10 Tips to Consider BEFORE Buying an Exotic Pet

By Dr. Tarah Hadley, DVM, Dipl ABVP (Avian)

Atlanta Hospital for Birds and Exotics, Inc.

DrTarah.com

1. Why do you want an exotic animal as a pet? Will the animal you’ve chosen fill this need? Is this a good pet for a child? Will you care for the pet when your child can’t or won’t?

2. Do not feed/care for unweaned exotic animals unless you have extensive experience. Lots of medical problems can occur in unweaned exotic animals that can affect them throughout the rest of their lives.

3. Learn as much as you can about the exotic animal before you buy one. Will this animal make a good pet for you and your family?

4. How much time will it take to care for the animal each day? Do you have the time in your schedule for the care that’s needed?

5. What kind of pet do you want—one with an independent personality, one with a dependent personality, one that’s tame? Does the pet you’ve chosen fit this personality?

6. Make sure you have enough space in your home for the exotic animal. Will your pet have an appropriate habitat, especially as it grows older and bigger?

7. Learn about the dietary needs of the exotic animal at different stages of life. Where will you obtain any special diets?

8. What is the average lifespan of the exotic animal? Are you prepared to care for the exotic pet throughout the duration of its life?

9. What are the typical behaviors of the exotic animal, especially as it matures? Can you still care for the animal despite the behavior changes?

10. Schedule a post-purchase examination for your exotic pet with a qualified veterinarian. Ask the pet store or breeder whether they will honor return of the animal within a few days of purchase if concerns arise. Be sure to get this agreement in writing.

Created by Dr. Tarah L. Hadley. AHBE, Inc. All rights reserved. 2006