Pets are fun. Owning a dog or a cat has become a societal norm, often seen as a defining part of the American experience. But did you know that the US law allows a lot more choice in your search for the perfect animal companion? Sure, a dog is fun, but what about owning a fox, or even a chimp? Well, it turns out that the laws of the land allow a lot more leeway in your animal ownership rights than you could ever imagine.
Of course, whether you should own any of these animals is entirely up to you, as many are wild animals and haven’t undergone the millennia of domestication that Spot the Dog has.
Check out the list below and start installing your exotic animal enclosure:
Bearded Dragon
Not technically a mythical creature and not technically an owner of a facial forest, the Australian native is actually fairly common in most pet stores in the US due to its calm temperament and longevity (they can live up to 14 years with good care).
Giant Prickly Stick
Can grow to 8″ long and necessitate very little levels of upkeep. They look like sticks. Clues in the name.
Hyacinth Macaw
One of the biggest parrot species in the world (they can grow to be over 3 feet), they need a lot of space and are often kept in unsatisfactory conditions. Furthermore, their popularity as pets has led to a massive decrease in their natural population.
Mantis Shrimp
A truly miraculous animal, these tropical water dwellers make for a very demanding and easily perturbed pet. They have also been known to try and break out of their tanks using their strong claws. Also, avoid handling, as they are often called “thumb splitters”. I wonder why?
Kinkajou
This South American tree dweller, also known as the honey bear, is extremely docile and playful..at night. They become agitated if woken up during the day and carry racoon roundworm, which can be deadly to humans. They also are hunted for their fur (to make wallets and horse saddles).
Wallaroo
A smaller, nocturnal kangaroo, the Wallaroo require plenty of love and attention (not to mention space).
Miniature Donkey
Sort of like a large dog, mini donkeys are actually very stable and intelligent pets who can build very affectionate relationships with their owners. Also, you can (probably) drunkenly ride one!
Capybara
Internet famous, the Capybara is the world’s largest rodent and is native to South America. Despite its chilled out demeanour, caring for a Capybara is fairly arduous as they require a pool for swimming and non-toxic grass for grazing.
Freshwater Stingray
They look cool. That’s the only reason to keep them as a pet. They demand (not literally) large fish tanks and are particularly sensitive to water purity and chemistry.
Alligator
Just because you can doesn’t mean you should. You will need a specific permit to own one, not to mention plenty of time, space, and money. Eyes in the back of your head would help as well.
Axolotl
An aquatic salamander that can regenerate and heal itself, the Axolotl looks very much like a weird, adorable alien lizard. They are also extremely messy and require a lot of clean-up. It’s a toss-up.
Blue Crayfish
Very popular in the aquarium trade, they require clean water, plenty of hiding spaces and a shallow fish tank with a large area for them to chill out in. Also, they are blue!
Fennec Fox
The world’s smallest fox species, the Fennec Fox is native to North Africa and is a nocturnal hunter, feeding on rodents, bugs and even eggs.
Mexican Redknee Tarantula
Native to, er, Mexico, this specific type of Tarantula species can live for up to 30 years and is relatively docile, making it a popular pet among spider enthusiasts. Also, cool colours!
Chimpanzee
Surprisingly legal, it is well within your rights to attempt to live out your monkey butler dreams (albeit a butler with eight times the strength of human and massive canines).
Chinchilla
These South American rodents are renowned for their soft fur and curious nature. They do, however, have a tendency to bite, and thus should be handled with care. Or not at all.
Emperor Scorpion
One of the largest scorpion species and aesthetically formidable, the Emperor Scorpion is actually not lethal to humans and makes a fairly unmiraculous pet. Does look cool though. Very cool.
Madagascar Hissing Cockroach
NO!
Hedgehog
It’s basically a hamster with spikes. Care requirements are fairly insubstantial, although their shy nature means that any human interaction may be exceedingly stressful for them.
Sugar Glider
Native to Oceania, these big-eyed cuties have become increasingly popular as pets due to their affectionate nature and the ease with which they bond with humans. It is advisable to get two as they are prone to getting lonely when left alone. Or don’t get any.
Potbellied Pig
The Vietnamese native can be trained much like a dog and is equally affectionate. They do, predictably, have a propensity towards weight gain and must be regularly exercised to avoid obesity.
Reticulated Python
Native to Southeast Asia, the world’s longest snake is much admired for its beauty and mesmerising nature. However, they are very unpredictable and shouldn’t be kept by casual pet owners.
Serval
A native of Africa, these cats are much like your domestic house cat ie. requiring of attention and often shy. Just get a house cat.
Striped Skunk
Legal in 17 states, domesticated skunks have grown in popularity due to their docile nature and loyalty. However, as most pet skunks have their scent glands removed, it is seen as overtly controversial to strip the Mephitis mephitis of its natural defence. Just get a dog.
Llama
Easily domesticated and unfailingly friendly, they just require a lot of space and shelter. Much like a large, toothy dog. Get two so you can become Internet famous.
