Other animals: Home

"Options for Unwanted Exotic Pets1

Steve A. Johnson, Monica E. McGarrity, and Dustin Smith2

This trifold brochure is best viewed as a pdf, available here: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/UW/UW35300.pdf
Before You Buy

Exotic reptiles, birds, and fish are popular pets. However, many species grow large and require special cages or become difficult to handle. Many reptiles and birds require a much longer commitment for care than a hamster or even most dogs—they may even outlive their owners! Before you purchase an exotic pet, be sure you fully understand how big it will get and how long it will live, as well as its current and future housing and feeding needs. Ask yourself, "Is this the best pet for my situation, or should I consider a different one?"

The idea is that if you are thinking of buying a dog, cat, rabbit or any other other companion animal of a particular strain or breed, you will be able to find information on what inherited welfare problems may occur, and what checks you may need to make with breeders or suppliers in order to avoid buying affected or carrier animals and, in so doing, unintentionally perpetuating the problem.