Exotic Pet Suitability Guide

There are several factors to consider when determining if an exotic species would make a suitable pet. These include potential risks related to conservation, legality, human and public health, animal welfare, and invasiveness. Prior to making a purchase, it’s important to understand if there are risks associated with keeping that species and what to watch out for.

Click on each species to see whether it makes a suitable pet based on WWF’s assessment around the five potential risk themes. The assessment results follow a stoplight system, with categories of low risk (green), medium risk (yellow), or high risk (red) species. Learn how WWF assessed species.

What if your species isn't listed? Use the Exotic Pet Suitability Checklist.

The exotic pet suitability assessment is generalized to apply to a species as a whole. However, many potential risks around exotic pet ownership are specific to an individual animal or their owner. Know the origin of the animal you plan to buy and ensure you can care for it for its lifetime. Use the Situational Checklist to assess whether your situation adds or reduces risks associated with keeping a particular animal.

Filter Species

What to consider before
buying an exotic pet

Humans have long valued exotic animals, whether viewing them in the wild, in a zoo, or keeping them as pets. Pet owners want what is best for their animals and this guide aims to provide the resources and considerations they need prior to obtaining an exotic pet, or if they can no longer keep a pet, to make informed and responsible decisions about pet ownership for themselves, their community, and the environment.

Exotic pets are any animals intended as companions other than domestic dogs, cats, or farm animals. While many exotic animals may make suitable, low risk, and inexpensive pets, others do not and instead can be enjoyed from afar in the wild or a zoo. You might be tempted to get an exotic pet after seeing a cute photo or video on social media. Before getting a pet, it is important to know that you can properly provide for the animal for its lifetime and to obtain your animal from a trusted breeder or seller that can prove it came from a legal source. While most animals sold as pets in the US are captive bred in hygienic facilities, some live animals are still taken from the wild for the pet trade.

The Exotic Pet Guide is here to help you consider what owning a pet might mean for you and that animal before making that choice. Navigate through the five considerations below to learn more, check out the About and Assessed Exotic Species pages to see how various species fall on the exotic pet suitability scale, and use the checklists to assess new species or your unique situation when it comes to exotic pet ownership.

A rescued capuchin monkey in a cage. © Tarina Rodriguez / WWF-US

Spread Joy, Not Germs and Injuries

The bond between people and their pets can be incredibly rewarding and beneficial. However, care should be taken when interacting with any animal since they all can spread some type of germs to people. This sort of spread from animal to human is called zoonotic disease. The type of animal, and especially the location and conditions in which animals grow up have some influence on their health and what germs they carry. Therefore, knowing where your animal came from, and ensuring it was from a hygienic facility reduces the risk of you and your family getting sick from your pet. However, some species are known to carry deadly zoonotic diseases and may not be suitable pets for this reason, no matter where they were born and raised.

Additionally, some species have characteristics that enable their survival in the wild, but that can hurt humans out of fear when in close proximity. Large teeth or fangs, powerful claws, the ability to constrict, and being poisonous or venomous are features that are best admired from afar rather than in your home. For example, tigers have the strength, fangs, and claws that could kill a human if they feel threatened and try to protect themself, and are thus not a suitable pet for this and many other reasons. Most animal-related injuries and illness can be avoided by carefully choosing which animals to interact with, and following good hygiene and safety practices.

Following a few simple steps can reduce the risk of harm to you and your family:

  • Learn about the potential zoonotic diseases your pet of interest may carry and don’t choose a pet that could make a person seriously sick, especially if you have immunocompromised people in your household.

  • Obtain your animal from a reputable rescue center, breeder or supplier. Be able to trace your animal to a legal source.

  • Choose a pet that cannot cause serious injury to people.

Back to the IntroductionProvide Freedoms, Not Fear
A captive tiger cub looks at the camera as its mother paws at the cub. © WWF-Sweden / Ola Jennersten

Provide Freedoms Not Fear

People keep pets because they love them and want to provide them a good quality of life. While a baby animal is cute when first brought home, some can grow up to be very large, dangerous, and sometimes can be difficult to tame or train. Additionally, the lifespan of some species can be surprising to owners; for example, certain tortoises and turtles can live between 20-50 years, and large parrots can live 40-60 years. These long-lived animals can be incredibly rewarding pets to keep, but the greater time and financial commitment needed to keep them should be considered.

Experts agree that animals need to experience the five freedoms to have a good quality of life. These include (1) Freedom from Hunger and Thirst, (2) Freedom from Discomfort and Pain, (3) Freedom from Injury or Disease, (4) Freedom to Express Normal Behavior, and (5) Freedom from Fear and Distress. Some exotic animals have complex behavioral, emotional, social, and nutritional needs that are challenging and expensive to meet in a typical home or without specialized veterinary care. Many people are better able to love animals with these complex needs by supporting their conservation in the wild than keeping them as pets. Choosing a pet that you can confidently meet the needs and freedoms of through a proper habitat, diet, social structure, and veterinary care for its entire life is a rewarding experience.

To ensure there is a veterinarian in your area that can treat your future pet, visit the relevant veterinary association website below:

Spread Joy, Not Germs and InjuriesCapture Pictures, Not Pets
Close-up of a person taking a photo of a monarch on some milkweed with their smartphone. © WWF-US / McDonald Mirabile

Capture Pictures Not Pets

You might wonder where your pet was born or where their ancestors and relatives are from. Ancestry.com doesn’t exist for exotic pets, but your pet store, rescue center, or breeder should be able to show you where their animals come from. Sourcing animals for the pet trade is a complicated topic - they can be harvested directly from the wild, raised in “ranching” facilities, or bred in captivity. While some species can be successfully bred in captivity, others are incredibly difficult due to stress, space limitations, or inability to provide the animal’s needs. Much of the pet trade is legal and sustainable and some wild-caught trade can be beneficial to the species and ecosystems in cases where it is sustaining communities and encouraging them to protect wildlife habitats. However, there is evidence of unsustainable and illegal sourcing of animals from the wild for the pet trade, which is a significant threat to global wildlife populations. As a consumer, it can be hard to know where your pet came from. A captive-bred pet from a reputable facility is the safest option when it comes to conservation, health, and safety concerns. But some pets like aquarium fish can be hard to find from a captive-bred source. You will be able to make the best decision by doing research and asking questions before obtaining a pet and finding a reputable seller that follows best practices and can prove your animal came from a legal source.

Though challenging at times to know your pet’s origin, you can be more confident in your decision by asking questions. Pet owners can take a few steps to ensure they are keeping their family and their pet’s family safe:

  • Obtain your animal legally and directly from a reputable rescue center, breeder or supplier that can show where their animals come from and that follows best practices for the species they sell. An animal marked or tagged with a microchip or closed leg ring with a unique identification number, one with breeding certificates, or one from a legal rescue center are good indicators that your pet is legally sourced.

  • Since information about the source of a pet can be confusing, make sure the species is not endangered. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List Assessments and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) are helpful resources to understand a species’ status in the wild. Learn more on our Species and CITES pages. Species listed on CITES Appendix-I need special registration and permits to be captive-bred and imported or exported to the U.S., so extra caution should be taken if considering the purchase of one of these species.

Provide Freedoms, Not FearPromote Native, Not Invasive
Close-up of a person taking a photo of a monarch on some milkweed with their smartphone. © WWF-US / McDonald Mirabile

Promote Native Not Invasive

Maybe you have heard of Burmese pythons slithering throughout Florida’s Everglades. As popular pets, Burmese pythons were introduced to the United States and unprepared pet owners released the snakes into the Florida Everglades when they grew too big. Lucky for the python, but not so lucky for the local community and wildlife, the species thrived eating local wildlife with no natural predators and became invasive. The impact of this introduction on ecosystem health continues to be a massive challenge.

Most pets cannot survive in the wild and if they can, the animal has the potential to establish itself in local habitats, resulting in economic, social and ecological impacts for the community. A recent study found that the US spends about $21 billion a year on damages due to invasive species, including major damages to the agricultural sector1.

One place you can learn more about whether specific species are invasive to the United States is the US Register of Introduced and Invasive Species (US-RIIS). However, no pet should ever be released into the wild regardless of its tendency to be invasive. This is a generalized list and since climatic conditions are dramatically different across the US, a species could be invasive in your specific region even if it is not in other locations.

Just because a species is exotic and may have wild ancestors doesn’t mean it should ever be released outside. Pet owners can take steps to ensure they are not contributing to invasive species impacts in their community:

  • Ensure you can properly house your pet so they cannot escape, and that you can provide housing and care for their lifetime no matter how big they might grow and what their living requirements might be.

  • Should you no longer be able to keep your pet, contact your local rescue center, responsible pet store, accredited zoo, veterinarian, or other trusted home to find someone that can take it in. Though they may not be able to directly care for your animal, they should be able to direct you to someone that can. Do not post your animal for sale or adoption on social media or online since it is harder to know a buyer’s intent and ability to care for the animal in online markets. Also, never release a pet outside, into the wild.

  • Keeping a pet that is unlikely to be invasive in your specific region reduces risks to your local community should it escape.

1 J.E. Fantle-Lepczyk, P.J. Haubrock, A.M. Kramer, R.N. Cuthbert, A.J. Turbelin, R. Crystal-Ornelas, C. Diagne, F. Courchamp. Economic costs of biological invasions in the United States. Sci. Total Environ., 806 (2022), 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151318

Capture Pictures, Not PetsBe Lawful, Not Liable
Grey parrot at a rehabilitation center in Italy. © Adriano ARGENIO / WWF-Italy

Be Lawful Not Liable

Whether to protect the public or wildlife, a number of laws exist at the federal, state, and local levels around collecting, owning, or trading certain species and any wild animals. Some animals cannot be imported to the US because they are considered damaging to agriculture, forestry, or wildlife, or because they can cause serious human disease or ecological damage.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are the relevant regulatory agencies in the U.S. They have many resources owners can reference to ensure they are following such laws, including on traveling across international borders with pets that may be subject to regulation. All wildlife imported into and exported from the U.S. must be declared to USFWS and follow their requirements.

Exotic pet ownership in the US is regulated at the state level, and sometimes even at the county or city level. Certain species that are endangered and protected by federal law, however, cannot be kept as pets no matter what state you are in. These laws are incredibly important from a conservation perspective. They help ensure that species populations in the wild are maintained as they may not be able to withstand unsustainable levels of trade. If these species experience further capture from the wild, they could become threatened or endangered. The hierarchy of laws around pet keeping can be confusing, but following laws and ordinances will protect you from legal consequences and fines and protect wildlife and your community. In some cases, offenders can be banned from keeping, selling, or importing pets.

Learn more about relevant laws such as:

Promote Native, Not InvasiveBack to the Introduction

About the Exotic Pet Suitability Guide
and Assessments

WWF aims to ensure species in the wild are not threatened from the pet trade and supports responsible pet ownership. Developed through a collaboration between WWF-US and WWF-Japan, the Exotic Pet Suitability Guide provides people the information they should consider before buying an exotic pet and assessments on the suitability of various species as pets.

Exotic pet suitability is assessed based on a rigorous evidence-based criteria that is summarized at a high level below. There are five themes of potential risk when considering the suitability of an exotic species as a pet including conservation, legality, public health, animal welfare, and invasiveness.

1

Conservation

Sourcing animals for the pet trade should not threaten the survival of species in the wild

2

Legality

Exotic pets should not be obtained or kept in violation of the law

3

Human and Public Health

Exotic pets should not pose a major threat to public health and safety

4

Invasiveness

Exotic pets should not have the potential to negatively impact native biodiversity or habitats if they escape or are released

5

Animal Welfare

Exotic pets should have a good quality of life and their needs should be easily met in human care

Each theme includes multiple sub-criteria, that make up the overall exotic pet suitability score. A species is scored against each sub-criteria on a 0 (no risk) to 5 (high risk) scale. Scores are added up under each theme and used to determine the overall risk rating. The overall risk/suitability ratings follow a stoplight system as shown below.

Green/Low Risk

Can be a suitable pet if well cared for, do more research to ensure it is a good pet for you.

Orange/Moderate Risk

Prospective pet owners should research if they can safely keep the animal for its lifetime, including housing, proper food and veterinary care, and be sure it came from a legal source and is allowed in their jurisdiction.

Red/High Risk

Not a suitable pet

The exotic pet suitability assessment is generalized to apply to a species as a whole. However, many potential risks around exotic pet ownership are specific to an individual animal or their owner. Know the origin of the animal you plan to buy and ensure you are able to care for it for its lifetime. Use the situational checklist to assess whether your situation adds or reduces risks associated with keeping a particular animal.

Fennec Fox

Vulpes zerda

Symbolically Adopt a Fennec Fox
Two fennec foxes sleeping on top of eachother

Assessment results

Low risk Moderate risk High risk

There is moderate risk associated with keeping this species as a pet, as explained below. Prospective pet owners should research if they can safely keep the animal for its lifetime, including housing, proper food and veterinary care, and be sure it came from a legal source and can legally be kept.

Important considerations

  • Check your local laws on fennec fox ownership. Laws on pet ownership vary at the city, county and state level in the US and it is illegal or you need proper permits to keep a fennec fox as a pet in some states and municipalities.
  • They are not domesticated, do not enjoy being handled, and can exhibit harmful behaviors toward humans out of fear.
  • Their housing, diet, and social needs are very hard to meet in captivity, and are financially expensive and time consuming. Fennec foxes need a lot of room for running and exercise, and can be destructive if bored. They require warm temperatures, at least above 68 degrees Fahrenheit, low humidity and an adequate amount of the amino acid taurine in their diet. If these needs are not met, they may develop ringworm or other diseases.
  • Not all vets are appropriately qualified to provide care for fennec foxes, so make sure you have access to a specialist that can. Find an exotic mammal vet near you.

Basic Information

Taxonomy

Carnivora, Canidae

Native range and habitat:

Arid and semi-arid deserts in northern Africa.

Weight:

1.8-3 lbs (0.8-1.5 kg)

Size:

12-15 in (30-40 cm)

Lifespan:

Maximum lifespan is 10 years in the wild and about 12 years in captivity.

Diet:

Omnivore—they feed on small mammals and birds, eggs, and insects, as well as plant leaves, berries, and roots.

Activity and behavior:

  • Highly social, living in family groups of up to 10 animals, including one or more breeding pairs.
  • Most active at night when people are asleep, and will mark their territory with urine
  • They are hunters that dig burrows.

Know the origin of the animal you plan to buy and ensure you are able to care for it for its lifetime. Use this checklist to assess whether your situation adds or mitigates risks associated with keeping a particular animal.

Situational Checklist

Tiger

Panthera tigris

Symbolically Adopt a Tiger
Shutterstock / Zhiltsov Alexandr / WWF ©Andy Rouse/Minden Pictures

Assessment results

Low risk Moderate risk High risk

There is a high risk associated with keeping this species as a pet. This is not a suitable pet.

Important considerations

  • Tigers are an endangered and protected species in the wild due to habitat loss and poaching. There are currently more tigers in captivity in the U.S. than those existing in the wild globally, which is an obstacle to their recovery and protection in the wild.
  • It is illegal to buy, sell, or privately own tigers in the US.
  • Tigers possess the strength, large teeth, and claws that can cause life-threatening harm to humans and will show harmful behavior toward humans in close proximity to protect themselves.
  • Their housing and dietary needs are very hard to meet in captivity, and are financially expensive and time consuming. They need a very large amount of outdoor space to roam.

Basic Information

Taxonomy

Carnivora, Felidae

Native range and habitat:

Tigers are distributed throughout Asia, from India to Siberia. From the warm climate of Turkey in the west, to equatorial Indonesia in the south, to the extremely cold Siberia in the north, tigers have inhabited forests in a variety of climates. However, tigers in some regions (Bali, Caspian, and Javan tigers) have already become extinct.

Weight:

Male 220-570 lbs (100-260 kg)

Female 290-350lbs (130-160 kg)

Size:

Male 7-10 ft (2.2-3.1 m)

Female 8-9 ft (2.4-2.8 m)

Lifespan:

About 15 years in the wild, usually 16-18 years in captivity, although some have lived to be 26 years old.

Diet:

In their natural environment, they feed mainly on even-toed ungulates such as deer and cattle, but may also prey on animals including large birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish.

Activity and behavior:

  • Tigers are solitary animals and territorial, interacting to mate and sometimes to share their killed prey.
  • They hunt mainly in the evening and morning. Wild tigers have a large range of activity, ranging from as little as 20 square kilometers per animal to as much as 100 square kilometers.

Know the origin of the animal you plan to buy and ensure you are able to care for it for its lifetime. Use this checklist to assess whether your situation adds or mitigates risks associated with keeping a particular animal.

Situational Checklist

Common Marmoset

Callithrix jacchus

Three White-Tufted-Ear Marmosets on a branch in the treetops ©Adriano Gambarini / WWF-US

Assessment results

Low risk Moderate risk High risk

There is a high risk associated with keeping this species as a pet. This is not a suitable pet.

Important considerations

  • Check your local laws on marmoset ownership. In the majority of US states, primate ownership is illegal or restricted. It is also illegal to import any non-human primate to the US for the pet trade.
  • Marmosets, especially those that come from the wild, are known to carry zoonotic diseases that can be life threatening to humans. They possess sharp canine teeth that may cause bite wounds to people as well.
  • In order to ‘tame’ primates as pets, babies are often taken from their moms when they are a few days old. They are very social animals that need to be reared by their mother and live among a large family group of primates of their own kind. They do very poorly and are stressed by the isolated lifestyle in a person’s home.
  • Their housing, diet, and social needs are very hard to meet in captivity, and are financially expensive and time consuming. Bone disease is a common health issue in marmosets and a specialized diet and UV light through outdoor access are required to prevent this.

Basic information

Taxonomy

Primates, Callitrichidae

Native range and habitat:

Inhabit a variety of forests from extreme coastal to dry inland to rainforests in Brazil.

Weight:

0.6-0.8 lbs (300-360 g)

Size:

4.7-5.9 in (12-15 cm) body with 11.6-13.8 in (29.5- 35 cm) tail

Lifespan:

About 12 years in the wild and 16 years in captivity

Diet:

Their staple diet is insects, fruits, and plants. They also eat lizards and bird eggs.

Activity and behavior:

  • Highly social and have parental care systems within their social groups of 3 to 15 individuals
  • Active during the day and live in the trees
  • Mark their territory by rubbing their scent glands (located under their armpits and at the base of their legs) against trees and other objects

Know the origin of the animal you plan to buy and ensure you are able to care for it for its lifetime. Use this checklist to assess whether your situation adds or mitigates risks associated with keeping a particular animal.

Situational Checklist

Guinea Pig

Cavia porcellus

A white guinea pig ©Art Prof / Flickr.com / Creative Commons

Assessment results

Low risk Moderate risk High risk

The risk associated with keeping this species as a pet is low. Guinea pigs are suitable pets if well cared for, but you can learn more below to check if it is a suitable pet for you.

Important considerations

  • Most experts consider them to be domesticated, and they are not naturally found in the wild.
  • They need time outside their cage for adequate exercise and mental stimulation, but can become stressed from excessive contact with owners and need a quiet environment.

Basic information

Taxonomy

Rodentia, Caviidae

Native range and habitat:

domesticated and does not exist naturally in the wild. There are many other members of the same genus that do.

Weight:

1-3 lbs (0.5- 1.4 kg)

Size:

8-16 in (20- 40 cm)

Lifespan:

In captivity, the average lifespan is 4-8 years.

Diet:

They are herbivores that feed on leafy vegetables, grasses and fruits. Forage barley and timothy hay are commonly used in captivity, along with pellets formulated for guinea pigs containing plant materials (barley and alfalfa) and necessary vitamins and minerals (such as vitamin C).

Activity and behavior:

  • Guinea pigs are very social and prefer to live among other guinea pigs, but adults should only be housed together if they are a same-sex pair that was raised together.
  • They are most active during the day, and spend much of their time grooming, foraging, and surveying their surroundings
  • Guinea pigs have an extensive range of vocalizations that have different meanings. When they are very happy, they jump and twirl in the air. This is known as popcorning.

Know the origin of the animal you plan to buy and ensure you are able to care for it for its lifetime. Use this checklist to assess whether your situation adds or mitigates risks associated with keeping a particular animal.

Situational Checklist

Dwarf Hamster

Phodopus spp.

Dwarf hamster on bedding ©Wikimedia Commons/Philipp Salzgeber

Assessment results

Low risk Moderate risk High risk

The risk associated with keeping this species as a pet is low. Dwarf hamsters are suitable pets if well cared for, but you can learn more below to check if it is a suitable pet for you.

Important considerations

  • Most experts consider them to be domesticated, but can easily get stressed and will give a painful bite if startled, so should be handled slowly and gently to establish trust.
  • They can squeeze their bodies through openings as big as their head, so may be prone to escaping.
  • Their teeth grow continuously throughout their life, so they need to chew on hard objects to prevent overgrowth.

Basic information

Taxonomy

Rodentia, Cricetidae
* Dwarf hamsters including Roborovski, Syrian, Djungarian, Russian, and Chinese hamsters

Native range and habitat:

Central Asia

Weight:

0.2-0.3 lbs (85- 150 g)

Size:

2-4 in (7-10 cm)

Lifespan:

2-3 years

Diet:

Omnivore; in captivity they should eat hamster lab blocks and limited amounts of grains, vegetables, and fruits.

Activity and behavior:

  • Dwarf hamsters have high energy and are most active at night when people are sleeping, so ensure they have a quiet wheel to run on.
  • They love to burrow and hide, and need an environment to do so.
  • They are known to be social and live in groups.

Know the origin of the animal you plan to buy and ensure you are able to care for it for its lifetime. Use this checklist to assess whether your situation adds or mitigates risks associated with keeping a particular animal.

Situational Checklist

Sugar Glider

Petaurus breviceps

Close-up of a sugar glider perching on a stump. ©Shutterstock

Assessment results

Low risk Moderate risk High risk

There is moderate risk associated with keeping this species as a pet, as explained below. Prospective pet owners should research if they can safely keep the animal for its lifetime, including housing, proper food and veterinary care, and be sure it came from a legal source and can legally be kept.

Important considerations

  • Sugar gliders are often imported from Indonesia and there is an increased conservation and zoonotic disease risk (particularly salmonella and other bacterial infections) from animals originating from the wild. However, sugar gliders are also captive bred in the US and animals sourced from captive breeding have a reduced risk of carrying zoonotic diseases.
  • Check your local laws on sugar glider ownership. Laws on pet ownership vary at the city, county and state level in the US and it is illegal or you need proper permits to keep a sugar glider as a pet in some states and municipalities.
  • Their housing, diet, and social needs are very hard to meet in captivity, and are financially expensive and time consuming. An ideal captive diet for sugar gliders is unknown, so nutritional diseases are very common and they are not recommended as a pet for this reason. They are also highly active, and need lots of space to run and jump, along with an environment that is 75-90 degrees F and not in bright sunlight.
  • Ensure you have access to a veterinarian specializing in exotic mammals and consult them about proper habitat set up, diet, and care. Find an exotic mammal vet near you.

Basic information

Taxonomy

Diprotodontia, Petauridae

Native range and habitat:

Widely found in forests and grasslands in northwestern and southeastern Australia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea.

Weight:

0.2-0.3 lbs (90- 130 g)

Size:

6- 8 in (16- 20 cm) body with 6.5- 8 in (16.5- 21 cm) tail

Lifespan:

In captivity, they live an average of 14 years; some records indicate a lifespan of 17.8 years.

Diet:

In the wild, they are omnivorous, eating tree secretions, fruits, and nectar, along with insects and bird eggs. Strict requirements must be met in captivity.

Activity and behavior:

  • In the wild, they live in highly social groups consisting of one male, several females, and their young, gliding tree to tree, and communicating with each other through their scent and calls. In captivity, they should be housed with other sugar gliders and provided an environment that allows leaping and climbing with enriching toys and nesting boxes.
  • They are most active at night, when people are asleep.

Know the origin of the animal you plan to buy and ensure you are able to care for it for its lifetime. Use this checklist to assess whether your situation adds or mitigates risks associated with keeping a particular animal.

Situational Checklist

Four-toed Hedgehog

Atelerix albiventris

Symbolically Adopt a Hedgehog
Close-up of someone's hands holding a four-toed hedgehog ©WWF-Japan

Assessment results

Low risk Moderate risk High risk

The risk associated with keeping this species as a pet is low. Hedgehogs are suitable pets if well cared for, but you can learn more below to check if it is a suitable pet for you.

Important considerations

  • Check your local laws on hedgehog ownership. Laws on pet ownership vary at the city, county and state level in the US and it is illegal or you need proper permits to keep a hedgehog as a pet in some states and municipalities.
  • Hedgehogs are known to carry and spread diseases to humans. Make sure to follow hygienic practices during and after handling like hand washing.
  • They needs lots of exercise and should be provided a wheel in captivity.
  • Ensure you have access to a veterinarian specializing in exotic mammals and consult them about proper habitat set up, diet, and care. Find an exotic mammal vet near you.

Basic information

Taxonomy

Erinaceomorpha, Erinaceidae

Native range and habitat:

Central Africa

Weight:

0.5-1.5 lbs (230- 680 g)

Size:

6-11 in (15-28 cm)

Lifespan:

About 2-3 years in the wild, but 8-10 years old in captivity.

Diet:

Omnivorous, but mainly insectivorous. Feeds on spiders, insects, and other invertebrates, and may eat small amounts of plants and small vertebrates. In captivity, they eat specially formulated pellets, crickets, mealworms, fruits, and vegetables.

Activity and behavior:

  • Hedgehogs are solitary and may fight with other hedgehogs, so they should be housed alone.
  • Hedgehogs are most active at night when people are sleeping and should be provided an exercise wheel in captivity to allow for exercise.
  • When they sense danger, they curl into a ball and raise their spines for protection.
  • When the temperature becomes very high or very low, they go into hibernation or summer sleep.
  • When a hedgehog gets introduced to a new scent or food, it begins to froth at the mouth and spreads its saliva over its spines. This may be stress release or a form of protection.

Know the origin of the animal you plan to buy and ensure you are able to care for it for its lifetime. Use this checklist to assess whether your situation adds or mitigates risks associated with keeping a particular animal.

Situational Checklist

North African Hedgehog

Atelerix algirus

Symbolically Adopt a Hedgehog
North African hedgehog walking through some grass ©Wikimedia Commons/Galanthus

Assessment results

Low risk Moderate risk High risk

The risk associated with keeping this species as a pet is low. Hedgehogs are suitable pets if well cared for, but you can learn more below to check if it is a suitable pet for you.

Important considerations

  • Check your local laws on hedgehog ownership. Laws on pet ownership vary at the city, county and state level in the US and it is illegal or you need proper permits to keep a hedgehog as a pet in some states and municipalities.
  • Hedgehogs are known to carry and spread diseases to humans. Make sure to follow hygienic practices during and after handling like hand washing.
  • They need lots of exercise and should be provided a wheel in captivity.

Basic information

Taxonomy

Erinaceomorpha, Erinaceidae

Native range and habitat:

Shrublands, grasslands and deserts of northern Africa and the Spanish islands.

Weight:

1.6-2.8 lbs (0.7- 1.3 kg)

Size:

8-10 in (20-25 cm)

Lifespan:

The lifespan is not well known. It is thought to be 3-7 years in the wild, about the same as similarly sized hedgehogs, and 8-10 years in captivity.

Diet:

Omnivorous, feeding on a variety of foods including insects and other arthropods, small vertebrates, carrion, and fungi. In captivity, they eat pellets formulated for insectivores, crickets, mealworms, fruits, and vegetables.

Activity and behavior:

  • Solitary and may fight with other hedgehogs, so should be housed alone.
  • Hedgehogs are most active at night when people are sleeping and should be provided an exercise wheel in captivity.
  • When they sense danger, they curl into a ball and raise their spines for protection.
  • Ensure you have access to a veterinarian specializing in exotic mammals and consult them about proper habitat set up, diet, and care. Find an exotic mammal vet near you.

Know the origin of the animal you plan to buy and ensure you are able to care for it for its lifetime. Use this checklist to assess whether your situation adds or mitigates risks associated with keeping a particular animal.

Situational Checklist

Gray Parrot

Psittacus erithacus

Grey parrot stands on one leg while holding a toy. ©Certified NPO TSUBASA

Assessment results

Low risk Moderate risk High risk

There is a high risk associated with keeping this species as a pet. This is not a suitable pet.

Important considerations

  • Gray parrot (also called African gray parrots) populations are declining in the wild, targeted for poaching and illegal pet trade, and they are an endangered species. However, they can be captive bred with a proper set up and legal and legitimate breeding facilities exist. Make sure to obtain pet birds from a reputable captive breeding source.
  • Check your local laws on gray parrot ownership. Laws on pet ownership vary at the city, county and state level in the US and it is illegal or you need proper permits to keep a gray parrot as a pet in some states and municipalities.
  • Their housing, diet, and social needs are hard to meet in captivity. African gray parrots need hours of stimulation and social time each day, a reliable schedule, and room to fly. They are prone to behavioral and health issues without proper care.
  • This bird has a long lifespan of up to 60 years, so consider the financial and time commitment needed to care for your pet its whole life.
  • Ensure you have access to a veterinarian that specializes in birds and consult them about proper habitat setup, diet, and care. Find an avian vet near you.

Basic information

Taxonomy

Psittaciformes, Psittacidae

Native range and habitat:

Inhabits forested areas of Central and West Africa, including Principe Island (Gulf of Guinea)

Weight:

0.5- 1.5 lb (230- 680 g)

Size:

12-16 in (30- 40 cm) long, 18- 20.5 in (45- 52 cm) wingspan

Lifespan:

In the wild, their average lifespan is 22.7 years. While in captivity, they can live to be 40-60 years old.

Diet:

Herbivorous with the main diet in the wild consisting of nuts, oil palm, fruits, leaves, insects, bark, and flowers. In captivity, they should be fed a high-quality formulated diet, supplemented by leafy greens, fruits, and vegetables.

Activity and behavior:

  • A very social bird, they nest in large groups of up to 10,000 individuals and feed in smaller groups of up to 30.
  • They are most active during the day and divide into small groups to travel long distances to forage.
  • Young birds are cared for by older birds for several years.
  • They have high cognitive abilities and are considered one of the most intelligent species.

Know the origin of the animal you plan to buy and ensure you are able to care for it for its lifetime. Use this checklist to assess whether your situation adds or mitigates risks associated with keeping a particular animal.

Situational Checklist

Chinchilla

Chinchilla spp.

A gray chinchilla looking at the camera ©Filipe Ramos/Flickr.com/Creative Commons

Assessment results

Low risk Moderate risk High risk

There is moderate risk associated with keeping this species as a pet, as explained below. Prospective pet owners should research if they can safely keep the animal for its lifetime, including housing, proper food and veterinary care, and be sure it came from a legal source and can legally be kept.

Important considerations

  • Chinchillas are domesticated, but not suited for all households as their housing, diet, and social needs are hard to meet. They are messy, destructive, and need a significant amount of exercise outside of their cage. Most health issues arise due to poor living conditions and an unbalanced diet that is common in captivity, heart murmurs being a common issue seen. Their thick, soft fur protects them from the colder elements in their wild habitat, but in captivity it makes them susceptible to overheating and fungal skin infections when stressed, so they need cool temperatures and very low humidity. Their fur needs dust bathing 2-3 times a week to stay healthy as well and fur chewing or loss can be a sign of stress, boredom or poor diet.
  • They are generally shy animals, so are best for older children or adults and need plenty of quiet space.
  • Ensure you have access to a veterinarian specializing in exotic mammals and consult them about proper habitat setup, diet, and care. Find an exotic mammal vet near you.

Basic information

Taxonomy

Rodentia, Chinchillidae

Native range and habitat:

Andes mountains and the grasslands of northern Chile

Weight:

1-2 lbs (450- 900 g)

Size:

8-15 in (20-40 cm) long with a tail length of 3-6 in (7- 15 cm)

Lifespan:

In the wild, they live about 10 years, and in captivity, up to 20 years, though generally 12-14.

Diet:

Herbivore- feeds on a high fiber diet of a variety of plant species, mostly grasses and seeds. They also eat insects and bird eggs. In captivity, they are fed grass hay, alfalfa, wheat, corn, oats, and pellets formulated for chinchillas.

Activity and behavior:

  • In the wild, they are social animals and are known to live in groups of 100 or more and in captivity do best in small groups of the same sex.
  • They are most active at dusk and throughout the night when people are asleep, and are very high energy animals.
  • Females are aggressive during the breeding season.

Know the origin of the animal you plan to buy and ensure you are able to care for it for its lifetime. Use this checklist to assess whether your situation adds or mitigates risks associated with keeping a particular animal.

Situational Checklist

Kinkajou

Potos flavus

A kinkajou stands on its hind legs behind a wooden slat. © Dick Culbert/Wikimedia Commons

Assessment results

Low risk Moderate risk High risk

There is a high risk associated with keeping this species as a pet. This is not a suitable pet.

Important considerations

  • Check your local laws on kinkajou ownership. Laws on pet ownership vary at the city, county and state level in the US and it is illegal or you need proper permits to keep a kinkajou as a pet in some states and municipalities.
  • Kinkajous, especially those that come from the wild, are known to carry zoonotic diseases that can be life threatening to humans. They are not domesticated and hard to train, so can be unpredictable and show harmful behaviors toward humans, such as biting very hard.
  • Their housing, diet, and social needs are very hard to meet in captivity, and are financially expensive and time consuming. In the wild, they have a highly varied diet that is hard to provide in captivity. They are very intelligent, high-energy animals that require large spaces with trees to live in.

Basic information

Taxonomy

Carnivora, Procyonidae

Native range and habitat:

Neotropical forests in Mexico, Central America, and part of South America.

Weight:

4-10 lbs (2-4.6 kg)

Size:

16-30 in (46-76 cm) long with a tail length of 15-22 in (40-57 cm)

Lifespan:

Kinkajou lifespan in the wild is not well known, but in captivity, they live up to 23 years.

Diet:

Omnivores- eat a variety of fruits depending on the season.

Activity and behavior:

  • They have a complex social structure, which is still being studied by scientists. They have a solitary group life where they spend most of the time alone, but gather to feed and socialize.
  • They are most active at night when people are sleeping.

Know the origin of the animal you plan to buy and ensure you are able to care for it for its lifetime. Use this checklist to assess whether your situation adds or mitigates risks associated with keeping a particular animal.

Situational Checklist

Capuchin Monkey

Sapajus spp.

Symbolically Adopt a Capuchin Monkey
White-fronted Capuchin Monkey (Cebus albifrons) crossing tree ©R.Isotti, A.Cambone / Homo Ambiens / WWF

Assessment results

Low risk Moderate risk High risk

There is a high risk associated with keeping this species as a pet. This is not a suitable pet.

Important considerations

  • Capuchin monkey populations are declining in the wild and they are an endangered species, targeted for poaching and illegal pet trade.
  • Check your local laws on capuchin monkey ownership. In the majority of US states, primate ownership is illegal or restricted. It is also illegal to import any non-human primate to the US for the pet trade.
  • Capuchin monkeys, especially those that come from the wild, are known to carry zoonotic diseases that can be life threatening to humans.
  • In order to ‘tame’ primates as pets, babies are often taken from their moms when they are a few days old. They are very social animals that need to be reared by their mother and live among a large family group of primates of their own kind. They do very poorly and are stressed by the isolated lifestyle in a person’s home.
  • Their housing, diet, and social needs are very hard to meet in captivity, and are financially expensive and time consuming. They are not domesticated and hard to train, including potty training. They need social companionship and face many nutritional issues due to improper diet in captivity. Large outdoor facilities are the best environment for capuchins in captivity and they should not be handled once adults.

Basic information

Taxonomy

Primates, Cebidae

Native range and habitat:

They are widely found in forests and grasslands in Central and South America.

Weight:

3-9 lbs (1.4- 4 kg)

Size:

12-22 in (30- 56 cm) with a tail length of 12-22 in (30- 56 cm)

Lifespan:

Generally, they live 15 to 20 years in the wild, but can live 35-45 years in captivity.

Diet:

Omnivorous, eating a variety of foods including fruits, seeds, insects, frogs, lizards, birds, eggs, sometimes small mammals, carrion, stems, flowers, and leaves. There is a lot of variation depending on the region and season.

Activity and behavior:

  • Social animals that live in family groups of up to 40 individuals, consisting of one or more males, several females and their young. Males leave the group as adults, but females stay with their original group for the rest of their lives.
  • They are most active during the day, spending their time foraging or resting in trees.
  • They are highly intelligent and known to be playful and curious.

Know the origin of the animal you plan to buy and ensure you are able to care for it for its lifetime. Use this checklist to assess whether your situation adds or mitigates risks associated with keeping a particular animal.

Situational Checklist

Cockatiel

Nymphicus hollandicus

A cockatiel sits on a branch. ©Marilyn Brinker/Flickr.com/Creative Commons

Assessment results

Low risk Moderate risk High risk

The risk associated with keeping this species as a pet is low. Cockatiels are suitable pets if well cared for, but you can learn more below to check if it is a suitable pet for you.

Important considerations

  • Not suitable for people with asthma or allergies due to significant dandruff.
  • This bird has a long lifespan of up to 25 years, so consider the financial and time commitment needed to care for your pet its whole life.
  • Cockatiels need exposure to UV light, and one designed for birds should shine on the habitat 10-12 hours a day. Placing them in a window is not sufficient since windows often filter out UV rays.
  • Cockatiels are very intelligent and need enrichment. They are also gentle and affectionate, but timid and prone to panic when surprised.
  • Ensure you have access to a veterinarian that specializes in birds and consult them about proper habitat set up, diet, and care. Find an avian vet near you.

Basic information

Taxonomy

Psittaciformes, Psittacidae

Native range and habitat:

Widely distributed in Australian forests, savanna, grasslands, shrublands, and human-made environments. Also introduced to Puerto Rico.

Weight:

0.15- 0.2 lbs (80-90 g)

Size:

10-14 in (25- 35 cm) long and 12-15 in (30- 35 cm) wingspan

Lifespan:

In the wild, they live between 10-14 years. In captivity, they can live 15-25 years.

Diet:

Herbivorous- their staple food is seeds, but they also eat fruits and insects. In captivity, formulated pellets should make up most of their diet, plus fresh fruits and vegetables, and a small amount of fortified seeds as an occasional treat.

Activity and behavior:

  • They are highly social birds, pairing up early and operating in large flocks of up to several thousand birds. Pairs, small groups of 6-8 birds, or large flocks of several hundred birds forage on the ground.
  • They are most active during the day, very intelligent, and timid by nature.
  • They need to bathe and should be provided a shallow water dish in captivity.

Know the origin of the animal you plan to buy and ensure you are able to care for it for its lifetime. Use this checklist to assess whether your situation adds or mitigates risks associated with keeping a particular animal.

Situational Checklist

Zebra Finch

Taeniopygia guttata; Taeniopygia castanotis

Zebra finch sits on a branch. ©Nicholls of the Yard/Flickr.com/Creative Commons

Assessment results

Low risk Moderate risk High risk

The risk associated with keeping this species as a pet is low. Zebra finches are suitable pets if well cared for, but you can learn more below to check if it is a suitable pet for you.

Important considerations

  • Zebra finches are known to carry and spread diseases to humans. Make sure to follow hygienic practices during and after handling, like hand washing.
  • In captivity, it is important to mimic their foraging instincts for seeds and the seeds provided should be fresh and at peak nutritional value. Additionally, a large habitat for horizontal flight that also contains perches is needed to meet their activity needs.
  • Zebra finches do not enjoy being handled by people.
  • Ensure you have access to a veterinarian that specializes in birds and consult them about proper habitat set up, diet, and care. Find an avian vet near you.

Basic information

Taxonomy

Passeriformes, Estrildidae

Native range and habitat:

The Timor finches inhabit forests, grasslands, shrublands, marine intertidal zones, and artificial environments in Indonesia, Australia, and East Timor. Both species have introduced populations in Portugal and Puerto Rico.

Weight:

10- 16 g

Size:

3.9- 4.3 in (10- 11 cm) long and 8-9 in (20- 23 cm) wingspan

Lifespan:

In the wild, the lifespan is about 2-3 years. In captivity, it is 5-7 years.

Diet:

Forage for seeds from plants, weeds, pine cones, and berries in the wild. In captivity, they need to forage for seeds and should also be fed a variety of greens like romaine lettuce, kale, dandelion greens, and spinach, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. Include some pelleted food as a formulated nutrition source, along with eggs or an egg supplement.

Activity and behavior:

  • They are highly social and live in flocks of around 100 birds. During the breeding season, they divide into small flocks of about 50.
  • They are very active and communicate with each other through their calls.

Know the origin of the animal you plan to buy and ensure you are able to care for it for its lifetime. Use this checklist to assess whether your situation adds or mitigates risks associated with keeping a particular animal.

Situational Checklist

Serval

Leptailurus serval

Symbolically Adopt a Serval
Serval with a spotted and barred coat stands in a savanna.. ©Martin Harvey/WWF

Assessment results

Low risk Moderate risk High risk

There is a high risk associated with keeping this species as a pet. This is not a suitable pet.

Important considerations

  • Check your local laws on serval ownership. Laws on pet ownership vary at the city, county and state level in the US and it is illegal or you need proper permits to keep a serval as a pet in some states and municipalities.
  • Servals will bite and scratch and should not be handled.
  • Their housing, diet, and social needs are very hard to meet in captivity, and are financially expensive and time consuming. They are very active and need a lot of room. Veterinary care is also very challenging to find for servals.

Basic information

Taxonomy

Carnivora, Felidae

Native range and habitat:

Forest, grasslands, savannas in sub-Saharan Africa.

Weight:

15-40 lbs (7- 18 kg)

Size:

2- 3 ft (0.6- 0.9 m) long, 1.5- 2 ft (0.4- 0.6 m) tall

Lifespan:

Up to 10 years in the wild and 20 years in captivity

Diet:

Carnivore, prefers living prey, small mammals, birds and amphibians.

Activity and behavior:

  • They are solitary animals and territorial; they rarely spend time with other individuals of the same species except during breeding season, to raise young, and for territorial disputes.
  • They are highly athletic, with a strong jumping ability.

Know the origin of the animal you plan to buy and ensure you are able to care for it for its lifetime. Use this checklist to assess whether your situation adds or mitigates risks associated with keeping a particular animal.

Situational Checklist

Budgerigar / Budgie

Melopsittacus undulatus

A green and blue budgie sitting outside its enclosure. ©Sascha Grant/Flickr.com/Creative Commons

Assessment results

Low risk Moderate risk High risk

The risk associated with keeping this species as a pet is low. Budgies are suitable pets if well cared for, but you can learn more below to check if it is a suitable pet for you.

Important considerations

  • Budgies are an introduced species in many parts of the world due to escaped pets. Ensure you have a secure location to keep your pet and take it to a rescue shelter or trusted home if you can no longer keep it.
  • Active and playful birds, budgies need a large cage for flight with plenty of toys and perches of different sizes, shapes, and textures for good foot health. They need plenty of time to exercise and socialize outside of their cage.
  • Budgies can be prone to goiters and tumors due to nutritional insufficiencies and are sensitive to poor air quality.
  • Ensure you have access to a veterinarian that specializes in birds and consult them about proper habitat setup, diet, and care. Find an avian vet near you.

Basic information

Taxonomy

Psittaciformes, Psittacidae

Native range and habitat:

Semi-arid to semi-humid regions of Australia, though most species found in the pet stores now have undergone decades of captive breeding

Weight:

1-1.5 oz

Size:

6-8 in (15- 20 cm) long, 10-14 in (25- 35 cm) wingspan

Lifespan:

5-8 years in the wild, 7-18 years in captivity

Diet:

Omnivores that eat seeds, fruit, berries, and insects. In captivity, a pelleted diet is nutritionally balanced and should be paired with some seeds, vegetables and fruits.

Activity and behavior:

  • In the wild, they are nomadic within dry habitats to find food and shelter, and food availability determines their flock size.
  • They are social birds that are best kept in pairs in captivity and love to interact with their owners and play with toys.

Know the origin of the animal you plan to buy and ensure you are able to care for it for its lifetime. Use this checklist to assess whether your situation adds or mitigates risks associated with keeping a particular animal.

Situational Checklist

Rosy-faced Lovebird

Agapornis roseicollis

Two rosy-faced Lovebirds on a flowering branch in Arizona. ©Jeff Duerr

Assessment results

Low risk Moderate risk High risk

There is moderate risk associated with keeping this species as a pet, as explained below. Prospective pet owners should research if they can safely keep the animal for its lifetime, including housing, proper food and veterinary care, and be sure it came from a legal source and is allowed in their jurisdiction.

Important considerations

  • Rosy-faced lovebird housing, diet, and social needs are hard to meet in captivity. They need hours of stimulation and social time outside of their cage each day, along with a rotating variety of toys and space to fly. They are prone to behavioral issues without enough exercise, stimulation, and social interaction. They are very social birds that should be kept in at least pairs.
  • Rosy-faced lovebirds are an introduced species in many parts of the US due to escaped pets. Ensure you have a secure location to keep your pet and take it to a rescue shelter or trusted home if you can no longer keep it.
  • Ensure you have access to a veterinarian that specializes in birds and consult them about proper habitat set up, diet, and care. Find an avian vet near you.

Basic information

Taxonomy

Psittaciformes, Psittaculidae

Native range and habitat:

Dry woodlands near permanent standing water of southwestern Africa

Weight:

38-56 g

Size:

5-7 in (12-18 cm), 3.8-4.2 in (9.8-10.6 cm) wingspan

Lifespan:

10-15 years in the wild, 15-25 years in captivity

Diet:

Fruit, grasses, seeds, and vegetables; in captivity, a pelleted diet can be supplemented with various fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and 5% of their diet should be seeds

Activity and behavior:

  • A very social bird that usually travels with groups of 5 to 20 birds or more; they allopreen (social-grooming) to communicate and bond
  • They are most active during the day, flying short distances and glide, but also walk for movement
  • Intelligent, mostly quiet and non-destructive, mischievous birds that like to hide and can learn tricks

Know the origin of the animal you plan to buy and ensure you are able to care for it for its lifetime. Use this checklist to assess whether your situation adds or mitigates risks associated with keeping a particular animal.

Situational Checklist

Green-cheek Conure

Pyrrhura molinae (6 subspecies exist)

Green-cheek conure perches on a branch. ©Brandon Lim/Wikimedia Commons

Assessment results

Low risk Moderate risk High risk

There is moderate risk associated with keeping this species as a pet, as explained below. Prospective pet owners should research if they can safely keep the animal for its lifetime, including housing, proper food and veterinary care, and be sure it came from a legal source and is allowed in their jurisdiction.

Important considerations

  • The green-cheek conure (also know as the green-cheek parakeet), has housing, diet, and social needs are hard to meet in captivity. They need hours of stimulation and social time outside of their cage each day, along with a rotating variety of toys, puzzles, perches, and space to fly. They are prone to behavioral issues, such as feather plucking from boredom, without enough exercise, stimulation, and social interaction, and diseases without proper care and diet.
  • Ensure you have access to a veterinarian that specializes in birds and consult them about proper habitat set up, diet, and care. Find an avian vet near you at.

Basic information

Taxonomy

Psittaciformes, Psittacidae

Native range and habitat:

Forests and woodlands of Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, and Paraguay

Weight:

2-3 oz

Size:

About 10 in (26 cm) long, 6-7 in (15-18 cm) wingspan

Lifespan:

25-30 years in the wild or captivity

Diet:

Fruits, vegetables, seeds, and insects; in captivity a high-quality pellet diet plus a variety of fruits and vegetables

Activity and behavior:

  • Lives in flocks of 10-20 birds or more depending on food availability
  • Fly for miles each day to find food, mates, or a place to nest
  • Friendly, playful and can be noisier birds

Know the origin of the animal you plan to buy and ensure you are able to care for it for its lifetime. Use this checklist to assess whether your situation adds or mitigates risks associated with keeping a particular animal.

Situational Checklist

Scarlet Macaw

Ara macao

Symbolically Adopt a Macaw
A flock of scarlet macaws resting in a tree in French Guiana. ©Roger Leguen/WWF-Canon

Assessment results

Low risk Moderate risk High risk

There is a high risk associated with keeping this species as a pet. This is not a suitable pet.

Important considerations

  • Their population is declining in the wild, and they are regularly targeted for poaching and illegal trade; the actual number of birds illegally captured for the pet trade is unknown but is thought to be substantial. However, they can be captive bred with a proper setup and legal and legitimate breeding facilities exist. Make sure to obtain pet birds from a reputable captive breeding source.
  • The commercial trade of wild macaws is forbidden, and import to the US is illegal
  • Macaws have a large beak that can be harmful to people should they be provoked and bite.
  • In captivity, macaws can live exceptionally long lives, potentially over 80 years.
  • Scarlet macaw’s housing, diet, and social needs are hard to meet in captivity. They can be noisy and destructive and need hours of stimulation and social time outside of their cage each day, along with a rotating variety of sturdy toys, puzzles, perches, and space to fly. They are prone to behavioral issues from boredom and nutritional diseases, and beak overgrowth if not given a proper diet and rough surfaces to chew. Scarlet macaws should be kept in at least pairs, or a pet owner can become a macaw’s companion as long as they can provide daily attention and interaction.
  • Ensure you have access to a veterinarian that specializes in birds and consult them about proper habitat set up, diet, and care. Find an avian vet near you.

Basic information

Taxonomy

Psittaciformes, Psittacidae

Native range and habitat:

Canopies of tropical rainforests of Central and South America

Weight:

2-3 lbs (900- 1400 g)

Size:

35 inches

Lifespan:

40-50 years on average, but up to 80+

Diet:

Nuts, leaves, berries, and seeds; in captivity, a formulated parrot diet plus seeds, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and high calcium-greens like kale and spinach are important

Activity and behavior:

  • Intelligent birds with a lot of energy and character that need daily socialization, stimulation, and exercise
  • Live in small flocks in the wild, and have a monogamous bonded pair relationship for life

Know the origin of the animal you plan to buy and ensure you are able to care for it for its lifetime. Use this checklist to assess whether your situation adds or mitigates risks associated with keeping a particular animal.

Situational Checklist

Yellow canary

Serinus canaria

Profile of a yellow canary perching on a line. ©Wikimedia Commons/David J. Stang

Assessment results

Low risk Moderate risk High risk

The risk associated with keeping this species as a pet is low. Canaries are suitable pets if well cared for, but you can learn more below to check if it is a suitable pet for you.

Important considerations

  • Canaries are non-destructive and relatively easy to care for but do not enjoy being handled, and their housing and diet needs require additional knowledge and effort. They need as large of a cage as possible, or ideally an aviary, to allow for plenty of exercise and space to fly between perches of various sizes and textures. They also enjoy investigating, and various objects can be hung around their cage and rotated daily for enrichment. Canaries can be prone to health issues related to poor diet, a dirty environment, drafts, or poor air quality.
  • Ensure you have access to a veterinarian that specializes in birds and consult them about proper habitat set up, diet, and care. Find an avian vet near you

Basic information

Taxonomy

Passeriformes, Fringillidae

Native range and habitat:

Macaronesian islands (Aszores, Madeira, and Canary)

Weight:

12- 30 g

Size:

4-8 in (10- 20 cm) long, 8-9 in (20-23 cm) wingspan

Lifespan:

5-15 years

Diet:

Seeds and a small amount of insects; in captivity, a high quality canary specific seed diet coated with vitamins, supplemented with some vegetables greens and fruits

Activity and behavior:

  • They are a relatively solitary bird, and are okay with any housing arrangement except two males together in a single cage
  • All males can sing starting between 3-6 months unless they become ill

Know the origin of the animal you plan to buy and ensure you are able to care for it for its lifetime. Use this checklist to assess whether your situation adds or mitigates risks associated with keeping a particular animal.

Situational Checklist

Leopard Gecko

Eublepharis macularius

Leopard gecko with its iconic spots looks to the left. © David Lawson / WWF-UK

Assessment results

Low risk Moderate risk High risk

The risk associated with keeping this species as a pet is low. Leopard geckos are suitable pets if well cared for, but you can learn more below to check if it is a suitable pet for you.

Important considerations

  • Most reptiles carry salmonella in their intestinal tract and may not be suitable for young children or immunocompromised individuals. Always practice good hygiene and hand washing around leopard geckos.
  • Leopard geckos are relatively easy to care for but do not enjoy being handled and their housing and diet needs require additional knowledge and effort. They need a gradient of temperatures (73-75ºF on the cool end to 88-90ºF on the warm end) in their environment to be able to regulate their own body temperature, proper humidity, and a small amount of UVA and UVB light for good health. They are prone to metabolic bone disease without UV light exposure and enough calcium and vitamin D3. The substrate used in their environment is important and should not be something they could ingest.
  • Ensure you have access to a veterinarian that specializes in reptiles and consult them about proper habitat setup, diet, and care. Find a reptile vet near you.

Basic information

Taxonomy

Squamata, Eublepharidae

Native range and habitat:

Arid mountainous deserts of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Northwest India, and Iran

Weight:

45-60 g

Size:

7-10 in (17-25 cm) long including tail

Lifespan:

10-25 years

Diet:

Insectivores that eat a variety of live crickets, waxworms, and some mealworms; in captivity, ensure the insects you feed are gut-loaded and coated in a calcium/vitamin D3 supplement

Activity and behavior:

  • Most active at night
  • Communicate with their tails and can self-amputate their tail as a defense mechanism
  • Generally solitary animals unless mating

Know the origin of the animal you plan to buy and ensure you are able to care for it for its lifetime. Use this checklist to assess whether your situation adds or mitigates risks associated with keeping a particular animal.

Situational Checklist

Bearded Dragon

Pogona vitticeps

Front quarters of a bearded dragon, featuring the head ©Dan Scott/Wikimedia Commons

Assessment results

Low risk Moderate risk High risk

The risk associated with keeping this species as a pet is low. Bearded dragons are suitable pets if well cared for, but you can learn more below to check if it is a suitable pet for you.

Important considerations

  • Most reptiles carry salmonella in their intestinal tract and may not be suitable for young children or immunocompromised individuals. Always practice good hygiene and hand washing around bearded dragons.
  • Bearded dragons are relatively easy to care for, but their housing and diet needs require additional knowledge and effort. Proper temperature gradients (77 degrees F on the cool side to 90 degrees F on the warm side with a hot basking spot of around 100 degrees F, with no drop below 75 degrees F at night) in the tank, humidity levels, and exposure to UV light consistent with a day-night cycle are important for good health. They are prone to metabolic bone disease without UV light exposure and enough calcium and vitamin D3. They are also susceptible to respiratory infections and digestive issues from certain insects in their diet. Substrate used in their environment is important and should not be something they could ingest.
  • Ensure you have access to a veterinarian that specializes in reptiles and consult them about proper habitat setup, diet, and care. Find a reptile vet near you.

Basic information

Taxonomy

Squamata, Agamidae

Native range and habitat:

Warm arid areas of Australia

Weight:

10-18 oz (283- 510 g)

Size:

18-24 in (45-60 cm) long

Lifespan:

6-10 years

Diet:

Omnivores that eat insects and smaller animals, along with plants; in captivity, gut-loaded live insects covered in calcium/vitamin D supplement should be fed 3-4 times a week (the insects should not be longer than the distance between their eyes), and a salad should be fed daily (70-80% salad greens, 20-30% vegetables, 2-5% fruit).

Activity and behavior:

  • Have many different poses and behaviors with different meanings to communicate, such as arm waving to show species recognition or fear
  • Active during the day (diurnal) and semi-arboreal (tree-dwelling), so like to perch off the group
  • Solitary animals that should not be housed together

Know the origin of the animal you plan to buy and ensure you are able to care for it for its lifetime. Use this checklist to assess whether your situation adds or mitigates risks associated with keeping a particular animal.

Situational Checklist

Ball python

Python regius

Ball python coiled up on a branch © Shutterstock

Assessment results

Low risk Moderate risk High risk

The risk associated with keeping this species as a pet is low. Ball pythons are suitable pets if well cared for, but you can learn more below to check if it is a suitable pet for you.

Important considerations

  • Ball python populations are threatened in the wild, targeted for poaching and illegal trade. However, they can be captive bred with a proper setup and legal and legitimate breeding facilities exist. Make sure to obtain your ball python from a reputable captive breeding source.
  • Many captive-bred ball pythons can be found in a variety of color and pattern morphs, which adds to their popularity. Hobbyists and specialists try to isolate genetic mutations found naturally in the wild in order to create thousands of these interesting color variations.
  • Most reptiles carry salmonella in their intestinal tract and may not be suitable for young children or immunocompromised individuals. Always practice good hygiene and hand washing around ball pythons.
  • Ball pythons are relatively easy to care for, but their housing and diet needs require additional knowledge and effort. Proper temperature gradients (80-85°F and a climbing branch basking area of 90-92°F) in the tank and 60-80% humidity levels are important, along with a water dish large enough for them to soak in and enough space to stretch out full length.
  • Ensure you have access to a veterinarian that specializes in reptiles and consult them about proper habitat setup, diet, and care. Find a reptile vet near you.

Basic information

Taxonomy

Squamata, Pythonidae

Native range and habitat:

Grasslands and open forests of West and Central Africa

Weight:

3-5 lbs

Size:

3-4 ft (36- 48 in) long

Lifespan:

In captivity, 20-30 years typically but 50+ is possible; in the wild they live 10 years on average

Diet:

Carnivores that eat small rodents every 1-2 weeks depending on their age; the prey should not be larger than the girth of the snake’s mid-body

Activity and behavior:

  • Nocturnal animal that spends most of their time on or under the ground in burrows
  • Balling is their protective mechanism where they form a tight ball with their head in the center in response to threats, they are generally shy and timid animals
  • Use chemical and visual cues to hunt their prey

Know the origin of the animal you plan to buy and ensure you are able to care for it for its lifetime. Use this checklist to assess whether your situation adds or mitigates risks associated with keeping a particular animal.

Situational Checklist

African Sulcata Tortoise

Centrochelys sulcata

African sulcata tortoise eating in grass. ©Melissa Mitchell/Wikimedia Commons

Assessment results

Low risk Moderate risk High risk

There is moderate risk associated with keeping this species as a pet, as explained below. Prospective pet owners should research if they can safely keep the animal for its lifetime, including housing, proper food and veterinary care, and be sure it came from a legal source and is allowed in their jurisdiction.

Important considerations

  • African sulcata tortoise populations are declining in the wild, and they are an endangered species, targeted for poaching and illegal trade. However, they can be captive bred with a proper setup and legal and legitimate breeding facilities exist. Make sure to obtain your tortoise from a reputable captive breeding source.
  • Most reptiles carry salmonella in their intestinal tract and may not be suitable for young children or immunocompromised individuals. Always practice good hygiene and hand washing around African sulcata tortoises.
  • African sulcata tortoise diet and habitat needs are hard to provide in captivity. Proper temperature options (not below 60 degrees F and ideally 80-90 degrees F), humidity levels, and exposure to UV light consistent with a day-night cycle are important for good health. This can be provided through an outdoor enclosure in the right climate or indoors through UVA/UVB lights and basking lamps.
  • Sulcata tortoises are very long-lived and could outlive their owner. They also grow very large, and extremely heavy with needs that quickly surpass many keepers’ expectations and abilities. Ensure you have a plan for your tortoise if you can no longer keep it like another trusted home or rescue shelter.
  • Ensure you have access to a veterinarian that specializes in reptiles and consult them about proper habitat setup, diet, and care. Find a reptile vet near you.

Basic information

Taxonomy

Testudines, Testudinidae

Native range and habitat:

Semi-arid grasslands, savannas, and thorn shrublands in the Sahara Desert and Sahel of Africa

Weight:

65-120 lbs (29-54 kg)

Size:

20- 30 in (50- 76 cm) long

Lifespan:

80+ years

Diet:

Strict herbivores that eat mostly a variety of grasses and hays, along with some weeds and flowers; ensure to check with your veterinarian about the proper diet for your tortoise in captivity. They require a high-fiber, low-protein, low-fat, low-sugar, grass-based diet to stay healthy. Some recommended foods include mixed fresh grasses, grass hays (e.g., timothy, orchard grass), clover, dandelion, edible flowers, and spineless Opuntia (prickly pear) cactus pads. The exclusive use of commercial diets is not recommended but could be used for a small portion of their diet with supplementation.

Activity and behavior:

  • Outgoing and active tortoises that are most active at dawn and dusk, when they leave their den to forage
  • Dig dens that are up to 10 feet deep to cool off and will become inactive during extreme temperatures

Know the origin of the animal you plan to buy and ensure you are able to care for it for its lifetime. Use this checklist to assess whether your situation adds or mitigates risks associated with keeping a particular animal.

Situational Checklist

Axolotl

Ambystoma mexicanum

Pink axolotl up close against a black background ©Shutterstock

Assessment results

Low risk Moderate risk High risk

There is moderate risk associated with keeping this species as a pet, as explained below. Prospective pet owners should research if they can safely keep the animal for its lifetime, including housing, proper food and veterinary care, and be sure it came from a legal source and is allowed in their jurisdiction.

Important considerations

  • Their population is declining in the wild, and they are a critically endangered species due to pollution, habitat degradation, water diversion from the two lakes they occur in, and over-collection for food and medicine. However, they can be captive bred with a proper setup, and legal and legitimate breeding facilities exist. Make sure to obtain an axolotl from a reputable captive breeding source.
  • Check your local laws on exotic pet ownership. In the US, some states prohibit ownership of axolotls or require permits.
  • Axolotl dietary and water quality needs are very hard to meet in captivity and generally are not recommended as pets for this reason.
  • Ensure you have access to a veterinarian that specializes in amphibians and consult them about proper habitat setup, diet, and care. Find an amphibian vet near you.

Basic information

Taxonomy

Urodela, Ambystomatidae

Native range and habitat:

Lake Xochimilco and Lake Chalco in southern Mexico City

Weight:

2-8 oz (57-227 g)

Size:

6- 18 in (15 - 46 cm) long

Lifespan:

10-15 years

Diet:

Carnivore including crustaceans, mollusks, insect eggs, and small fish

Activity and behavior:

  • Solitary creatures that burrow in aquatic vegetation and mud during the day and that venture out to eat at night
  • Can regrow limbs five times in a few weeks and other organs many more times

Know the origin of the animal you plan to buy and ensure you are able to care for it for its lifetime. Use this checklist to assess whether your situation adds or mitigates risks associated with keeping a particular animal.

Situational Checklist

Green and Black Poison Dart Frog

Dendrobates auratus

A black and green poison dart frog on some wet gravel. ©kikkerdirk/iStock

Assessment results

Low risk Moderate risk High risk

There is moderate risk associated with keeping this species as a pet, as explained below. Prospective pet owners should research if they can safely keep the animal for its lifetime, including housing, proper food and veterinary care, and be sure it came from a legal source and is allowed in their jurisdiction.

Important considerations

  • Their population is declining in the wild due to habitat loss and collection for the pet trade. However, they can be captive bred with a proper setup, and legal and legitimate breeding facilities exist. Make sure to obtain a poison dart frog from a reputable captive breeding source.
  • In the wild, poison dart frogs eat ants with high alkaloid levels, which are stored in the frog’s skin and make them poisonous. In captivity, if given insects without alkaloids, they will lose toxicity.
  • Poison dart frog housing and diet needs are hard to provide in captivity. They need a temperature gradient of 68°F to no higher than 80°F with humidity between 70-90%. A low-level UVB light is also recommended to encourage natural behaviors and establish a normal day/night cycle.
  • Poison dart frogs have delicate porous skin and should not be handled unless absolutely necessary, and if you must, wear moistened powder-free gloves. A soft net can be used to catch them for habitat cleaning.
  • This species is adaptable and established a population in Hawaii after introduction by humans. Do not release your pet frog into the wild, as it may become an invasive species in your community.
  • Ensure you have access to a veterinarian that specializes in amphibians and consult them about proper habitat setup, diet, and care. Find an amphibian vet near you.

Basic information

Taxonomy

Amphibia, Dendrobatidae

Native range and habitat:

Rainforest floors near small streams or pools in Central and South America (Nicaragua and Costa Rica to southeastern Brazil and Bolivia), they have also been introduced in Hawaii

Weight:

0.3 oz

Size:

1.5 in (4 cm) long

Lifespan:

3-15 years in the wild, up to 20 years in captivity

Diet:

Carnivore and insectivore, preying on small invertebrates, insects, and non-insect arthropods; in captivity, feed mainly flightless fruit flies, gut-loaded pinhead crickets, springtails, and isopods

Activity and behavior:

  • Most active during the day searching for food and caring for their young
  • Frogs of the same species can be housed together if the habitat is large enough

Know the origin of the animal you plan to buy and ensure you are able to care for it for its lifetime. Use this checklist to assess whether your situation adds or mitigates risks associated with keeping a particular animal.

Situational Checklist

African clawed frog

Xenopus laevis

Close-up of a clawed frog floating in water. ©Holger Krisp/Wikimedia Commons

Assessment results

Low risk Moderate risk High risk

There is moderate risk associated with keeping this species as a pet, as explained below. Prospective pet owners should research if they can safely keep the animal for its lifetime, including housing, proper food and veterinary care, and be sure it came from a legal source and is allowed in their jurisdiction.

Important considerations

  • They are considered invasive species on four continents due to release from pet owners and research labs. Should you no longer be able to keep your pet, be sure to find it a trusted new home or a rescue center, and never release your pet outside.
  • African clawed frog’s housing and diet needs are hard to provide in captivity. They are sensitive to their water quality and should not be in water with chlorine or metal ions. They need proper temperatures between 60-80 degree F, a normal day/night light cycle, places to hide, and minimal disturbances, and their tank should have enough water that they can be submerged far from the surface.
  • They should not be handled since their skin dries out quickly if removed from the water, and if you must handle them, non-powdered gloves should be worn since they have very sensitive skin.
  • Check your local laws on exotic pet ownership. In the US, some states or municipalities do not allow you to keep African clawed frogs as a pet.
  • Ensure you have access to a veterinarian that specializes in amphibians and consult them about proper habitat setup, diet, and care. Find an amphibian vet near you.

Basic information

Taxonomy

Anura, Pipidae

Native range and habitat:

Along the African Rift Valley south of the Sahara Desert

Weight:

2-7 oz. (57-198 g)

Size:

2- 4.5 in (5-11 cm)

Lifespan:

15-20 years

Diet:

Dead or dying arthropods and other organic waste; in captivity, a varied diet of waxworms, earthworms, feeder fish, bloodworms, brine shrimp, and freshwater snails

Activity and behavior:

  • Relatively inactive species, but most active at night
  • Almost completely aquatic and only leaves the water to migrate to another pond
  • Males are able to create vocal sounds from rapid muscle contraction to attract females, who will create acceptance or rejection calls in return on occasion

Know the origin of the animal you plan to buy and ensure you are able to care for it for its lifetime. Use this checklist to assess whether your situation adds or mitigates risks associated with keeping a particular animal.

Situational Checklist

Mongolian gerbil

Meriones unguiculatus

Mongolion gerbil on its hind legs surveying the area. ©Alastair Rae/Wikimedia Commons

Assessment results

Low risk Moderate risk High risk

The risk associated with keeping this species as a pet is low. Gerbils are suitable pets if well cared for, but you can learn more below to check if it is a suitable pet for you.

Important considerations

  • Check your local laws on exotic pet ownership. In the US, some states or municipalities do not allow you to keep a gerbil as a pet.
  • Gerbils are relatively easy to care for, but they should be kept in same-sex pairs or small groups that are littermates or grow up together since they are social animals. Adults are territorial and not introduced easily. They should also be provided lots of opportunities for climbing, burrowing, and playing with enriching toys, along with an exercise wheel since they are very active, and things to chew to trim their teeth.

Basic information

Taxonomy

Rodentia, Muridae

Native range and habitat:

Clay or sandy deserts, grasslands, scrub, arid steppes, and mountain valleys of the highlands of inner Mongolia, along with southern Siberia and northern China

Weight:

2-5 oz (60- 130 g)

Size:

4 in (10 cm) body with a 4 in (10 cm) tail

Lifespan:

2-3 years, but up to 8

Diet:

Mugwort, saltwort, bristle grass, and lyme grass. A high-quality pelleted diet or rodent diet can be used in captivity, but a seed diet should not be used as it can cause nutritional diseases.

Activity and behavior:

  • Curious, playful, active, and very social animals that live in family groups in small burrows.
  • They are most active at night and natural burrowers that spend most of their time foraging. They tend to reduce activity or be inactive during the hottest and coldest parts of the day and year.
  • Sunbathe to remove excess oil and to regulate body temperature

Know the origin of the animal you plan to buy and ensure you are able to care for it for its lifetime. Use this checklist to assess whether your situation adds or mitigates risks associated with keeping a particular animal.

Situational Checklist

Ferret

Mustela putorius furo

Close-up of a ferret looking off to the left. ©Gilowyn/Wikimedia Commons

Assessment results

Low risk Moderate risk High risk

There is moderate risk associated with keeping this species as a pet, as explained below. Prospective pet owners should research if they can safely keep the animal for its lifetime, including housing, proper food and veterinary care, and be sure it came from a legal source and is allowed in their jurisdiction.

Important considerations

  • Check your local laws on exotic pet ownership. In the US, some states or municipalities do not allow you to keep a ferret as a pet.
  • Ferrets are highly susceptible to canine distemper, strep throat, human influenza and COVID if exposed and can spread the latter three illnesses back to humans as well. They are prone to many medical problems after the age of 3, so will likely require a high financial commitment.
  • De-scenting and regular bathing, along with spaying or neutering a ferret is recommended. Unneutered males are aggressive and unspayed females are always in heat if not bred, which can cause a life-threatening bone-marrow disease.
  • Ferrets housing, social, and diet needs require additional knowledge, time, and effort compared to some pets. They are highly social creatures and should be handled from a young age, and need a large, escape-proof cage, along with an even larger enclosed space where they can run.
  • They require preventative care such as teeth brushing, nail trimming, and vaccinations, heartworm and flea/tick preventatives. Ensure you have access to a veterinarian that can treat your ferret and take your pet in for annual checkups. Find an exotic mammal vet near you.

Basic information

Taxonomy

Carnivora, Mustelidae

Native range and habitat:

Domestic ferrets are not found in the wild, but likely descended from European polecats, which are found in forests, mountains, farmlands, semi-desert, steppe, and tundra in Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa.

Weight:

1.5-4.5 lbs

Size:

13-16 in (33-40 cm) long

Lifespan:

5-9 years

Diet:

Obligate carnivores (they can’t absorb nutrients from plants); in captivity, lean meats and eggs are good or a high quality commercial diet

Activity and behavior:

  • Highly social animals that are most active at dawn and dusk and sleep for most of the day. They should be kept in a pair or small group of same-sex littermates or a pair of a neutered male and a spayed female. Solitary ferrets often become depressed.
  • Ferrets are notorious chewers and thieves and prone to escape, so require a lot of supervision

Know the origin of the animal you plan to buy and ensure you are able to care for it for its lifetime. Use this checklist to assess whether your situation adds or mitigates risks associated with keeping a particular animal.

Situational Checklist

Exotic Pet Suitability Checklist

Use this tool to quickly assess the suitability of any species not provided on the website to be kept as a pet.

  1. Is the species endangered or threatened with extinction in the wild?
  2. Is the species protected by law in your country, state, or local jurisdiction, or restricted for import or ownership?
  3. Is the species a commonly known carrier of a serious zoonotic disease?
  4. Should the species show harmful behaviors toward a human, is the potential severity major to life-threatening? For example, is it large and powerful, venomous or poisonous, or does it have sharp fangs, claws, and/or a strong jaw/beak, or the ability to constrict?
  5. Does the species require very specialized care, social needs, housing requirements, nutritional requirements, and/or veterinary care?
  6. Is the species invasive in your region or does it have a high likelihood of becoming an invasive species if it escapes or is released into the wild?

Know the origin of the animal you plan to buy and ensure you are able to care for it for its lifetime. Use this checklist to assess whether your situation adds or mitigates risks associated with keeping a particular animal.

Situational Checklist

Situational Checklist

The exotic pet suitability assessment is generalized to apply to a species as a whole. However, many potential risks around exotic pet ownership are specific to an individual animal or their owner. Know the origin of the animal you plan to buy and ensure you can care for it for its lifetime. Use this checklist to assess whether your situation adds or reduces risks associated with keeping a particular animal.