Some people like animals. And some are especially fond of the real exotic ones. Exotic animals are those not usually made as a pet. It is definitely not a dog, a bird, or a cat. Exotic animals are usually found in jungles, forests, and the wild. Examples of these are skunks, snakes, or even tigers and lion cubs.
Some local governments require people, who intend to take care of these exotic pets within their yards or homes, to secure an exotic pet license. For one, in Illinois, it is illegal to own and take care of an exotic animal. In Georgia, you can take certain species of a skunk as pet without a permit.
But as a precaution, here are the steps you should do the moment you intend to take an exotic pet home.
1. Look for a listing of pets considered as exotic within your area. You can try the internet, there you will be able to find information about pets and owning one where you live. But as a rule of thumb, if your pet normally lives in the open, it is most probably wild.
2. Check your local laws and see if there is a rule against owning exotic pets. As stated earlier, there are states that don’t allow it outright. For some states, it is okay. And others will require that you hold an exotic pet license. Call your local information service. They should be able to connect you to the right department to get the necessary information.
3. Process the necessary papers. If in case the state that you live in does require an exotic pet license, you have no choice but to comply. Compile all the necessary documents that they need and pass it on to the proper office accordingly.
4. See if there is any vaccines or removal of body parts like teeth is required. Because some exotic pets can be harmful, local state laws require owners to do something like these in order to protect the other people within the community.
5. File for the permit as necessary. After making sure that you have all the papers and the requirements met and ready, you are now ready to make a trip to your local government office to file and secure the permit with them.
These are the things you have to do to acquire the much needed permit for that sweet old exotic pet you always wanted. Hopefully, you need not transfer to another state just to take care of it!
Entries Tagged as 'exoticpets'
Steps in Acquiring an Exotic Pet License
August 3rd, 2008
How to Deal with Exotic Pet Behavior
July 28th, 2008
Many people are drawn by the desire to own exotic pets.
Some say it is to answer the need to be different and unique. Some have this obsession for anything exotic. Others are simply called into the wild.
No matter what the reasons may be, anybody who wants to own an exotic pet will definitely do everything to do so.
Basic Requirements in Owning an Exotic Pet
There are many things to consider in owning a pet. However, there are basic considerations before bringing home the exotic animal.
The household must have the physical structures needed to support the movement and ‘lifestyle’ of the pet. For example, there must be enough room for the big pet.
Financial considerations should also be factored in. Most exotic pets require unusual diet. The food alone can sometimes be burdensome.
There are also specific exotic pets that may be restricted or regulated by the local and federal laws like monkeys and tigers. Make sure no law is violated by bringing home the exotic creature.
Consent of everyone in the household must be acquired first. This is to avoid any problems or fights in the family and to maintain harmonious existence. Support or help in the household may also come in handy in caring for the pet.
Finally, one must also know how to properly deal with the behavior of the pet. In this regard, the following tips may be considered:
1. Research First
Before bringing home the exotic pet, be sure that the type will suit the needs and demands in the household. There could also be peculiar behaviors that may irritate the household.
Will it fit in the house? Should it stay indoor or outdoor? What are its toilet habits? Does it ever get noisy? Does it need a mate or can it live alone?
2. Consult the Veterinarian
Exotic pets behave differently than household pets. They may have needs that are beyond what the house can provide and only a veterinarian can answer.
However, not all veterinarians will accommodate a wild pet. Find a willing one that you can turn to when things get a bit complicated.
3. Get a Professional Trainer
There are behaviors in exotic pets that can be trained. Get a professional trainer that can teach this to them to make life with the pet easier and if possible, more fun.
4. Know the Limitations
Owners must know the limitations in the behavior of exotic pets. There are those that can be played with but be alert always of the limitations.
Conclusion
Know the way exotic animals behave. This will help in dealing with wild pets and enjoying them.
Exotic Pet Tiger Caring Tips
July 27th, 2008
Felines are wonderful creatures. They bring so much allure and delight. They have natural class and elegance.
It even gets better when they are exotic, like the tiger. Owning a tiger is such a big feat. It is like wearing a red outfit while the rest are in gray.
How to Get Tiger as a Pet?
Tigers are exotic cats. They are difficult to get. They are not the typical house cat seen in every block in the neighborhood.
Tigers aren’t available in pet shops. It is very rare to find someone who can give an offer. Yet, the moment the opportunity is out there, more things are needed in owning the exotic pet tiger.
• Is It Endangered?
Most tigers are endangered. Thus, this could be an obstacle. Make sure that the kind of tiger you get is not endangered, or else the feline might just be good for an overnight stay.
• Know the Law
Federal and local laws could restrict or regulate the ownership of exotic pets like the tigers. Get to know these first. Violating the law may be more than just losing the pet to the authorities. It could mean paying fines and more!
• Commitment and Responsibilities
Tiger ownership is a big commitment. Be ready for the responsibilities and headaches along the way.
• Financial Capability
Expenses can’t be avoided in maintaining the tiger. The tiger is a big animal, it has big needs and demands.
• Consult the Family
Owning a tiger is a big decision. Get the consent first of the family before someone gets the cold shoulder.
How to Care for the Tiger?
Once a tiger is fully settled in the household, a lifetime of companionship also entails proper care. Here are some tips to remember:
1. Housing
Get a structure to house the tiger. This should be roomy enough for the feline to move around and play around.
2. Diet
Tigers are heavy and expensive eaters. Keep a good stock of food. The food should meet the nutritional requirements of the feline
3. Veterinarian
Seek regular veterinary care. This is to ensure that the tiger gets the needed vaccination and treatment. Make sure there is one available within the vicinity who will be willing and able to attend to the exotic needs of the pet tiger.
4. Safety
Make sure the tiger is properly secured in their spot. Put structures that will confine them to avoid unnecessary escapes, for the safety of everyone in the household and neighborhood.
Conclusion
Owning an exotic pet isn’t an easy thing, but once the decision is made, live up to the requirements. Provide only the best care possible.
Knowing the Temperature Requirements of Exotic Pets
July 27th, 2008
So, you want to get an exotic pet, huh? Maybe you are tired of your regular dog and your good old cat. Maybe the bird joyfully chirping outside your window isn’t good enough for you anymore.
You want more challenge and adventure, as a pet owner. You want to take on the challenge of taking care of exotic animals as pets. Yes, exotic animals like skunks, spiders, and snakes.
But before you do just that, you have to know the proper condition of the type of exotic pet you intend to take care of. Mostly, exotic pets can’t live in the same condition such as yours. You first have to know its habitat temperature requirements.
For starters, try to research things about the pet and the particular species that you want. From where do these animals come from? Do they come from cold countries like Antarctica? Or hot ones like Kenya and South Africa?
The room temperature of the animals you intend to take care of should be maintained to match their natural habitat. If they are used to cold weather and you are in an equally cold country, like the U.S., then you should be fine. What about if they are used to a hot, humid place? That is going to be a problem, for sure.
If you intend to take care of an exotic pet that is used to weather not similar to yours, then the pets will definitely not survive long. The only thing that you can do is to set up a room and make its temperature akin to what the animal is used to.
Temperature is really important. So the next time you intend to take an oriental exotic animal to your relatively cold country, think twice. You might not be making a good decision. The pet you intend to take care of may not even last for a few days. It is just going to be a waste.
So the main thing here is, don’t get exotic pets originating from relatively hot countries, unless you really wanted to go into great heights simulating their natural habitat for them. If you are fine with that, then you can go ahead and take care of that pet. But if that is simply too much of a hassle for you, then don’t do it. It may not be worth it.
How to look exotic pet stores
July 21st, 2008
Having a pet in the house can provide enjoyment to everyone in the family. However, pets can also keep everyone on their toes especially when they are very active and require extra care. Owners of exotic pets may find that they have to work double time in caring for their pets as compared to those who have ordinary pets like dogs or cats.
While most people would prefer to own dogs, cats or birds that are commonly found in every household, there are those who enjoy the challenge of caring for an exotic pet. Some people are interested in exotic pets because of their uniqueness and maybe because they have gotten tired of their ordinary pets.
A person who wants to have an exotic pet can purchase it in an exotic pet shop, adopt one or wish for a lucky star and wait for someone to gift him with an exotic pet. Exotic pets are rare and most are found only in the wild. Knowing this, how can prospective exotic pet owners get their exotic pets?
The popularity of exotic pets has encouraged pet shop owners to come up with their own collection of exotic pets. There are even several pet shops that sell exotic pets online.
Before deciding on purchasing or adopting an exotic pet, it is wise to evaluate the motivation behind such decision. Exotic pets aren’t easy to care for like the ordinary pets and the future owner should be more attentive and more committed in taking care of his exotic pet.
Scout around for pet shops selling exotic pets in your area and make sure the exotic pet you want to own and purchase is legal in your jurisdiction. The law prohibits the selling of certain exotic pets and being in possession of one can get you in trouble later on.
This is one of the most common questions I get. Unfortunately it is one of the most difficult for me to answer. So much of this question depends on which sort of pet is involved, where a person lives, and what resources are available in the area.
Make sure to visit pet shops that are reputable and have valid licenses when scouting for your exotic pet. Also do some research on the exotic pet and ask the right questions from the seller like how old the animal is, how safe to keep the exotic pet, its habitat, eating habits and the potential dangers it may pose to your household or the neighborhood.
Before buying the exotic pet, check out the condition of their homes in the pet shop. There are pet shops that take safety and the health of exotic pets in general and this may have a negative result on the exotic pet you are planning to buy. Also ask the pet store if there are vaccines available for the type of exotic pet you want and if such pet has already been given such vaccines if they are applicable.
Buying Exotic Pets For Sale Online
July 18th, 2008
According to one survey, the two most common places that children love to visit in a mall are the toy store and the pet store. This is because the products in these establishments always catch the attention and fascination of the minors, which usually ends up with the parents going in and buying something.
If you want to get these items as a surprise, there is another venue. There are some retailers who sell exotic animals online. You can check from the list of available creatures then have them delivered to your doorstep.
These online stores are based all over the United States. Once a selection has been made, it will be shipped via airfreight. Some of the animals carried are Wallabies, Hedgehogs, Snakes, Spiders, Amphibians, Birds and Gliders.
Most online retailers have other products available aside from pets. These include food, the cage, accessories and books to give more information about taking care of the creature.
The price of each animal will differ depending on the species and the gender. Additional costs will be in terms of shipping, handling and local state taxes. This makes it good for those who order more than one or in bulk to sell to others since these charges remain the same.
You should also find out if it is legal to raise the animal in your state. Some of these pose a danger to the natural environment should it escape and run off into the wild.
What if there are problems with the animal? Most retailers give the customer a few days for the pet to be examined by a vet. If there is any dissatisfaction, the amount paid will be refunded after paying off the cost to return it to the sender.
Most of the shipped animals come in good packaging with some food to last a few days. You can buy these from the local pet store or also have them ordered online.
Typing in a keyword such as online exotic animals store in the search engine will usually direct the customer to the list of sites. Most have pictures of the creatures, which can be ordered, or reserved should these be currently out of stock.
Buying exotic animals online is no different than ordering a book or piece of artwork. This is because these transactions are regulated which makes this perfectly legitimate.
What you need to know about exotic pet husbandry
July 17th, 2008
If having a dog, cat or fish isn’t enough, then you can opt to take care of exotic pets. Exotic pets are animals that are so rare and are an unorthodox pet in a household. Simply put, these are creatures that are normally not imagined to be a pet. Those who have exotic pets are considered to be unique pet owners.
Some exotic pet homeowners have reptiles such as crocodiles and snakes. They also have amphibians such as frogs and turtles. They have rodents like hamsters and mice. These creatures are considered to somehow be normal pets that they’re no longer considered to be that ‘exotic.’ More and more animal lovers are getting interested in experiencing firsthand taking care of what is not the ‘norm’ pets.
Other exotic animals include ferrets and domestic rats. Because of the growing number of these ‘rare and unusual’ creatures as animals, the word ‘exotic’ is relevant to the owner.
Since then, a number of pet stores and animal service providers like veterinary clinics, insurance carriers and online stores, classified animals aside from cats, dogs, fish and birds, as “exotic.”
Pet owners must be responsible to provide the proper environmental conditions for their exotic pets. Considering that their habitat is different from the normal pets, these owners must be updated and in-the-know of the right housing and diet for these creatures. If they don’t have enough information about taking care of animals that are already in captivity, they might endanger them even more.
Proper housing may be difficult to attain because it might be expensive. The correct environment to put the creature in is also dependent on the specific temperature and the amount of sunlight the creature would get. Above all, giving the exotic pet the right food and the correct diet isn’t only difficult, it could also be impossible. Then again, if the owner is really interested, he must have been aware of the 101 before procuring the exotic animal in the first place. Besides, who in his or her right mind would get an exotic animal only to let it die in the first place, right?
When you think creatures, alligators, wolves, tigers, lions, snakes, spiders, scorpions, rare birds such as eagles and ostrich, sometimes even monkeys come to mind. But the point of it all is that they’re still animals. They too can be cuddling and beautiful creatures if you could only tame them. That’s what these unorthodox pet owners are doing.
By reaching out to those wild creatures, the right pet owner can actually tame them – bringing out the cuddling little critter in them.
Choose To Be An Exotic Pet Breeder
July 16th, 2008
Are you fond of taking care of exotic pets? Do you have an intensive knowledge of animals and breeding it? If you do, you can consider being an exotic pet breeder. There are many advantages you can get from it.
Being an exotic pet breeder would give you these benefits. Read on.
1. It could be an added source of income for you. Imagine earning from your hobby. You can get profits from something you like doing. You can choose to sell the breed of animals that you produce to other people.
2. Breeding can save you on buying pets. Even if you don’t intend to sell your pets, you can save a lot from breeding, because you don’t have to buy the animals to add to your existing collection, if you are really a pet lover.
3. You have ready gifts to friends. If there are equally pet lover people you know of, you can give a pet to them as a gift. You can very well do that as a breeder. No need to find an expensive and interesting present, as you have the right one at your disposal.
4. You can help in preserving the species. Although it is illegal to take an endangered animal as a pet, you can help the environment by taking care and expanding the breed of the ones you own. That way, they will be further away from the possibility of extinction.
5. You will be able to enrich your animal knowledge. Being a breeder gives you the chance to know many things about animals, even if you didn’t take zoology in college. Paying close attention to your pets will surely teach you a different thing or two everyday.
6. You can contribute to nature. Being a breeder enables you to contribute to the environment by propagating the species, or even experimenting on new breeds when applicable. These are really good roles to take on.
Being a breeder isn’t simple. You can’t become a breeder overnight. It takes knowledge, experience, and patience. You also may need to consult with an expert breeder or a veterinarian to help you out.
And it also entails responsibility. You might need to apply for a permit especially for that reason too. Of course, you have to follow all the legalities surrounding the transport of exotic pets for breeding purposes.
If you have dreams of becoming an exotic pet breeder, start today. Gather all relevant information about your pet. And learn everything you have to learn. Soon enough, you might just realize your goals.
Setting The Stage for Your Exotic Pet: Simulating Proper Environment
July 12th, 2008
While it’s fabulous to be able to show off your exotic pet, the cost of maintaining one is really considerable. One of the more expensive things you have to note is simulating the proper environment for your exotic pet, aside from insurance, food costs and veterinary maintenance checks.
A rule of thumb of simulating the proper environment is to put it in a place where it will feel most at home, or close to home. This is very challenging, especially since the said exotic pet is never originally designed for domestication. And another thing is that you won’t find your neighbor having the same exotic pet to run to just in case you encounter problems with it. This is also another good reminder you must not forget: you may be the only one within your home who can actually care for and maintain that exotic pet, since some people might be iffy to the idea of feeding your pet ferret while you are away. You have to give a considerable amount of availability for your pet. Make sure that the pet cage is positioned in a place where you can frequently monitor it.
Some elements of proper environment for your exotic pet include ventilation or lighting, available resources for your pet to “play” in (depending on what constitutes safe play as far as your selected exotic pet is concerned), easy accessibility to food and the like. Constant communication with breeders will further help expand your knowledge on how to properly care for your exotic pet. In case anything happens, post a list of contact numbers near your exotic pet’s area for easy access. But proper and meticulously done research on your exotic pet prior to building the environment already takes care of pretty much everything.
For other people’s safety, you might want to put your exotic pet in a slightly isolated area, far from children who may be better off not mingling with them. Keep the exotic pet distant but still viewable. Some exotic pets don’t exactly welcome the idea of being fawned over by strangers. It might even take more time and considerable training for it to warm up to you, much more with other people. Keeping it out of your sight too much may cause it to escape and wreak havoc on somebody else’s home.
Make sure that you have the environment completely under control. Set boundaries with alarm systems that will alert you if your pet is going where it’s not supposed to go.
Bring Home an Exotic Freshwater Fish Pet
July 12th, 2008
Aquarium and fish, they say, are the best additions to the household that can contribute to having a serene and calm atmosphere. This consideration makes owning a fish a good decision.
Sometimes though, it is better to get something more than a goldfish. Sometimes, it pays to get exotic fish as pets, better yet, make it exotic freshwater fish.
Exotic Freshwater Fish Pet
Exotic fish refer to the water creatures that aren’t found in the locality or country. These come from other countries of various locations, typically from Africa, Asia or South America. They can enter the locality either through legal or illegal means.
Freshwater on the other hand means that the exotic fish is not taken from the saltwater or the sea. It is easier to maintain a freshwater fish as saltwater is more difficult to access and maintain.
Here are some other things to consider:
1. Legality
There are legal matters to take note of. Some fish aren’t allowed as pets because of their nature or threat to humans.
They could belong to the carnivorous species and introducing them on waters will be a big danger. Even if they are kept in the aquarium, they aren’t allowed to be in custody or under the control of ordinary citizens.
Some exotic fish, although not carnivorous, are also considered as threats to the water ecosystem. They could materially alter the balance of the population. This isn’t good for the local environment.
2. Specific Needs
Take note also of the necessities of the fish. They must be kept in aquariums that are large enough to the kind. The water must be properly cleaned and treated. They should also be fed regularly.
3. Commitment
Owning an exotic freshwater fish also entails commitment. They have to be maintained and taken care of. Even if they get too numerous or difficult to handle, they must be properly treated.
It is actually illegal to introduce exotic fish into local waters. Thus, it is best to ask for assistance from a local aquarium shop or from authorities.
4. Pick a Specie
There are hundreds of exotic freshwater fishes to choose from. Pick one according to their color or look. Take note also of other features like the specific habitat requirements and their feeding habits. Be wary also of the age and growth factors. These should properly suit the needs and capabilities of the household.
Conclusion
People have different reasons to own a pet fish, particularly the exotic freshwater type. Some are mesmerized by the beauty. Some like the exotic factor. Many reasons can be had. Just be responsible owners for the safety and benefit of the community.