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Whether you're hoping to be the life of the party with an iguana casually resting on your shoulder or simply can't resist the appeal of a tiny monkey, it's likely that you're fascinated by exotic pets! The trade of these unique creatures spans the globe, offering a wide range of cute and fascinating animals.
However, not all of these creatures make ideal pets. Some are extremely challenging to care for, while others can be downright dangerous. While these ten animals might have seemed like a great choice initially, and there are places where you can legally own them, they're definitely not recommended.
10. Prairie Dogs
Prairie dogs are charming rodents native to the Great Plains of the United States. They're frequently spotted standing guard outside their burrows, watching for approaching predators. Though they belong to the ground squirrel family, they don't have the characteristic long, bushy tails. Despite that, their cuteness has led many to adopt them as pets.
This is likely one of the worst choices you can make, but not due to potential harm to your home. Prairie dogs are highly social animals that live in family groups, or 'towns,' consisting of 15 to 26 members. These towns can cover vast areas, and within them, prairie dogs engage in social grooming and 'kissing,' which involves oral contact.
If you remove a prairie dog from its social group, you'll need to step in and take the place of dozens of prairie dogs. Owning one as a pet means dedicating several hours each day to grooming and caring for it. This might be enjoyable initially, but over time, the little creature will see less and less of you, as is often the case.
Some individuals have successfully cared for prairie dogs, but it’s advisable to adopt more than one. Their care is both demanding and time-consuming, making it a commitment that many aren't able to handle. In the end, it’s best to leave them in their natural habitat and observe them from a distance.
9. Fennec Foxes
Fennec foxes are one of the few types of foxes kept as pets, famous for their oversized ears. They are the smallest members of the canine family, weighing in at less than 3 lbs. (1.3 kg) at most. Their large ears, tiny size, and irresistibly cute features make them look like creatures from a Pokémon game. However, adopting one requires careful consideration of the responsibilities involved.
Fennec foxes are naturally crepuscular, meaning they are most active during twilight hours. Even if tamed, this behavior is unlikely to change, so you'll end up with a pet that may wake you up early in the morning or keep you up late at night. They're also fond of digging and can create sizable holes in their search for insects to snack on.
In most places, owning a Fennec fox is illegal, so you'll need to verify local regulations before considering one. If you're clear on the legal front, feeding a Fennec fox requires more than just regular dog food. While it can form part of their diet, they'll need more specialized nourishment.
To properly care for a Fennec fox, you'll need to supplement their meals with fresh fruits, vegetables, and freshly killed rodents. In captivity, they can live longer than in the wild (up to 14 years compared to 10), but their care is demanding and requires attention to detail. It's a significant commitment, so make sure you're prepared and have done thorough research before adopting one.
8. Servals
The serval is a wild cat species native to Africa's non-rainforest regions. They are distinguished by their long legs, the longest relative to body size of any cat species, and their striking golden-yellow coat with spots. These magnificent creatures may resemble a domesticated cat, but they are far from it.
Some serval cats have been tamed, but they remain a wild species. Nevertheless, they’ve been part of human history for centuries. Evidence of their presence appears in ancient Egyptian art, dating back over 4,000 years. They were once given as prized gifts from Nubia, and today, they are unfortunately part of the exotic pet trade.
While servals are illegal to own in many places, some regions still allow them as pets. The main issue with keeping them is that people often mistake them for a type of exotic cat. In some ways, they resemble cats, but the key distinction is that servals require vast areas to roam and hunt.
A serval won’t be satisfied lounging on your bed in an apartment — these animals need plenty of space to stretch their long legs. They require special, costly diets and may need veterinary care from specialists. Additionally, servals mark their territory and struggle to adapt to litter boxes. Ultimately, it’s much better to stick with a regular housecat and leave servals in their natural habitats.
7. Capybara
The capybara is the world’s largest rodent and looks much like an oversized guinea pig. Like the other creatures on this list, they’re undeniably cute and captivating, making them attractive as potential pets. However, for several reasons, they really shouldn’t be adopted.
Much like prairie dogs, capybaras are highly social animals and typically live in groups of up to 100 individuals. While some may form smaller groups, they are never solitary creatures and should never be kept alone. Though they’re quite large, calling them the biggest rodent species doesn’t quite capture the full picture.
When most people think of rodents, they imagine small creatures like mice, but capybaras can reach up to two feet (0.6 meters) tall and weigh as much as 170 lbs. (77 kg). This makes them significantly larger than most dogs, and since they are social by nature, you can't just keep one — you'll need to have several.
Capybaras are only legally kept as pets in a handful of places, and even in those areas, they require a lot of space. They need access to a pool of water and a large area — about 12 feet by 20 feet (3.6 to 6 meters) per pair. While they might be adorable, keeping capybaras as pets is expensive, demanding, and not recommended.
6. Kinkajous
Kinkajous, often called 'Honey Bears,' are small fruit-eating mammals from Central and South America. Despite their appearance, they are more closely related to raccoons than primates. Living in the treetops, they are nocturnal creatures and generally avoid human interaction in the wild.
Kinkajous are often hunted in the wild for the exotic pet trade, but obtaining one can be challenging. While it's possible to acquire them as pets in certain parts of the world, it's important to remember that adopting one requires a significant investment of time, money, and space — and it’s generally not advisable.
Although kinkajous can be kept as pets, they are rarely fully tame. They have a tendency to scratch and bite their owners, both in zoos and at home, making them less than ideal companions. Furthermore, their saliva contains harmful bacteria, which can trigger serious and potentially fatal reactions in some individuals if bitten.
Beyond the risk they pose, creating an appropriate environment for a kinkajou is a difficult task. These animals thrive in dark rainforests, meaning their needs for light, humidity, and specific types of plants are tough to replicate. While it's possible to keep them as pets, it's far better to leave them in their natural habitat.
5. Sloths
Sloths have gained popularity, largely thanks to the flood of photos and videos circulating online. These charming, slow-moving creatures are hard to resist, and many people dream of adopting one. They are legal to own in many places, which leads some to believe they could make good family pets — but, as with other animals on this list, they really shouldn’t be kept as pets.
While sloths may appear harmless and cute, they are wild creatures that have not been domesticated. They thrive in the treetops of tropical rainforests and should remain in their natural environment. Even with the best care, they don't adapt well to captivity.
Though they seem docile, sloths can be dangerous. With large, sharp teeth, they’re not afraid to bite. A bite can transmit harmful bacteria, and sloths are deceptively strong. They are three times stronger than a human of the same weight, so an aggressive sloth can pose a serious risk.
Sloths are not well-suited for life as pets, primarily because captivity is stressful for them. Not accustomed to human contact, they have difficulty adjusting to such an environment. While they may live longer in proper care, they’re best left in the wild or under professional care.
4. Monkeys
Monkeys are undeniably adorable, with their playful, baby-like appearance that many find irresistible. Even Ross had one on *Friends* for a brief period, although David Schwimmer admitted to disliking the experience. Despite their cuteness, monkeys aren’t ideal pets.
In some areas, adopting a monkey is legal, and there are several species you can choose from. Capuchins, guenons, tamarins, marmosets, macaques, and squirrel monkeys are all options. Ross from *Friends* had a capuchin, which is one of the most commonly kept monkeys. These monkeys are also frequently seen on TV, often cast as animal actors due to their charming antics.
Owning a small monkey is much more complicated than what is portrayed on TV shows. They can be expensive, costing upwards of $7,000, and their care comes with its own hefty price tag. Monkeys require specialized food, diapers, medical care, and constant attention, making them a high-maintenance pet.
Monkeys can also pose a danger to their owners and others. They may become aggressive, and their natural energy needs a large space to roam. Keeping a monkey in a confined space is often considered cruel, so instead of adopting one, visiting a monkey at a local zoo is the best way to enjoy their presence.
3. Bears
Bears are the largest land carnivores on Earth, and while they may appear adorable, they are incredibly dangerous. Depending on the species, bears can grow to enormous sizes, with paws armed with claws like razor-sharp blades. Despite their imposing nature, some people have kept them as pets over the years, though this is highly inadvisable.
Caring for a bear is as challenging as it sounds, and while it is technically possible, it’s not a suitable choice for most people. In rare cases, a bear may make a good pet, but that’s only in very specific circumstances with experienced professionals. Most countries prohibit keeping bears as pets, although certain areas offer special licenses. Even in those cases, it’s highly advised against trying to keep a bear unless you are a trained expert.
Bears are massive creatures, weighing up to 1,500 pounds (680 kg), and they grow rapidly. A bear cub doesn’t remain small for long, and as they mature, their needs become more demanding. They require copious amounts of food and a vast space to roam, meaning they’ll never be content in a cramped area.
If a bear ever decides it no longer tolerates you, it’s over for the human involved. With claws as sharp as knives, teeth that can tear through flesh, and strength far beyond a person’s, a bear is a force to be reckoned with. It’s best to avoid trying to form a bond with one.
2. Tigers
If you’ve seen *Tiger King*, you’re probably aware of the tragic reality that there are more tigers kept in captivity in the U.S. than there are in the wild. It’s a sad fact, with approximately 5,000 tigers living in captivity in America, compared to only 3,900 remaining in the wild.
Tigers are the largest wild cats on Earth and apex predators, yet people have been keeping them as pets for hundreds of years. Despite their size and strength, tigers are not domesticated animals. They might be raised in loving homes, but at the end of the day, you're introducing a 600 lb. (272 kg), 11-foot (3.3 meters) predator with massive teeth and muscles into your home.
Although tigers can be found in some parts of the U.S., owning one is illegal in most regions. The biggest challenge in keeping a tiger is the immense amount of space and food they require to stay healthy. Additionally, taking them to a regular vet is out of the question, which means the cost of keeping them is astronomical.
A captive tiger consumes about 9-18 lbs. (4-8 kg) of raw meat five days a week. They also need a vast territory to roam — up to 40 miles (64 km) for males. Females require a smaller area, but most people can't provide that kind of space. Tigers are incredibly dangerous, and if they choose to attack, there's very little you can do to stop them.
1. Chimpanzees
If you’ve ever thought about expanding your interest in primates beyond monkeys, you might be tempted to bring a chimpanzee into your home. These intelligent members of the Great Ape family are our closest relatives in the animal kingdom, so they must make wonderful pets, right? Absolutely not! Keeping a chimpanzee as a pet is not a good idea at all.
While it is possible to keep chimpanzees as pets in certain regions, it is illegal in the majority of places. Much like monkeys, chimpanzees need diapers outside their enclosures since they haven’t yet figured out how to use toilets. If you’re still considering adopting one, keep in mind that they can live up to 60 years in captivity and demand a tremendous amount of time, resources, and attention.
If you're uncertain about bringing a chimpanzee into your home, it’s important to realize how unpredictable and incredibly strong these animals are. A chimp can weigh as much as 154 lbs. (70 kg) and stand nearly 5 feet (150 cm) tall. What's more, they are about 1.5 times stronger than humans.
Chimpanzees have a reputation for becoming violent, with the strength to seriously harm or even kill. They’ve been known to maul humans, including ripping off faces. These animals can be dangerous both to strangers and those who care for them, so heed the wise advice of Jane Goodall and avoid keeping a chimpanzee as a pet!
