32 best exotic pets anyone can own (2024)

With their unique looks and their wild-but-wonderful characteristics, the best exotic pets can make for the most unusual of companions.

But what is classified as an exotic pet? Generally speaking, an exotic pet is an animal that is unusual or rare to home as they are generally thought of as a wild species —like a sugar glider, hedgehog or degus — rather than a fully-fledged domesticated creature. If you haven’t got the right care requirements, these loveable creatures can be hard to domesticate and it’s for good reason. After all, many of these wacky wonders were born to be wild, and being out in the open is all they have ever known.

Any pet parent will know that a happy pet is a happy parent. So if you’re considering opening up your home to an exotic animal, it’s important to make sure you can replicate the right living conditions and give them everything (and more) that they need. Plus, it’s also important to note that your ability to own some exotic animals will depend on the state and county in which you live.

Curious to know what other exotic animals you can share your four walls with? From marmoset monkeys to serval cats and anteaters to anacondas, here’s everything you need to know about the best exotic pets.

32 best exotic pets anyone can own

1. Sugar gliders

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Half hang-glider, half squirrel, these fancy friends are usually found down under in Australia. You might be wondering if you should keep sugar gliders as pets? Keeping these wild marsupials requires specialized care so do consider this before adopting.

2. Bush baby

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You might know bush babies as night monkeys, but these primates are often described as exotic animals because they are rare, uncommon and hard to find.

3. Spotted Genet

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Fancy your self a cat-like creature? Look no further than a spotted genet, which is very independent, aloof and indigenous to Africa.

4. Marmoset Monkey

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These highly intelligent creatures tend to scent-mark their surroundings so they won’t be the best pairing for every home. But that’s not to say that these primates can’t be kept as pets if you’re up to the challenge.

5. Axolotl

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Exotic and extraordinary in just about every way, these amphibians are best known for their sweet smiles and unusual looks. And despite what you might have heard, you can keep an axolotl as a pet in some U.S. states.

6. Octopus

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Add some exotic excitement to your aquarium with a saltwater sea animal like an octopus. Just make sure your tank is of adequate size and can replicate their usual habitat with tons of live rock, sand and a fluorescent light.

7. Tarantulas

It’s worth highlighting that tarantulas won’t be the perfect exotic pet for all. However these eight-legged creepy crawlies are low maintenance and live for 10-15 years so it’s no wonder they are favored by many.

8. Wallaroo

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Falling between a kangaroo and a wallaby, wallaroos are middle-range marsupials that are extremely curious and active. These exotic beings are banned from being kept as pets in most states, but not all. So be sure to do your research as these laws can change.

9. Serval Cats

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Serval cats are rather exotic wild felines that can reach up to 40 pounds in size and have high energy levels. They’re very different from domesticated cats, and have their own list of needs. This means they won’t be the pur-fect pet for most homes as they need space to run, swim, hunt, and climb.

10. Anteater

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Known for their long tongues, which can scoop up around 35,000 ants at any one time, and because of this, they’re one of the most unusual pets ever owned.

11. Anaconda

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If you’re looking for a fang-tastic pet that will give you all the thrills, an anaconda could be your ideal match. These snakes can make for calm creatures when captive-bred and raised properly.

12. Kangaroo

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Kangaroos aren’t you’re usual everyday pet as they can be standoffish with humans. Plus, in some areas of the U.S. it’s illegal to home one and it makes sense. Along with needing lots of room to graze, run, and well…jump, these bouncing beauties can be unpredictable at times too.

13. Leopard gecko

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Known as ‘beginner reptiles’, leopard geckos are one of the easiest colourful creatures to handle as they require minimal care requirements in comparison to other lizards.

14. Bearded dragons

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Sticking with the reptile theme, Bearded Dragons could make for a great companion as they are docile creations that can live anywhere between 10 to 15 years long, if they’ve got access to good veterinary treatment and a good habitat.

15. Ball Pythons

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If you’re thinking about introducing a snake to your home, you might also want to consider a ball python. Growing up to five feet long and being able to live for up to 50 years, these life-long inactive creatures just need a good enclosure, good food, fresh water and they’re happy.

16. Corn snakes

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These slender snakes can reach up to 6ft in size and living up to the grand old age of 20 they’re no short-term commitment.

17. Hedgehog

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These spikey critters aren’t just garden explorers! Hedgehogs can be kept as pets and are one of the easiest four-legged friends to feed as they will hoover up pretty much any food that’s put in front of them —including dry cat food. Who knew!

18. Degu

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Degus are rodents native to Chile and are often likened to hamsters, chinchillas or rats. They’re happy to be handled and looked after —just don’t pull on their tail as they’re able to shed this appendage as a self-defence mechanism.

19. Chinchillas

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If you’ve got room for two, a pair of chinchillas could be the best exotic animal for you. These social little creatures are native to the Andes mountains and live in herds in the wild so love nothing more than having their fellow fur friends around them to interact with.

20. Prairie Dogs

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You could be forgiven for thinking Prairie dogs are like the usual dogs we know and love. But they are far from it! These active, playful, and sturdy rodents can make fairly affectionate pets if purchased young, socialized properly and given lots of attention.

21. Spiny mice

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These talented escape mice aren’t as house-trained as other, perhaps, unwanted rodents are. So if you’re thinking of welcoming one in your home, a glass tank or plastic terrarium is your best bet.

22. Short-Tailed Opossum

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What about short-tailed opossums? Hailing from the marsupial family, this mouse-like creature can make for a good pet thanks to its docile nature.

23. Fennec Fox

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Ranging in color from reddish cream to a light fawn shade, these desert foxes have bushy tails with black tips. But do note: there are some bans on owning a fennec fox in certain U.S. states.

24. Skunk

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Skunks can make for unique pets, as they are super playful and require a lot of stimulation. However, if you’re not prone to working from home or tend to spend long hours outside of your four walls, you might come back to find your skunk is up to no good.

25. Emperor Scorpion

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Legal to own, emperor scorpions make it onto the list of most exotic pets because they are hard to track down. These creatures are an African rainforest species, but you can also find them present in Savanna. They are relatively docile and usually only show signs of aggression when threatened.

26. Giant African Millipede

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More formally known as an Archispirostreptus gigas, giant African millipede can reach up to 15 inches long and make for a great exotic pet for beginners who are OK with having a crawly creature in their home.

27. Savannah cat

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Known as the largest domestic feline, the Savannah cat could be the exotic pet your home has been missing. It’s a hybrid between a wild African cat and a domestic kitten. But do note: there are bans against owning one as a pet in certain U.S. states.

28. Bengal cat

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Thanks to their striking good looks and outstanding athletic ability, the Bengal cat has earned itself a rep for being one of the most beloved feline breeds. Want to know more? Discover some more fascinating facts about Bengal cats.

29. Turtle

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Like the sound of owning a pet turtle? Once you’ve done your research and discovered what makes for good pet turtle care, you could have a friend for life (well, for 80 years).

30. Hyacinth Macaw

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These pretty parrots, native to central and eastern South America, are intelligent birds that are best known for their bold blue coloring. They can live for around 50 years in captivity and love to go about their day in a pair —so if you’re thinking of homing one, you might need to consider making room for another.

31. Kinkajou

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Heard of a Kinkajou? You’d be forgiven if not. The tropical rainforest exotic mammal is related to coatis and raccoons and in some regions, it can be known as a honey bear. Just look how cute!

32. Coatimundi

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There are some laws about keeping these South American raccoons as pets. But two types of coati —the white-nosed and South American coatis —have been known to be domesticated.

Wondering what are the most expensive animals in the world? Or curious about the cutest dog breeds? Head this way. We’ve also got guides on the rarest dog breeds and answer what dog breed is the smartest.

32 best exotic pets anyone can own (2024)

FAQs

What is the easiest exotic pet to own? ›

Hedgehogs

By far the easiest exotic animal to care for, hedgehogs are ideal for someone who wants a pet but who doesn't have a significant amount of time or resources to devote to their care and attention. Hedgehogs require a simple terrestrial enclosure big enough for them to run around and play in.

What is the rarest exotic pet? ›

Here Is A List Of Some Peculiar Pets:
  • Number 1 – The Capybara. ...
  • Number 2 – The Fennec Fox. ...
  • Number 3 – The Squirrel Monkey. ...
  • Number 4 – Stick Insects. ...
  • Number 5 – Hedgehogs. ...
  • Number 6 – Skunks. ...
  • Number 7 – Pygmy Goats. ...
  • Number 8 – The Spotted Genet.

What is the most expensive exotic pet to own? ›

From rare lion cubs to exotic parrots, these pets are not only luxurious but also considered as status symbols. Scroll down to know the prices.
  1. White Lion Cub. Get ready to catch the final stages of the World Cup only on Crickit. ...
  2. Tibetan Mastiff. ...
  3. De Brazza's monkey. ...
  4. Savannah Cat. ...
  5. Macaw. ...
  6. Lowchen. ...
  7. Chimpanzee.
Jan 15, 2023

What is the smartest pet you can own? ›

Your Guide to the Smartest Pet Breeds
  • Border Collie.
  • Poodle.
  • German Shepherd.
  • Golden Retriever.
  • Doberman Pinscher.
  • Shetland Sheepdog.
  • Labrador Retriever.
  • Papillon.
Jan 30, 2017

What is the best rare pet? ›

These pets each have special and unique needs and are fun and exciting to learn about and interact with.
  • #1 – Axolotls. For those who prefer aquatic and/or more hands-off pets, one of our favorite unusual pets is the Axolotl. ...
  • #2 – Hedgehog. ...
  • #3 – Bearded Dragon. ...
  • #4 – Ducks. ...
  • #5 – Green-cheeked conure.
Dec 19, 2023

What is the best pet to cuddle with? ›

10 Best Small Pets for Cuddling in Bed
  • Bichon Frise. The Bichon Frise is a small, cuddling powerhouse. ...
  • Havanese. Another cutie who is fun to snuggle with at bedtime is the Havanese. ...
  • Siamese Cat. ...
  • American Shorthair Cat. ...
  • Boxer. ...
  • Ferret. ...
  • English Ragdoll Cat. ...
  • Pig.
Apr 11, 2022

What is the most cuddly animal in the world? ›

Dogs. Definitely not a surprise, dogs perhaps are the top-ranked animals that are capable of showcasing affection. They have their own personalities and experiences that shape their relationship with people.

What is the cleanest pet to keep? ›

What pet is the cleanest? Cats are famously fastidious in their cleanliness, but they will leave trails of litter, fluffs of hair, and the occasional hairball (or other things) for their human to clean up. The cleanest pets include amphibians, fish, reptiles, and rodents.

What is a cuddly exotic pet? ›

There are a number of exotic pets that enjoy cuddling, including sugar gliders, hedgehogs, and chinchillas.

What is the most common exotic pet to own? ›

Breeds most frequently adopted as exotic pets include:
  • Madagascar hissing cockroaches.
  • Praying mantises.
  • Tarantulas.
  • Scorpions.
Nov 1, 2021

What is the most wanted pet in the world? ›

From the feathered to the furry, these delightful companions bring love and warmth to any home.
  • Dogs. Known as man's best friend, dogs top the list of the most popular pets. ...
  • Cats. ...
  • Fish. ...
  • Birds. ...
  • Hamsters. ...
  • Rabbits. ...
  • Guinea Pigs. ...
  • Find the Right Pet for You!

What exotic pets live the longest? ›

15 Pets That Live the Longest
  • Tortoise. A giant tortoise can live to over 100 years old. ...
  • Parrot. African Grey Parrot. ...
  • Gecko. Leopard Geckos have unique, leopard-like spots Leopard Geckos have unique, leopard-like spots LeitnerR/Getty Images. ...
  • Umbrella Cockatoo. ...
  • 7. Box Turtle. ...
  • House cat.
Jun 29, 2021

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