Looking for a pet that’s a little more exciting than a dog or cat? Exotic animals are becoming more popular among pet lovers who want something unique and out of the ordinary. These animals not only look different but also offer a completely new kind of pet-owning experience. From the playful sugar glider to the calm bearded dragon, many exotic pets are both manageable and rewarding.
In this guide, you’ll discover the best exotic animals to own. These pets are great for those seeking companionship with a twist. Each animal on this list has its charm, quirks, and care needs. But more importantly, they’re legal and safe for home life when cared for properly.
 |
| Best Exotic Pets |
Hedgehog – A Quiet and Low-Maintenance Companion
Hedgehogs are among the most popular small exotic animals for pets. Their quiet nature and minimal space needs make them ideal for apartment living. These little creatures have adorable round bodies covered in soft spines and a curious personality that keeps owners entertained.
They don’t crave attention constantly, making them perfect for people with busy lives. While they are shy at first, hedgehogs can form strong bonds with consistent handling and care.
Why hedgehogs are good pets:
- Compact and easy to house
- Quiet and independent
- Needs only a small cage and running wheel
- Doesn’t produce strong odors
- Fun to watch during nighttime activity
Sugar Glider – The Social Acrobat
Sugar gliders are tiny marsupials known for their ability to glide through the air. They are social animals that form close relationships with their owners. These pets are best for people who have time to interact daily and can provide them with lots of attention.
They are most active at night and enjoy climbing, gliding, and cuddling in pouches. If you’re asking yourself what is a good exotic pet that is fun and energetic, the sugar glider is a top pick.
What makes sugar gliders unique:
- Extremely social and playful
- Loves bonding through scent and touch
- Requires tall cages for climbing
- Best kept in pairs to avoid loneliness
- Enjoys fruit, insects, and special glider food
Axolotl – The Smiling Water Creature
Axolotls are aquatic salamanders that spend their whole lives underwater. They’re famous for their frilly gills and wide, smiling faces. These creatures are low-maintenance and perfect for people who want a pet they can observe rather than handle regularly.
As one of the best exotic pets that you can own, axolotls only require a properly set-up tank and a consistent feeding schedule.
Axolotls make great pets because:
- They live entirely in water
- Very easy to feed and care for
- Can live up to 15 years with proper care
- Fascinating to observe due to their appearance
- Doesn’t require interaction or handling
Fennec Fox – The Desert Charmer
Fennec foxes are small, fox-like animals with oversized ears and a playful nature. Originally from the deserts of North Africa, they are active, clever, and fast. Their energy level is high, so they need lots of space to play and explore.
They behave like a mix between a cat and a dog, making them one of the most unusual animals for pets. However, they do need commitment and proper habitat setup.
Fennec fox characteristics:
- Very active and playful
- Loves to dig and explore
- Can be trained to use a litter box
- Nocturnal but adapts to human schedules
- Requires a secure enclosure
Bearded Dragon – The Laid-Back Reptile
The bearded dragon is a lizard native to Australia. Despite its name, it’s gentle and easy to handle. This pet is ideal for first-time reptile owners and is among the most popular exotic pets that make good pets.
They are social, love basking in the sun, and enjoy being handled. With a simple setup and regular feeding, they thrive in captivity and often show affection.
Reasons to choose a bearded dragon:
- Calm and friendly temperament
- Tolerates regular handling well
- Needs a heat lamp and UV light
- Eats insects, veggies, and leafy greens
- Lives 10 to 15 years in captivity
Chinchilla – The Softest Fur and Big Personality
Chinchillas are known for having the softest fur in the animal kingdom. These little rodents are highly active, especially during dawn and dusk. They are clean, don’t smell, and rarely bite, making them great for families with older children.
They do best in cool, dry environments and enjoy dust baths to keep their fur clean. As a bonus, they’re incredibly cute and curious.
Why chinchillas are good exotic pets to have:
- Very clean and odor-free
- Doesn’t require much space
- Enjoys interaction but not too clingy
- Lives up to 20 years with proper care
- Best kept in pairs for mental stimulation
Ball Python – The Beginner-Friendly Snake
Ball pythons are calm, docile snakes that rarely grow over five feet. They are one of the safest snakes to keep as pets and are ideal for beginners interested in reptiles. With basic care, they thrive in captivity and don’t need daily feeding.
If you’re considering good exotic pets to have that require less time and space, the ball python is a smart choice.
Benefits of owning a ball python:
- Very calm and rarely aggressive
- Eats only once every 1–2 weeks
- Requires a secure tank with heat
- Lives up to 30 years
- Needs little handling to stay healthy
Capybara – The World’s Largest Rodent
Capybaras are semi-aquatic mammals native to South America. Despite their size, they are gentle, friendly, and surprisingly easy to care for if you have outdoor space. These animals need companionship and a pool or pond to swim in.
They are legal to own in some states and are quickly becoming one of the most exotic pets that make good pets for people with larger backyards.
Capybara pet facts:
- Gets along with other animals
- Needs outdoor space and a water area
- Very affectionate with humans
- Eats grass, vegetables, and aquatic plants
- Must have company to prevent loneliness
There are many reasons why exotic pets should be legal—when properly regulated, they offer companionship, support conservation, and enrich the lives of responsible owners.
Tarantula – The Low-Maintenance Creeper
Tarantulas might not be for everyone, but they’re surprisingly quiet, clean, and low-maintenance. These spiders spend most of their time in one spot and require little space.
Tarantulas are among the most fascinating exotic pets that you can own, especially for people who like observing animals rather than handling them.
Things to know about tarantulas:
- Only needs a small enclosure
- Eats crickets or small insects weekly
- Rarely bites and usually avoids confrontation
- Comes in many beautiful species
- Perfect for quiet, low-effort pet lovers
Kinkajou – The Nighttime Explorer
Kinkajous are rainforest mammals with long tails and curious eyes. Also known as “honey bears,” they are intelligent and love climbing. These pets require a lot of stimulation and care but form strong bonds with their owners.
If you’re interested in unusual animals for pets with playful traits, the kinkajou offers plenty of personality.
Why kinkajous are a unique choice:
- Active mostly at night
- Needs a spacious enclosure with climbing areas
- Eats fruit, honey, and special diets
- Bonds closely with one or two people
- Very vocal and engaging
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Exotic Animals to Own
Whether you want something small and manageable or large and affectionate, there’s an exotic pet out there for you. The best exotic animals to own are those that match your space, lifestyle, and daily routine. It’s essential to do your research and understand the commitment each pet requires.
These exotic pets offer something different—whether it's the soft fur of a chinchilla, the clever gliding of a sugar glider, or the calm gaze of a bearded dragon. They’re not just animals; they’re companions with unique personalities and needs.