Monday, February 27, 2012

Steps to Find an Exotic Pet

By Regina T. Roby


If you've moved beyond the common domestic pets and are contemplating taking a step toward getting something quite different, an unusual pet might be the perfect fit to suit your needs. An exotic pet is an uncommon or different animal kept within a human household that's not normally thought of as a pet. Typically living in jungles, swamps and wildernesses around the world, exotic pets can be extremely interesting, but also dangerous to ignorant owners. Consequently if you want to move beyond the typical house cat or dog it's wise to perform some research to better understand just what it is that you're getting into. Hence, let's take a look at several critical considerations that you need to make when considering an exotic pet.

The Degree of Care Required for Your Exotic Pet

As an accountable pet owner you're answerable for the well-being and health of your pet, so you should start the selection process by first knowing your own capabilities in the care a maintenance of a pet. When there are lots of elements that can affect the type of exotic that might be the right match for you, some of the most basic include: Who will be handling the pet? If the pet will be maintained by a child, then wildlife that are more combative or venomous are not a good option. Can I easily afford the proper care for my animal? is yet another good question, since you should be able to buy food, supplies and medical treatment to keep your pet healthy. Lastly, Will I have the ability to provide proper care? is another big question. Exactly like a dog should be walked every day, you must be able to perform the necessary duties to ensure that your pet is well taken care of. So you must ensure that care and maintenance is thought about when deciding on an exotic pet.

Adequate Maintenance: Is It Possible To House Your New Exotic?

Exotic pets can be found in all shapes and sizes, so it's crucial that you thoroughly determine if you have the capability to adequately house & keep your pet. Clearly if you have restricted space, then a large animal may not be the best choice for you. But over and above size, there are several more considerations that must be made. For instance, reptiles are cold blooded animals that utilize the ambient temperature in their environment to manage their internal temperature, so this requirement must be met. Another example is the availability of unique foods, since some exotic animals may require items that are not easily available in your location. Lastly, many exotics require special housing to allow them to roam without escaping; a perfect example might be anything from an exotic bird to a larger carnivore, such as a tiger. Therefore, anytime an exotic pet is under consideration, you're capacity to accommodate the animal should be thoroughly evaluated.

Local Laws Surrounding Your Exotic Pets

Even though there are numerous exotic pets that are perfectly appropriate, you should consult your local laws to make certain the type of pet under consideration is allowed in your area. Generally, many aspiring exotic pet owners find that their preferred type of pet requires paperwork and licensure required to keep the animal in a residential setting. An unexpected example is one of roosters, because normally these birds crow early in the early morning and can easily bother everyone within earshot. For some exotic pets that may be harmful to humans, some local governments might require specific vaccinations or even the removal of teeth or a body part to avoid injury to other people within the community. Lastly, it's not uncommon to hear of potential owners of large animals being forced to post a bond, so ensure that you're cognizant of any additional requirements. With good reason, ensure that you understand the local laws before you bring home an exotic animal.

Effect of an Exotic on Your Current Pets

If you presently have one or more domestic pets, then you should look into how the addition of a new exotic pet will impact them. In a perfect world there would not be an effect, however this seldom occurs in reality. First, existing pets often display an emotional reaction that can manifest itself in various ways including irregular behavior, change in eating habits and associated issues. Second, segregating your existing and new pets may be needed depending on the possibility of conflict. Obviously mixing a boa constrictor with a small mammal like a cat may mean that kitty will eventually go missing. With such significant potential affects, it's no wonder that you need to understand how a new exotic pet will impact your existing animals.

Moving past the typical dogs and cats can be an easy transition, however by using these tips you should avoid making a bad choice.




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