The Do's and Don't's of Exotic Pet Keeping

 Taking care of an exotic pet is not as easy as getting a dog or a cat on a pet store. You need to know a lot of things before acquiring the animal. An exotic animal is a wild animal taken from its natural environment or it is bred in captivity. Although it can be sold as a companion animal or pet, it can never be a companion to us unless with a proper training and understanding its needs.

The keeping of exotic animals can sometimes lead to a huge suffering for the animals due to people who simply don't have the knowledge and ideas to meet the animals requirements and psychological needs. Here are a lists of the do's and don't's before acquiring a pet. Please read and understand, it is not just for the safety of the animal but even for our safety.

Do:

• Take some time of thinking if which type of animals would you like to have as pet. This is a very important decision because this will be your initial test in keeping an exotic pet.
• Do a thorough research before getting a pet. Consider the changes on your everyday life in taking care and keeping an exotic pet.  Remember that they are different from your dogs and cats at home.
• Understand all the requirements needed for you to keep your new pet - the food, cage, environment, time and energy you will give.
• Ask someone who own or breed the type of exotic pet you are considering. You can find them on exotic pet forums or join some groups on the internet for exotic pet keeping. You'll have more opportunity to know more about your future pet.
• Always check the availability and prices before acquiring a pet.
• You can also try to contact local humane shelter or rescue organizations to get a pet that really needs a home.
• Make sure to select a source that is very knowledgeable on the specific animal you are interested in, showing true caring for the pet.
• Know where the exotic pet came from. Know the breeder.
• Check if there are any health provisions or certificates that are provided or will be needed such as vaccinations, animal identification card and many more.
• Set up the environment of the animal before getting it (cage, bed, food, etc.).
• Make sure to let the animal feel that it is safe at your home. Try not to disturb it for awhile.
• Determine the animal's diet.
• Make sure to take all the responsibilities in keeping an exotic pet. It is not as easy as keeping a dog but it will be as sweet as a cat once you get use to it.
• Always keep in mind how much you really like your new pet and how you willingly do all the responsibilities in keeping its well being.
• Prepare yourself to embrace all of the responsibilities in keeping your new exotic pet at home.

Don't:

• Buy any exotic pet that you want.
• Acquire an exotic pet to unknown breeder.
• Acquire an exotic pet because you just want to be different.
• Acquire an exotic pet just for the sake of having one and not doing any responsibilities for it.
• Acquire a pet because you feel sorry to its current status on the pet store.
• Rely on information provided by the pet stores.
• Hold and play with your new pet too much without knowing too much of it.
• Keep them on any cage.
• Feeding your pet with cereals and bread and not knowing their diet.
• Sell them immediately for a much higher price.
• Allow your friends, neighbors and co-workers to play and tease the animal.

What If You Realized That The Exotic Pet That You Got Is Not The Pet For You

 

Do:

• Accept that it was your fault and don't ever blame anyone.
• Take responsibility.
• Keep the animal and take good care of it until you find a better home.
• Make sure to find someone that will really take care of the animal and knows a lot about it.

 

Don't:

• Never put your frustration on the animal.
• Sell it to others that like your pet.
• Dump your exotic pet on a shelter where it may be euthanized.
• Dump your exotic pet to the wilderness and soon it will die of hunger and cruelty.
• Do the same mistake again.