorative then 'pets' a tarantula doesn't really care if you handle it often or not (only the owner cares).... I wouldn't even include tortoises on here because rearing a hatchling is hard work! Adult tortoises are little easier but require space and more food than you would think..... Adults snakes are easy going (set up expensive), but again rearing a baby snake has its ups and downs (usually involving shedding).

Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on April 15, 2015:

That's great Samantha, but animals don't get uncomfortable around bugs like humans do! Grey squirrels, chipmunks, and flying squirrels are possible pets you can get if you have the room for their cage. They are active and arboreal, unlike hamsters and gerbils, so they will need a significant amount of space, similar to a bird.

Samantha on April 15, 2015:

I loved this article!!! I had no idea about half of the animals on here were thought of as pets! This was such a great read! I'm obsessed with squirrels and have been researching the possibility of domesticating them but, I haven't gotten anything solid on them yet. I live in a trailer right now that often (no matter what i do to prevent it) get huge spiders (of many types), palmetto bugs, and large Ants. So I'm really on the fence about even bothering to look for a fur baby right now. In fact, my mother is caring for my dog because I don't want to put my dog in a bad living environment. I live in Florida and would love to really look into getting an exotic animal that will thrive even as a pet. I do not think it is fair or just to get a wild animal based on general curiosity so i want to make sure all my ducks are in a row before I decide to add an animal to the family.

person on April 01, 2015:

the fox is so cute if I could I will probily own one

Tristan Kim on October 19, 2014:

leopard gecko?