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Types
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Many types of reptiles, mammals and birds qualify as exotic pets. Some specific examples include large cats such as tigers or leopards, any type of monkey, reptiles like alligators and even some birds, such as parrots.
Environment
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Many rare pets' natural environments differ drastically from the average home. The animals come from places such as jungles or deserts. In order to keep exotic pets happy and healthy, you often need to recreate these habitats, which can be expensive and sometimes nearly impossible.
Legal Issues
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The Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna regulates many endangered or uncommon pets. The legal issues and licenses that exotic animals require come with many expenses and hours of paperwork. Plus, some laws prohibit breeding and importing of specific animals.
Not Domesticated
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Because most exotic animals come from the wild, they haven't been domesticated like cats and dogs. This means that your exotic pet could turn on you at any point or carry diseases, thus safety becomes a big issue with foreign animals.
Care
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Because most vets typically deal with cats, dogs, rabbits and hamsters, the vet closest to your home probably doesn't know how to treat unfamiliar pets. Specialized vet clinics charge more than regular ones, adding inconvenience and extra expenses to your pet's care.
Conclusion
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Rare animals come with extra responsibility, expenses and potential problems. Remember to consider all aspects of exotic pets before adopting one.
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What Are the Risks of Having an Exotic Pet?
Owning a tiger, parrot or monkey might be appealing, but exotic pets come with a price. You must consider environmental, legal and domestic issues before you purchase any type of rare pet.