What comes to mind when you hear “exotic pets”? Is it snakes, lizards, and other reptiles? Is it capuchin monkeys, like Marcel from Friends? Is it the infamous Joe Exotic from Tiger King?
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Exotic pets are a hot topic, and many people believe they are unethical. Before I dive into this controversy, it is important that I define what exactly an exotic pet is. American Humane defines wild or exotic animals as species that do “…not belong to one of seven domesticated species: dogs, cats, horses, pigs, cows, sheep or goats”. They go further and say that exotic animals are specifically “…wild but…from a different continent than the one on which you live”.
Whether the animal is considered wild, exotic, or both, it is important to recognize that they are not domesticated animals. The common misconception with exotics is that a tame animal is domesticated; in reality, domestication occurs over many generations of a species. This is why there is so much uncertainty and contention within the topic. Exotics require extra research, extra experience, extra care, etc. Nevertheless, the animals can still be unpredictable, and they still deserve the best life possible.
If they are – and can be – made a pet, they must be properly taken care of and given the resources to thrive. Some animals (like wild cats, some reptiles, and monkeys) are simply not meant to be pets. “Pocket pets” are considered the most ethical option when it comes to exotic animals as pets. Due to their small size, everything they require is often on a smaller scale. They don’t need as much space to roam, and they aren’t considered dangerous. Diet is one of the biggest concerns when it comes to exotics, so it is important for owners to do extensive research in order for their pet to obtain proper nutrients.
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There are some acceptable types of exotic pets; however, there are many negative examples of exotic pets. The draw towards owning a unique and diverse animal can cause people to disregard federal and state laws. Every state is different, but many prohibit the ownership of certain animals or require an official permit. Due to these strict guidelines, illegal trading occurs and profits off of people desperate to own an unusual exotic. This leads to owners concealing their animals and not being able to seek guidance from veterinarians. Not only is the animal placed in an unsuitable environment, but their health is also at risk.
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The most important step of exotic pet ownership is the research conducted prior to getting an animal. There are a lot of questions that must be answered before committing to an animal that is unorthodox. The worst thing an owner can do is be unprepared, regret their decision, and irresponsibly neglect and/or dump the animal. This poses a threat to the animal, other animals in the wild, and unsuspecting humans. Under the right circumstances, exotic animals can make great pets, but owners must be educated, flexible, and law-abiding in order for both parties to benefit.
This is such an interesting topic! I actually was thinking about Marcel from Friends when I read the title at first, haha! I actually never knew exotic pet ownership laws varied state to state. I did not know that domestication occurred through generations. It seems very risky to own an exotic pet, and the risks do not seem to outweigh the benefits. However, I guess it is personal preference. Based on state laws, if it is okay to own a pet, then I guess anyone can choose to have one! Personally, I will stick to dogs and cats! Great post!
In my opinion, I do not think that exotic pets should be domesticated. They are “exotic” for a reason, and people should not try to make a tiger or a bear an animal that is comparable to a dog or goats. I like how you recognize both the positives and the negatives in this post. Good job!
This was an incredibly interesting post to read! I honestly did not know much about exotic animals, or even exotic “pets”, before reading this post. I actually find it very interesting that people want to buy and own exotic animals, and are “up for the challenge” of domesticating it. I thought you brought up a very good point in saying that domestication happens throughout many generations, meaning that exotic animals are hard to care for since it would take many, many years for them to become more domesticated. Personally, I believe it is unfair to a certain extent for these animals to live as a house pet, especially in the instance of tigers. Tigers, for example, are used to living in a large, free space, have adapted to hunting for their food, and living in groups with other tigers. When someone decides to take a tiger out of their natural habitat without even attempting to recreate it, I would find that selfish. Although I understand the hype of trying something new and wanting to take care of an exotic animal, I personally believe that if you feel like doing that then maybe working at a zoo would be better, since most zoos take great care of the animals who live there, and everything regarding the animals (terrain, feeding schedule, doctors appointments, etc.) is handled by professionals who know what they are doing. Thanks again for such a great final post!