When you think of pets, you probably imagine cats, dogs, or hamsters. But did you know that many wild animals can also be kept as pets? If you’re curious to learn more about some surprising exotic animals that people can domesticate, keep reading. Below, we’ll look at our top 10 list of animals that can be pets.
What You'll Learn Today
1. Iguana
Iguanas are native to parts of North, Central, and South America and the Caribbean. There are two distinct species, but the green iguana is the one most commonly kept as a pet.
Iguanas need specific environmental conditions, including controlled humidity and temperature levels. They are best suited for experienced handlers and pet owners, but they can get used to human interaction and become great pets for those who are willing to invest time and effort.
Iguanas are herbivores, feeding primarily on leafy greens and some fruits and vegetables. They need a large terrarium that receives plenty of sunlight and has features for basking and climbing.
2. Fox
Foxes look a little like a cross between dogs and cats, so it only makes sense that some people would try to domesticate them. Foxes can make good pets, but already-domesticated ones can be expensive–up to $8,000.
Foxes have playful natures, and it’s possible to train them as you would a dog. That said, they maintain many of their wild instincts even in captivity, so anyone who keeps a fox as a pet should be a cautious and experienced pet owner.
Foxes eat a variety of foods, including meat and vegetables, and those in captivity should be fed specially formulated foods much like you would feed cats and dogs. They should be kept outside in large outdoor enclosures that provide both shelter and plenty of room to run around.
3. Skunk
Most people wouldn’t want to get anywhere near a skunk, but these small, cute mammals can make adorable and affectionate pets. Most people who domesticate them have their scent glands removed to eliminate the chances of having to deal with stinky situations.
Domesticated skunks should be kept inside or supervised when outside, as they lack survival skills when raised in captivity. They can be trained to use a litter box and do best when kept in a large, spacious environment with plenty of room to explore.
Skunks eat a variety of foods like lean meats, fruits, and vegetables. They can become highly sociable and bond well with their human companions, making them an excellent choice for anyone who wants to keep a wild animal with a gentle nature.
4. Axolotl
Axolotls are unique, gilled salamanders native to Mexico. Though they are nearly extinct in the wild, many people keep them as pets.
Like fish, axolotls are aquatic; they can make great pets if you want an animal to keep in a tank and look at rather than play with. They need large tanks with plenty of room to move around.
Axolotls are carnivores that eat a variety of worms, insects, arthropods, and small fish in the wild; in captivity, they are typically fed earthworms, bloodworms, and blackworms. Check out the video below to learn more about keeping axolotls as pets:
5. Serval
Servals are wild cats found throughout sub-Saharan regions of Africa. Considering they are a type of cat, it’s understandable why some people would want to keep them as pets.
These creatures bond well with owners who are committed to meeting their needs. They can be incredibly affectionate and playful, but they must have large, outdoor enclosures that cater to their curious and energetic natures.
Servals are carnivores, so their diets primarily consist of raw meat. You may also feed them specially formulated cat food to ensure all of their dietary and nutritional needs are met.
6. Wallaby
Wallabies are kangaroo-like creatures found primarily in Australia, though they have been introduced in other parts of the world as well. They can make wonderful pets for dedicated and adventurous pet owners.
Wallabies are known for being shy, but they bond well if their owners are patient with them; this is especially true of wallabies hand-raised from a young age. They are gentle, friendly animals that can learn to respond to their names over time.
Wallabies should be kept outdoors in large, secure enclosures that provide space for them to hop around and explore. They eat hay, grass, and specially formulated pellets.
7. Capybara
Capybaras are the largest rodents in the world. They are found natively in South America and are among the top choices of wild animals kept as pets.
Capybaras are gentle, sociable, and intelligent. They can be trained and are highly compatible with both children and other pets.
These large animals need plenty of space to move around; a large outdoor enclosure with a pool or pond is ideal. They are herbivores, so their diet largely consists of vegetables, grass, and hay.
8. Cockatoo
There are 21 species of cockatoo, which is a type of parrot. They are found in Australia, Asia, and the south Pacific islands.
Cockatoos are highly sociable and tend to form strong bonds with their owners when kept in captivity. They make great pets for people who find their lively behavior entertaining and who are willing to put in the work of caring for them.
Cockatoos require a big time commitment and extensive social interaction, and they should be kept in large aviaries with lots of toys and other objects to explore. They primarily feed on fruit, seeds, and specialized dietary pellets.
9. Mongoose
Mongooses comprise 34 distinct species found in various regions of Europe, Africa, and Asia. People often keep them as pets, though they can be high maintenance and are illegal in some areas due to their tendency to become invasive.
Though mongooses show signs of intelligence and friendliness, their behavior can be unpredictable. They may also be prone to rabies.
Mongooses eat a variety of foods, including rodents, birds, insects, and plants. They can be gentle and affectionate; if you do decide to keep a mongoose as a pet, though, you should make sure it has plenty of space to roam and be aware that it can never be fully domesticated.
10. Hedgehog
Hedgehogs are found in Europe, Asia, Africa, and New Zealand. They look somewhat like small, light-colored porcupines and are often kept as pets.
Hedgehogs are shy by nature, but they tend to become more friendly with consistent human interaction. They should be kept in enclosures with places for them to hide and wheels for exercise.
Hedgehogs kept in captivity are typically fed high-quality cat food and insects. They are quiet and solitary, making them a great choice for those looking for a low-maintenance pet.
Conclusion
Many wild animals make good pets for those willing to provide the extra care they need. Some of these animals include capybaras, cockatoos, wallabies, iguanas, and skunks.
