Should you feed your pet ferret a raw, whole prey, or a kibble-based diet? What are the potential health benefits or disadvantages?
The natural history of the common hamster and whether or not they make good pets are discussed, and the truth may surprise you.
What to do if your iguana has tail rot, tail injury, infection, and other abnormalities.
What you should be feeding your pet hamster, according to animal professionals and current scientific research.
A discussion of the species of hedgehogs introduced to the pet trade in the United States as well as those already present.
Exotic pets can also be native animals found in your own backyard. Which American natives can be kept as pets?
Many people want a pet fox but are they dangerous to own and care for?
What are finger monkeys, and are they suitable to keep as pets? Learn everything you ever wanted to know about finger monkeys below!
These exotic cat species are rare and unique.
Here are some marine fish you will likely not own because of how hard they are to care for.
Here's a discussion about dog dental products on the market. Are they effective and safe?
Lemurs are non-traditional pets, and owning them comes with its own set of challenges.
Here's a list of some conditions and diseases that might result in the sudden death of captive green iguanas and other pet lizards.
There are many commercial or store-bought hamster cage options available, with some cheaper than others. Which affordable cages are the best to work well for your hamster's health and well-being?
This is what your pet dog would eat if it were a free-living, "wild" animal. The answer may not be what you think.
Where can you find a seller of domesticated foxes, and what is it like to own and care for them? Let's clear up some misconceptions about the domesticated fox.
This is a list of the vegan, vegetarian, and mostly plant-eating lizards that can be kept as pets.
What is it like to own a bush baby as a pet and are they even available in the pet trade? Read on to find out.
Here's a brief introduction to the many causes of sudden death in pet rabbits that happen without warning.
Here's the natural history of the ball python in the wild, which is a popular pet snake.
If you're in search of the best dog food recommended by experts and veterinarians, you probably have a lot of information to wade through. Here are some things to consider in the process.
If your leopard gecko's eyes are closed, have discharge, or have other issues, here are some things that could be wrong and which should be addressed immediately.
Some exotic pets are venomous, but how safe are they to own? Can they cause human fatalities? Here is a list of venomous—not poisonous—species kept as pets, including the Gila monster.
The spotted genet, binturong, and fossa might have some cat-like qualities, but they're not in the Felidae family. Check out six pets that resemble our feline friends.
This is a complete guide to potential solutions and methods to help green iguanas and other lizards that can’t defecate due to constipation, illness, or spinal injury.
Despite what some people claim, toucans are not bad pets; they actually make good pets. Here are 10 reasons why, from their simple diet to their moderate lifespan.
Who is Carole Baskin? Here's what you need to know about Big Cat Rescue’s CEO.
This article discusses basic care requirements for a pet wallaby. Consider this your go-to exotic pet care sheet for domesticated wallabies.
Is Dog Food Advisor legit, reputable, or a credible source to get information about your dog's food?
Pet owls can make good pets for the right owners. They tend to be solitary and sedentary and can live longer in captivity than they do in the wild.
Which exotic pets are legal in Indiana? Can you own a monkey or fox in this U.S. state? Find out in this article.
From old age to wet tail, these 11 conditions can cause sudden and unexpected death in a pet hamster.
How to help your skinny, underweight, or anorexic green iguana gain weight.
A comprehensive list of types of pet foxes that can be pets, a profile of their care, temperament, and legality information and what it's like to keep them as pets.
How to get your picky ball python to eat frozen rodents. Learn tricks for getting your snake interested in food and discover why your python might not be hungry.
What causes pet guinea pigs to die early and unexpectedly? Know the potential causes and warning signs for when your guinea pig's life may be in danger.
What are the guidelines for the size of your hamster cage, associated research, and cage-buying options? Also, find out why Critter Trails might not be so terrible.
Raccoon dog ownership has been banned in many countries, including the United States.
Small pet snakes are great for those who are new to snake care and prefer snakes that are small in size.
This is a list of animals that walk or hop on two legs.
Which exotic pets are legal in Arizona? Here's a list of animals you can own in the state. Learn about the rules and regulations, as well as which animals are banned as pets.
Did you know that there are animals that look like rodents but belong to other groups? Here are nine of them.
Here are nine domesticated and exotic pets that have long lifespans or live the longest compared to other species.
Review some pro-exotic pet arguments for essays, school debates, or general conversation.
Certain animals resemble dinosaurs and can be owned as pets. Discover how these species are related to prehistoric creatures and learn some interesting facts about them.
Not all animals smell good. Here are eight of them that emit the stinkiest droppings and will make you cover your nose!
Live feeding of a puppy reveals why you shouldn't feed turtles live prey.
Which exotic pets are legal in Pennsylvania? Can I own a monkey, fox, or a hedgehog in the state?
Learn what steps you should take if your dog eats chocolate, what dose is considered toxic, and what symptoms indicate toxicity.
Is it legal to keep squirrels as pets in your area? If so, here is a list of squirrel species people are allowed to own and raise.
Some exotic pets make better and more affectionate companion animals than others. Here is a list of the most popular examples. If you're new to exotic animals, make sure to confer with a veterinarian or animal expert before taking an animal home.
Learn about the legalities of caring for an exotic pet in the state of Florida. There are both good and bad aspects of the regulations. For the most part, exotic pet ownership is logically regulated.
"Hey Arnold!" usually espouses morality, but there are four episodes that fall rather short of that goal.
What other pets are similar to dogs? Find out which "exotic" species also make wonderful household companions.
These exotic, "wild" pets are smaller versions of larger animals and can live inside your home. These exotic pets are easier to care for than their larger relatives.
10 exotic pets that are legal to own in Texas, including lemurs, sloths, and kangaroos.
My review of TV's "Hey Arnold! The Jungle Movie"
From the Argentine black and white tegu to the uromastyx, these 10 vegetarian reptiles eat only plants or will accept non-living, meaty foods as a substitute for live prey.
Here is a list of Pokémon you can own as pets in real life. There are some pets that look like Pokémon, such as the springhare (Pikachu) and the yellow-collared lovebird (Chatot)!
Is your dog shaking or trembling? How do you know if it's an emergency or if they're just cold? Here's how to tell the difference and what to do if it is an emergency.
Are there dangerous dog breeds and species of exotic pets? How deadly are they and do they threaten your safety?
Looking for cool and exotic animals that you can—in certain areas—keep as pets? Here is a list of 42 unique animals that you might never have heard of before.
If your guinea pig is losing weight, here is a list of foods and supplements to help it put on more weight.
The price range of exotic pets can vary tremendously, from as low as $5 to thousands of dollars for rare or high-demand species. Here is a list and discussion of inexpensive exotic animals and their prices.
Here is a list of deer that people can own as pets in the exotic pet trade, such as the muntjac deer.
Fantasizing about having your own pet dragon? How about lizards that look like dragons? Make your dream come true with these exotic pets that are dragon look-alikes.
This is a discussion of the legality and care of pet owls in the United States.
Here are a few reasons why exotic pets are banned in some states, and why I disagree with these laws and regulations.
Many pet birds are extremely long-lived, and not all owners can commit to a pet for that many years. This is a list of pet birds with shorter life spans, like button quails, budgies, parrotlets, and ringneck doves. Discover some basic information about these birds.
How to care for pet Patagonian and Chacoan maras, also known as dwarf cavies.
Spaying and neutering are routine surgeries, and vets often keep dogs and cats overnight during recovery. Is it really necessary? And how do you care for your pets at home after the procedure?
Do wild cheetahs attack, kill, or eat human beings? This article answers this question and provides more information about these extraordinary animals.
Learn what separates dogs from wolves, and find out more about domesticated wolfdog breeds, wolfdogs, and wolf hybrids.
Do you use an electric toothbrush for your dogs? Why you should consider using an electric or battery-powered toothbrush for your dog, and how to train a dog to accept it.
Here are some potential pet names for hedgehogs, porcupines, and tenrecs.
Exotic animals considered dangerous and illegal to own as pets are legal in some situations. In what cases are individuals or organizations allowed to keep banned exotic animals?
Learn about some of the cool and cute exotic animals that are legal as pets in New Jersey, plus the permits that are required to keep them.
These exotic, unique, alternative animals are legal as pets in New York State.
These 5 deaths in animated Disney films get less attention but are quite graphic.
Explore why owning exotic pets should be legal.
Do the themes in Disney's animated "Beauty and the Beast" make sense?
Want a snake, but don't want to feed it live rodents? Most snakes need to eat live rodents, but some do not. Here are some options for people who wish to keep snakes as pets but find feeding frozen and thawed rodents and other mammals unappealing.
This article provides information about pet otters. Are they legal? Where can you buy one? Do they make good pets? What are the husbandry requirements? I will answer these questions and more.
Wondering which exotic animals can be legally kept as pets in the state of California? Here is a partial list of what is allowed.
This guide provides information about which fox species you can own as pets, where it's legal to do so, and what kind of care they need. It will also break down the pros and cons of fox ownership so you can decide whether or not having one as a pet is a good idea for you.
From Alabama to Wyoming, we discuss one exotic pet you can own without a license in each state.
Contrary to the claims of many, some exotic pets have reasonable care requirements and can be kept by anyone who is invested and responsible.
Hedgehogs, pigeons, and even tiger cubs are becoming popular in the pet trade. Here are some things to keep in mind when shopping online for unusual pets.
An in-depth look at the science and culture surrounding the topic of cat domestication and wild animals.
SeaWorld has made the wrong decision by ending its orca breeding program and teaming up with the Humane Society of the United States.
The animal rights blog The Dodo writes nonsense about zoos and exotic pet ownership.
Crazy cat people often invent wacky and hypocritical arguments for feral cats and owned pet free-roaming.
What makes an animal a pet and why are people claiming they are not pets?
"Wild & Dangerous: The World of Exotic Pets" claims to highlight the dangers of exotic pet ownership. Here are a few things it gets wrong from the view of an actual exotic pet owner.
Many myths about exotic pet ownership are perpetuated by animal rights groups and public ignorance. Here are 10 of them dispelled by an actual exotic pet owner.
Here are the unadulterated facts about Chuck McGrady's exotic animal/pet ban for the entire state of North Carolina.
Learn all about exotic canines that can be kept as pets, including wolves, coyotes, foxes, and more.
Are pets and zoo animals slaves or prisoners? Projecting the human emotional state upon animals is not necessarily in line with optimal animal welfare.
Should you give your dogs raw bones, antlers, or hooves? They pose some serious risks to your companion's dental health. My dog is proof.
Did you know that it's important to clean your dog's teeth? One way to do this is to give them dental chews. Here are the best commercially available dental bones and chews based on my own experience.
The final, irrefutable truth about exotic cat attacks in the United States. Are big cats in captivity a threat to public safety?
Domesticated and wild or exotic animals are not as different as you might think. Find out why saying "wild animals are dangerous" is completely illogical.
The new Nat Geo Wild program features an exotic pet vet in Deerfield Beach who regularly derides exotic pet owners while collecting checks from them. Florida exotic pet owners, find a new vet.
Blackfish induced criticism against SeaWorld, zoos, and keepers of captive wild animals debunked.
The proper way to regulate dangerous and exotic animals.
This article will discuss a few 'good' exotic pets to own and what that actually means.
A book review of Justin Gregg's Are Dolphins Really Smart and how it relates to ethics, animal rights, and science, both good and bad.
Make sure your iguana lives in a suitable environment. Learn what kind of enclosures iguanas need, where to buy commercial iguana cages, and what designs are most appropriate for your pet.
Domesticated pet minks are not easy to care for. Learn about mink husbandry, behavior, and general care information.
What makes us human? Are there any unique traits to Homo sapiens that do not exist, in any extent, in animals?
How dangerous or severe can the attacks of domesticated cats become? Do cats attack unprovoked?
A list of laughable mistakes in news reporting media involving exotic pets or so-called escaped wild animals. Mistaken identities, erroneous claims about animal behavior, and more.
A list of the top 10 animals that should be adopted—not purchased from pet stores or breeders—due to overpopulation and/or lack of qualified homes. If you're looking for one of these species, chances are that there are several in desperate need of a home at your local shelter or rescue.
Learn about pets that have an average life expectancy of no more than five years, plus some common misconceptions about them, as well as animals that live longer.
Is it worth having exotic animals? Absolutely! Here are five of the best arguments for preserving the rights of people to privately own exotic pets.
Captive wild-animal attacks often make the news. Find out which exotic pets kept in private homes are the most dangerous.
What do we learn from visiting zoos? Is it ethical to have zoos for education?
What animals can live in 5- and 10-gallon tanks? This article will provide some ideas for these aquarium sizes, including both common and unique pets.
The controversial practice of zoo animal euthanasia has an easy resolution: Other zoos and private exotic pet owners.
A list of current invasive species that have resulted from the trade of exotic, or non-domesticated pet trade.
Profiles of the small and medium-sized exotic or wild cats that are sometimes kept as pets in the United States.
The "Tanked" TV show gave Animal Planet good ratings, but what message did it send? Review its potential negative impacts on the aquarium hobby.
Why do people put down wild animals in captivity while being perfectly fine with domesticated animals in human control? Are domesticated animals really that different from exotic animals?
Do animals have better intelligence, more compassion, more environmental awareness, or more spirituality than humans, and other ridiculous claims that people make? Are humans horrible animals?
Read on for my review of the hit anti-Seaworld documentary "Blackfish," and some thoughts about zoos and captivity in general.
This article will provide some interesting facts about meerkats and break down the legal and logistical complexities of owning one as a pet—and show why that probably isn't a good idea.
This article explores the phenomenon of people thinking animals are "sad" in zoos because of the expressions on their faces. Can you read an animal's mind by looking at it?
Salmonella, monkeypox, tuberculosis, and Herpes B? Learn about exotic pet diseases, the likelihood of getting one, and if exotic pets should be banned due to the claims of the zoonosis threat.
Learn about desirable unique pets that are unfortunately illegal in the U.S. The most sought-after exotic pets include jerboas, meerkats, slow lorises, cheetahs, and others.
Here's a guide to white servals: where they currently reside, how they were produced, and the controversy about their owners.
A summary of exotic pet laws and discussion on which states prohibit the private possession of specific exotic animal species, including monkeys, tigers, raccoons, birds, wolves, and others.
How to teach children/preschoolers/toddlers about zoo animals before and while attending zoos and aquariums.
Can you have a sloth as a pet? How much does a sloth cost? Are they easy to care for? Read this care sheet to find out.
This is a quick and easy recipe! Learn how to make a healthy birthday celebration cake for your pet cat with coconut flour.
Exotic pets for beginners: A discussion and list of unusual, interesting, unique, or alternative pets that are easy to care for.
Why do people keep cheetahs as pets? Honest information about pet cheetah care, misconceptions, and interesting facts about them.
Some species are banned as pets in New York City—but is it really necessary? Here are a few common illegal pets and why I think many of them are harmless.
Analyzing the lack of skepticism and common sense regarding the intelligence of dolphins and humans.
For some people, owning an exotic pet can be an exciting and enriching challenge. Here's why I enjoy caring for non-traditional pets.
Coconut flour contains many nutritional benefits for pets and humans. It's especially perfect for homemade dog treats and more.
The special interest group Alley Cat Allies are denialism specialists. They have called the latest Smithsonian research "junk science" because it does not conform to their wishful thinking.
This hub addresses the minimal rabies threat that exotic/wild animals pose in the domestic setting in the United States such as in zoos, private pet ownership, and various educational exhibits.
Out of the many types of animals being kept as pets in the United States, domesticated cats take the prize of being the biggest threat to the environment as a carnivorous, invasive species.
Here are 10 exotic pets that are not dangerous, despite the claims of some.
Keeping cetacean species in captivity is controversial. Some activists claim dolphins cannot be kept in captivity because of their intelligence. I believe that basic husbandry needs to be improved.
How to care for bobcats as private pets and what to expect.
Where to buy paintings that were created by non-humans such as great apes, elephants, and others.
Important information for prospective zookeepers and others interested in animal-related work who may be considering volunteering at the popular Big Cat Rescue of Tampa, Florida.
Attractions like Discovery Cove, which offer encounters with dolphins are a very popular tourism draw. Yet recently at SeaWorld, a little girl was filmed being bitten by one of the animals. Should interacting or playing with dolphins in captivity be considered dangerous?
The Seattle Times released a report in 2012 stating that zoos are "failing in their efforts" to produce a self-sustaining population of captive elephants, among other overblown and hyperbolic attacks.
A zoo you were planning on visiting or a person who you've learned of is listed on an 'animal abuse' website. Does this mean that they've been convicted of animal cruelty?
After the late Steve Irwin was accused of animal exploitation and even fueling the exotic pet trade, Bindi Irwin is now under fire for becoming an Ambassador for SeaWorld.
This article features healthy holiday meal ideas for dogs, including recipes for pet-friendly cranberry sauce and sweet potato or pumpkin pie.
Are exotic animals being kept as pets dangerous and a threat to public safety? Here are the real, irrefutable statistics to challenge the dogma.
This article provides a reality check on the nearly universally loved and worshiped cetacean species.
Want to build a real aquarium with fish species originally portrayed in "Finding Nemo"? Learn about the fish species that this popular movie made famous and if putting them together is a viable option.
The public's rising sensitivity to dolphins in zoos is a convenient outlet for animal rights groups to sneak in their animal liberation agenda. Are captive animals better off dead than in captivity?
Is it cruel to keep dogs as pets? Many people believe it wrong to keep wild/exotic animals as pets or in captivity, and this satirical (or is it?) article will explore dogs with the same logic.
How should you respond to people who think your pets are ethically unacceptable because they aren't domesticated? Here are some positions to help you stand your ground.
Is coconut oil healthy for animals? Let's discuss which facts are backed by science versus those purely backed by anecdotal evidence. Here's the truth about giving coconut oil to pets.
Feeding a natural, raw or BARF diet to dogs and cats seems to be common sense, so why would some owners and vets not be partial to the idea?
The Ohio Dangerous Wild Animal Act has been passed as a result of the Zanesville, Ohio, "Zoo Massacre." What wild and exotic animals are now banned in the state as pets?
This is a serious guide for inquiring minds about the responsible ownership of big cats. Obviously, it isn't for everyone, but with financial means and experience, it can be done (if it is legal).
This article discusses the benefits and drawbacks of offering canned whole prey such as insects, fish, and crustaceans to pets that typically consume live prey. Canned worms, crickets, and other prey are discussed.
A general beginner's guide to the most cold-hardy palms for planting in USDA Zone 5, 6, and 7 gardens. Read on to find out how one can expect the plant to perform after a complete winter.
You can avoid factory farms by buying dog and cat food produced with humane and sustainable farming methods. Learn about the diets and the quality of life of different meat animals and where you can obtain cruelty-free food for your pet.
Is Big Cat Rescue a crusader for captive big cats, or are there two sides to this story? This article has interesting information about BCR's founder Carole Baskin and more.
The popular Animal Planet series features the shocking deaths of exotic pet owners. The 'attractions' that audiences have to these shows are often 'fatal' for the pursuits of alternative pet owners.
This article exists to dispel the myth that animals need, or should be fed, live food for optimum nutrition and psychological wellness.
These are my experiences with my first small spotted genet and general information for people interested in acquiring a genet or learning about their maintenance in captivity.
What qualifies as an exotic or wild pet? Learn about the differences between domesticated and exotic pets.